What Causes Clitoris Itching?

Larell Scardelli
·6 min read

Medically reviewed by Renita White, MD

The clitoris is highly sensitive. It contains over 10,000 nerve endings. And just like other body parts, the clitoris can get itchy. Also known as vulvar pruritus, clitoris itching can be caused by irritating materials, exercise, or sexual stimulation.

If you notice other symptoms such as odor or discharge, you could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), an allergic reaction, or another condition.

This article discusses clitoris itching, its causes, and natural home remedies.

<p>South_agency / Getty Images</p>

South_agency / Getty Images

Is Clitoris Itching Normal?

The clitoris and the rest of the vulva are made up of sensitive skin that's responsible for creating a barrier from heat and external moisture. It's normal for your vagina to itch sometimes. Many activities can stimulate itching or discomfort, such as:

  • Sex, orgasm, or sexual stimulation

  • Products such as soaps, detergents, bodywash, and lotions

  • Allergic reaction

  • Tight clothing

  • Material such as wool or nylon

  • Exercise and sweat

  • Shaving, razor bumps, or new hair growth

  • Recent antibiotics

  • Pads or tampons

  • Douches

11 Causes of Clitoris Itching and Irritation

When clitoris itching lasts for more than a few hours, is interfering with your life, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as odor, discharge, or irritation, set up an appointment with a healthcare provider.



Itchy Clitoris in Pregnancy

An itchy clitoris during pregnancy is likely due to hormonal changes or increased vaginal discharge. If the discharge is odorless and clear, you can rest easy. Since pregnancy does increase your chance of yeast infections, be sure to track unusual discharge, pain, or stinging during urination and see a healthcare provider.



Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are brought on by an overgrowth of Candida, a natural fungi found in the vagina, mouth, and intestinal tract. Besides itching, vaginal yeast infection symptoms include redness, soreness, and clumpy white discharge.

Vulvar Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition and the common term for atopic dermatitis, which can occur in the vulvar region. Hallmark symptoms of genital eczema include itching, swelling, crusty skin, and redness.

Genital Psoriasis

Genital psoriasis symptoms are similar to eczema but include skin lesions that crack, bleed, sting, and itch. It can appear in the vulvar and pubic region, buttocks, and thighs, especially in skin creases and cracks.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Itching in the vagina or vulva can point to an STI. If you're sexually active with a new partner or multiple partners, get tested immediately. STIs can be bacterial (chlamydia, syphilis, or gonorrhea), viral (human papillomavirus, or HPV; human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV; or herpes), or parasitic (trichomoniasis and crabs).

Bacterial Vaginosis or Vaginitis

Vaginas contain a delicate balance of bacteria to help keep them clean. When too much of a certain type of bacteria grows, it causes an imbalance that can lead to inflammation. Symptoms of bacteria vaginosis include itching, fishy odor, grey or white discharge, and discomfort while urinating.

Behcet's Disease

Behcet's disease is a rare autoimmune disease that causes body-wide inflammation, leading to mouth or genital sores, eye swelling, and painful joints. The genital sores cause itching, pain, and lesions around the clitoris and are often mistaken for herpes.

Vulvodynia

Chronic vulvar discomfort (vulvodynia) is classified as pain, burning, stinging, irritation, and rawness of the female genitals. There are usually no visible symptoms, but the pain is persistent. Vulvodynia can impact the labia, clitoris, mons pubis, or the opening of the vagina.

Genital Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic disease characterized by patches of itchy white skin. The condition is more common in postmenopausal people. It can appear on any body part but typically affects the vulva or anus. Itching is the most common symptom and, in rare cases, can cause scarring of the genitals.

Clitoromegaly

Enlarged erectile tissue in the clitoris is known as clitoromegaly. Some women are born with an enlarged clitoris that may appear as a small phallus, and others develop it later in life, usually due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Isolated or nonhormonal clitoromegaly is also possible, with no other symptoms or disorders.

High Blood Sugar Levels

Itching can also be a symptom of high blood sugar levels or undiagnosed diabetes. Itching due to high blood sugar can be caused by dry skin, poor circulation, or certain infections. The sensation of itching is caused by irritated nerves or skin cells. High blood sugar levels also make the system prone to vaginal yeast infections.

Menopause

Vaginal itching is a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause. It's due to a decrease in estrogen, which causes changes to the vagina. These vaginal changes are classified as vaginal atrophy, and some symptoms are vaginal dryness, itching, or burning.

Immediate Relief for Clitoris Itching

You can use several home remedies to get rid of itching of the clitoris. However, seeing a healthcare provider to treat underlying conditions, such as STIs or yeast infections, is important.

Soaks

Using a sitz bath or bathtub, submerge your vulva, including your clitoris, in lukewarm or cool water. You can also use one of the following natural anti-itch remedies:

Topicals

If you plan to use anti-itch remedies or moisturizers that are new to you, do a patch test on another part of your skin to rule out allergies before using. Some topical treatments include:

  • Coconut oil

  • Pure aloe vera

  • Boric acid

You can also use over-the-counter (OTC) creams, such as:

  • Antihistamines

  • Antifungal creams

  • Hydrocortisone

  • Diaper rash cream

  • Aquaphor

Lifestyle Tips

Some lifestyle changes can help prevent an itchy clitoris in the future. These include:

  • Increase the amount of probiotics in your diet, like Greek yogurt and kimchi.

  • Wear natural cotton or moisture-wicking underwear.

  • Shower after sweating.

  • Keep some pubic hair to help keep moisture away from the skin.

  • Exfoliate before shaving.

  • Stay hydrated.

  • Maintain a healthy weight.

Medical Clitoris Itching Treatment

Medical treatment for an itchy clitoris will depend on the diagnosis. Work with a healthcare provider you trust to help identify the root cause(s) and provide insight into treatment options. Prescription medication, hormone therapy, pelvic floor therapy, or changes in diet and lifestyle can all be part of a treatment plan that's right for you.

Summary

It's normal for your clitoris to itch sometimes. It's a very sensitive part of the body with many nerve endings. Common activities can stimulate itching, from sexual play to exercise. If the itching becomes extreme and interferes with your life, or you notice other symptoms such as odor, discharge, fever, or pain, set up an appointment with a healthcare provider.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.