Other than itching and being dried out, it can lead to or exaggerate yeast infections. The vagina is a delicate ecosystem and if something as serious as dehydration throws it off, the PH balance can be thrown off and a domino effect of complications can be set into motion.
Caption Options. But the opposite is also true: Failure to drink enough water can dry you out down there, and be the reason you can't get wet. If your vagina is regularly dehydrated, you can get itchiness, burning, and pain down there, Ross says—and it could lead to or exacerbate a yeast infection.
When production of that natural lubricant declines, it can cause vaginal dryness, which can lead to pain or discomfort during sex, an increase in yeast infections and more frequent urinary tract infections. Vaginal dryness can occur in women of any age.
The most common causes of unpleasant vaginal odor are: Bacterial vaginosis (BV): An infection that's caused by an imbalance in your vagina's flora. BV is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vaginal odors. The fishy smell may be especially strong after sex.
Relieve itching with a cold pack or a cool bath. Don't wash your vulva more than once a day. Use plain water or a mild, unscented soap.
When the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is altered, the yeast may overgrow and cause symptoms. Some factors or conditions that can increase the risk of a yeast infection include: Certain types of antibiotics. Pregnancy and changes in the body's hormone level.
Douching. Your vagina is self-cleaning. "When a woman douches, she is negatively altering the delicate balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. This is a set-up for either the development of a yeast infection or worsening of an existing infection," says Millheiser.
Immediate Relief from Vaginal Yeast Infection
There are 2 types of over the counter medications that can give fast symptom relief: Antihistamines such as Zyrtec can quickly reduce itching. Topical steroid cream (soft) with 1% hydrocortisone applied externally only on the vulva can reduce swelling, redness and itching.
“Not showering after a workout, or wearing tight-fitting clothing that holds moisture close to the body can lead to a yeast infection,” he says. Because yeast feeds on sugar, people who have diabetes and uncontrolled high blood sugar are more prone to these infections.
Wearing underwear keeps that moisture close to your genitals. This allows bacteria and yeast to grow, which can cause infection and other problems. If you are prone to yeast infections, vaginal infections or vaginal irritation, going commando at bedtime could be a great—and healthy—choice.
Redness and swelling of the vulva. Vaginal pain and soreness. Vaginal rash. Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.
A yeast infection causes burning, itching, redness in your vulva (the outside parts of your vagina) and changes to your vaginal discharge. A yeast infection isn't a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Other names for a vaginal yeast infection include vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal candidiasis.
Anything that changes your vagina's ph balance can throw off bacteria levels and lead to infection. Actions such as douching, using scented products and deodorants around the vagina, wearing tight non-breathable clothing, or using irritating products can all contribute to ph imbalance.
Popular alkaline drinks include water, dairy, some juices, some teas, and almond milk.
When it comes to promoting the overall health of your vagina, you want to look for probiotics Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which have been shown in human trials to be beneficial for vaginal health.