Bacterial vaginosis vs. yeast infection: How to tell

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Symptoms Of Diabetes And The 'itching' Sign To Look Out For, According To Experts

Health experts have outlined the main symptoms of diabetes - including one that involves a person feeling itchy.

According to Diabetes.Co.Uk., one of the warning signs of the condition is having itchy genitals. This is because diabetes patients are more susceptible to yeast infections as high blood sugar levels provide the perfect environment for yeast to grow.

The infection may cause your genitals to develop a burning sensation, or they may become more itchy. If your genital itching doesn't disappear after a few days, you should speak to a doctor.

Read More: 10 least-known symptoms of dementia including effect on taste and appetite

The website says: "Genital itching in either sex is an irritating problem that can simply be caused by allergies and skin irritations, or by more serious disorders and diseases such as diabetes. Genital itching and burning can indicate a female or male yeast infection. Regular yeast infections are a sign of type 2 diabetes.

"In diabetes, blood glucose levels can go abnormally high, which can therefore provide ideal conditions for naturally present yeast to grow and also diminishes the body's ability to fight infection. Diabetes can also cause a higher glucose content in the urine – another extremely suitable place for yeast to thrive."

But, just because you have itchy genitals, it doesn't necessarily mean you have diabetes, reports The Mirror. It could be caused by a number of conditions, including allergies or eczema. Left untreated, genital itching could lead to further complications.

If you already have diabetes, and you subsequently develop itchy genitals, it may be a sign that your blood sugar levels are too high. Diabetes is a common condition that affects more than four million people in the UK, and 90% of all cases are caused by type 2 diabetes.

Vaginal Or Vulvar Itchiness? How To Deal With 'down There' Discomfort, According To Experts

Itchiness anywhere is unpleasant, but when the feeling is "down there," it can be especially awkward to navigate — not to mention difficult to interpret.

"A lot of people say 'vaginal itchiness,' when they really mean 'vulvar itchiness,'" Dr. Andrea Braden, an ob-gyn in Atlanta, tells Yahoo Life, referring to the internal passage connecting to a woman's uterus rather than her external genitals. "The first thing you want to figure out is if it is internal or external, or if it's both."

There are many known causes of vaginal or vulvar itching, and they can range from the most mundane causes (like a new shower gel) to something much more serious. While itching of the vulva and vagina may not always indicate that something is wrong, it's important to confer with a medical professional in order to find the source of the issue.

Here are some causes of vulvar and vaginal itchiness, according to experts — and what to know about them.

Yeast infection

One of the more common causes of vulvar and vaginal itching is a yeast infection, which can be caused by an overgrowth of fungus called candida. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are several reasons why one might develop a yeast infection. Antibiotics, birth control, pregnancy, a weakened immune system and diabetes are all potential risk factors, but lifestyle choices like sitting in a wet bathing suit, not changing out of sweaty clothes or using scented vaginal products like tampons or deodorant can also contribute.

"A yeast infection often has vaginal discharge, and it tends to be neutral smelling and white-ish in color with clumps in it, almost like cottage cheese," says Braden. "It's almost a slam-dunk diagnosis if you're having itching and that discharge, and you can treat it at home."

Treatment: According to VeryWell Health, "Mild vaginal yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams, inserts, and tablets." However, a more severe or recurring yeast infection may require prescription treatments. "Your healthcare provider may prescribe a one-time dose or a multi-day dose depending on the nature of your yeast infection," VeryWell Health says.

Irritation

A common cause of irritation, which can lead to itchiness, is using products that shouldn't be anywhere near one's vulva.

"Women are told they should use all these vulvar washes and other products, and it's really poison to the vulva," says Dr. Lauren Streicher, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University. "It's not meant for vulvar use, even if the product says it is. All these perfumes and chemicals can cause a lot of problems in terms of itching and burning and irritation."

Treatment: Ceasing use of these products will clear up the issue, says Streicher. "I ran a vulvar clinic, and one of the first things we would tell women when they came to the vulvar clinic is stop using all this junk on their vulva. Nothing. Not even soap," she says. "There are certain soaps that are better than others, but for someone who is having problems, we tell them, 'Just rinse with water. You will not smell. I promise.'"

Some people may mistake a burning sensation for itching, but Streicher says that feeling is more likely from bacterial vaginosis (BV), which "leads to an alteration in the microbiome, or your bacterial content." Your pH can be thrown off by things like sex and douching (which comes with the risk of eliminating good bacteria along with the bad).

