Why Itchy Vaginas with Bacterial Vaginosis Might Be More Common Than You Think

Let’s talk about something a little uncomfortable—but incredibly common. If you’ve been wondering, “Is it normal to feel itchy with bacterial vaginosis?”, you’re not alone. I’ve had that awkward, itchy, what-the-heck-is-going-on feeling before. You’re searching online at 2 AM trying to figure out if it’s yeast, BV, or just irritation from new underwear. Sound familiar? Yeah, been there. So let’s clear the air with facts, honesty, and a bit of personal insight to help make sense of this frustrating situation.

Understanding the Link Between BV and Itching

First things first—itchiness isn’t the most classic symptom of bacterial vaginosis (BV), but it can still happen. Most people associate BV with that strong, fishy odor and watery grayish discharge. But here’s the kicker: BV symptoms vary from woman to woman. While some glide through with zero symptoms, others might feel a mild itch or even burning, especially when urinating or during intimacy.

So yes, itchiness can happen with BV, but it’s not always front and center. That’s partly why BV gets confused so often with yeast infections, which are famous for intense itching and thick white discharge. The real challenge? Telling them apart without proper diagnosis. Here’s a helpful breakdown of BV vs yeast infections if you’re curious about the key differences.

Why Does It Itch with BV (Sometimes)?

1. Disruption of Vaginal Flora

Bacterial vaginosis is basically an imbalance of vaginal bacteria. When the “bad” anaerobic bacteria start outnumbering the “good” lactobacilli, the pH shifts, and irritation can follow. The itchiness? That might be your skin’s way of reacting to these changes, especially if discharge becomes more alkaline or watery and starts irritating the sensitive outer tissue.

2. Sensitivity to Discharge

In my case, I noticed the itching more at night or right after workouts. Why? Because increased moisture and friction made everything worse. Turns out, even slightly more watery discharge can cause chafing or mild itching externally. I learned the hard way that discharge texture plays a much bigger role than we think.

3. Secondary Irritation

Here’s a curveball: sometimes it’s not BV itself causing the itching, but what you do because of BV. Constantly wiping, douching, using scented soaps—all of that can make irritation worse. It becomes a vicious cycle. You’re trying to fix the problem and accidentally making it worse.

Is Itching a Sign of Something More?

If the itching is severe or comes with burning, swelling, or redness, don’t brush it off. That could be a sign you’re not dealing with BV alone. It’s possible to have BV *and* a yeast infection at the same time. Yes, that’s a thing. If you’ve ever thought, “This doesn’t feel like just one issue,” you might be right. Here’s where it helps to know you can have both infections at once.

Also, if you’re pregnant, itching should never be ignored. BV during pregnancy can be sneaky and potentially risky. Always flag it to your OB. You can check out our dedicated article on BV treatment during pregnancy for more info.

How I Managed the Itching Without Making It Worse

Okay, real talk. I used to go overboard with scented wipes and even bubble baths. Big mistake. Here’s what actually helped me calm the itch without wrecking my vaginal microbiome:

• Switching to unscented everything—soaps, detergents, wipes
• Wearing breathable cotton underwear (yes, even when I wanted to feel cute)
• No douching, no matter how tempting it felt
• Using oral probiotics daily (this made a huge difference over time)
• Keeping the area dry after workouts or swimming

And when I needed actual treatment? I followed a medically recommended plan from a professional. Don’t self-treat BV if it’s recurring or not improving. That’s when you need to check out something like the BV treatment guide to understand your best options.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If the itching lasts more than a few days, gets worse, or comes with new symptoms (especially burning, unusual discharge, or bleeding), go see a healthcare provider. They might do a simple vaginal swab and pH test. Here’s how the process typically works: How BV is diagnosed.

Oh—and if your partner’s getting treated and you’re not, or vice versa, the infection can boomerang right back. BV isn’t technically an STI, but sex can impact your vaginal health. If that’s news to you, dive into this helpful article on BV and sexual activity.

For a deeper look at everything connected to BV—causes, triggers, and what really works long-term—visit our comprehensive bacterial vaginosis resource guide and our in-depth BV symptoms overview.

Home Remedies: What Helps (and What Hurts) BV-Related Itch?

Once you’ve confirmed it’s BV and not a yeast infection, the urge to reach for home remedies is real. I’ve tried a few myself—some were surprisingly effective, others, not so much. Let’s break down what’s actually safe and what could make things worse.

🌿 Safe, Gentle Remedies to Consider

• Plain yogurt (externally)—Rich in live cultures, it can soothe itching and restore some balance. Just make sure it’s unflavored, unsweetened, and not something you keep on too long.
• Diluted tea tree oil—It has antimicrobial properties, but it’s potent. Always dilute with a carrier oil, and test it on your skin first. I found a tiny amount mixed with coconut oil helped reduce irritation during flare-ups.
• Coconut oil—Soothing, moisturizing, and naturally antifungal. Apply a small amount externally for relief. It’s one of my go-tos after workouts or swimming.

🚫 Things to Avoid

1. Douching—Tempting when you want to feel “fresh,” but it actually wipes out good bacteria and worsens BV.
2. Apple cider vinegar baths—This one’s controversial. While some people swear by it, it can be too acidic for some and cause more irritation than relief.
3. Overuse of feminine washes—Even if they say “pH balanced,” many contain ingredients that can aggravate sensitive vaginal tissue.

Recurring BV and Persistent Itching

Let’s say you’ve treated BV, symptoms went away, and now—boom—it’s back. The itch returns. The odor creeps in. You’re frustrated, embarrassed, and feeling stuck. I went through months of this cycle, and it drove me nuts.

The truth is, recurring BV is super common. And when it keeps coming back, the irritation and itchiness often get worse. Many women don’t realize that lifestyle factors, diet, or even improper antibiotic use can cause relapse.

One thing that helped me break the cycle was exploring long-term BV prevention strategies. These included probiotics, better hygiene habits, and yes—talking to my partner about what we could both do differently. Turns out, it’s a team effort sometimes.

What Doctors Typically Recommend

If you’ve already seen your provider, chances are you were prescribed something like metronidazole or clindamycin. These work well, but BV can still come back within a few weeks if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.

In my experience, adding daily probiotics (especially those containing *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* and *Lactobacillus reuteri*) alongside the treatment significantly helped reduce relapses. I also learned that diet plays a role—eating foods that support healthy bacteria while avoiding triggers like sugar can make a difference over time.

And if you’re pregnant or have recurrent BV, doctors may offer extended treatment plans. These could include multi-week antibiotic therapy or even vaginal suppositories. Learn more about treatment options while pregnant and speak to a provider before trying anything on your own.

Takeaway: Itching Might Be Normal, but It’s Not Always Straightforward

So, back to our big question: is it normal to feel itchy with bacterial vaginosis? The short answer? It can be. The long answer? It depends on your body, your habits, and whether anything else is going on under the surface. The best thing you can do is tune into your body, get the right diagnosis, and don’t wait until discomfort turns into distress.

To go deeper into how BV works—causes, signs, treatments, and why it keeps coming back—explore our full Bacterial Vaginosis hub. You’ll find everything from symptoms to prevention, backed by research and real-life stories like yours and mine.

And if you want to know more about what symptoms BV may cause beyond the itch, we break that down here: Signs and symptoms of BV.

For authoritative medical guidance, we also recommend checking trusted resources like cdc.gov and mayoclinic.org.

Gwenna Aazee

Dr. Gwenna Aazee is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with a special focus on hypertension management, chronic disease prevention, and patient education. With years of experience in both clinical practice and medical writing, she’s passionate about turning evidence-based medicine into accessible, actionable advice. Through her work at Healthusias.com, Dr. Aazee empowers readers to take charge of their health with confidence and clarity. Off the clock, she enjoys deep dives into nutrition research, long walks with her rescue pup, and simplifying medical jargon one article at a time.