"With BV, we tend to see more of a foul-smelling, fishy discharge. The color tends to be more greenish, or green-gray," says Braden.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), BV is associated with a higher risk of getting or passing on HIV as well as giving birth prematurely, if you are pregnant.

Treatment: "A lot of people have BV, and it doesn't cause them problems," says Braden. "I treat that when it is bothersome, because some people report itchiness." People who do want treatment will need antibiotics.

Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that can cause itching and pain, and while any body part can be affected, it typically involves the genitals, which can lead to vaginal and vulvar itching.

"Lichen sclerosus is very, very important to diagnose because in addition to the fact that it can be really uncomfortable and miserable, there are long-term problems, if it's untreated, of increased risk of vulvar cancer down the road," says Streicher.

Treatment: According to VeryWell Health, "The first-line treatment involves the use of a very potent steroid ointment. Lifelong follow-up and care are needed since flares can occur even after you control symptoms. When scarring occurs, surgery may be advised."

Vulvar cancer

Itching that doesn't go away can be a sign of vulvar cancer, while vaginal cancer is typically accompanied by painful and frequent urination.

Streicher stresses the importance of seeing a gynecologist rather than just a general practitioner, who is more experienced in dealing with vulvar and vaginal issues. "Vulvar cancer is typically seen in older people, but one of the risk factors is lichen sclerosus, the dermatologic condition that affects the vulva," she says.

Other risk factors for vulvar cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic, include HPV, smoking, a weakened immune system and a history of precancerous conditions on the vulva.

Streicher stresses the importance of looking at your vulva so you can see any potential abnormalities and to "know when there's a sore or discoloration or something different on your skin," she explains. "If you don't know what you look like when all is normal, you won't know what you look like when something is abnormal."

Treatment: Your doctor can come up with a plan to treat vulvar cancer, and treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

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Common Vaginal Issues During Pregnancy: Practical Tips For Moms-to-Be

One of the most fundamental steps to prevent vaginal issues during pregnancy is maintaining good hygiene. Vaginal issues are common during pregnancy, however, many of these issues can be prevented or minimised with proper care and attention.

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey in a woman's life, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, some unique to this period. Among the many changes that occur during pregnancy, some women may experience common vaginal issues that can be uncomfortable and bothersome.

"Vaginal discharge is very common during pregnancy because of the increased blood supply of the perineal area and glandular secretions. However, one should consult a doctor if vaginal discharge is accompanied by itching, foul smell, irritation or redness," cautions Dr. Meshva Patel, Fertility and IVF Specialist, Aveya IVF and Fertility Center, Delhi.

"Patients may experience vaginal pain. In the first half of pregnancy, it is because of increased vascularity. In the later half of pregnancy, it is because of the pressure from the presenting part of the fetus. However, with proper care and attention, many of these issues can be prevented or minimised," he adds.

How to prevent or manage vaginal issues during pregnancy

Here, Dr. Meshva Patel shares some practical tips for moms-to-be to prevent and manage common vaginal issues during pregnancy.

Maintain Good Hygiene: One of the most fundamental steps to prevent vaginal issues during pregnancy is maintaining good hygiene. Proper hygiene practices can help reduce the risk of infections that can lead to discomfort.

Stay Well-Hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water is crucial during pregnancy to stay hydrated. Proper hydration can help maintain the balance of fluids in the body and prevent dryness or irritation in the vaginal area. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and adjust your intake based on your activity level and climate.

Choose the Right Underwear: A choice of underwear can make a significant difference in preventing vaginal issues. Opt for breathable, cotton underwear, which can help reduce moisture buildup and promote air circulation. Avoid synthetic materials that can trap moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for infections.

Practice Safe Sex: If sexually active during pregnancy, practising safe sex is essential to avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Ensure to use condoms consistently and correctly to protect against STIs that could lead to vaginal issues and complications during pregnancy.

Avoid Douching: Douching or using water or other solutions to clean the inside of the vagina, can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of infections. It's best to avoid douching altogether during pregnancy unless specifically recommended by your healthcare provider.

Manage Blood Sugar Levels: High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of yeast infections, which can be more common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. In case of gestational diabetes or a history of diabetes, work closely with the doctor to manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of yeast infections.

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing: Tight-fitting clothing can lead to increased moisture and friction in the vaginal area, which may contribute to discomfort and irritation. Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing to reduce these issues and maintain overall comfort during pregnancy.

Keep Regular Appointments: Regular prenatal checkups are essential during pregnancy. Doctors can monitor overall health, provide guidance on preventing vaginal issues, and address any concerns or symptoms you may have.

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