Itchy Genitals Possibly Related To Sexual Trauma?

[shoulderblades]

For months now, I've had itchy genitals. Specifically, my inner labia, on and around my clitoris, and the entrance to my vagina almost always feels irritated and itchy. I constantly want to scratch there. When I do scratch, it feels like it's burning. I've been to the doctor, have had swabs and tests - there's no infection or skin problems of any kind there, no bladder infection, nothing.

It only struck me today that the itchiness could be some kind of response to trauma relating to past sexual assault, sexual molestation and rape? I have a long history of sexual trauma, starting from when I was 3 1/2 years-old (I'm 33 years-old now). I've only started talking about my sexual traumas in the last five or so months; I kept it completely hidden and was in very deep denial of it all up until the beginning of this year. The itching started around the time I began talking about everything and it's gotten worse as the months go on. I'm almost constantly aware of my genitals and there are times I am repulsed by them for reasons I can't explain. The itchiness is usually at its worst at nighttime.

Has anyone else who's a victim of sexual trauma experienced unexplained itchiness in or around the genitals? Is it possible that this is some kind of emotional or anxious reaction to sexual trauma?

 

[Sandstone]

I'd never be surprised at anything our bodies did to express our pain. In fact, I've recently noticed that when I'm feeling at my worst, my husband's bad back flares up and I'm sure that is related to the impact I have on his emotions and stress levels.

I think that you have done the right thing though, in getting medically checked and admire you for being brave enough to deal with genital swabs and the like at such a sensitive time. Have you been checked for diabetes? And if it's worse at night, how about thread-worms?

 

[Hashi]

It can be a healing reaction. I've done a lot of somatic therapy, and there are several classic indications of the body processing trauma - cold, shaking or trembling, involuntary movement, sweating and itching. I've had all of these, including itching in the places you mention and also on my back (which was injured). If this has coincided with talking about the trauma, it sounds possible that your body is working through things.

Evening and nighttime are always when the itchiness is noticeable for me.

 

[bettysaurusrex]

Yes! You have just described exactly what I have been experiencing! I am sure that it is related to sexual trauma, but I have nothing to go on besides our mutual symptoms and experience. I don't even know much about what happened to me (amnesia), but I have been learning that my body remembers everything.

 

[Candleflames]

Like Hashi said it totally could be your body working through the trauma. It's along the lines of an old scar tingling when you recall how you got the scar to begin with. I get that a lot.

Another thought is that it could be anxiety throwing off your ph or moisture levels. I have this issue whenever I go in for a pap. I hate disrobing and feeling so exposed and vulnerable that I dry out and have a too alkaline an environment sometimes for weeks before and after. There's no infection just my body being a little off from me getting so worked up. It itches like crazy too.

 

[BloomInWinter]

For me, this happens when I've been running many days of hypervigilence. It causes me to dehydrate a bit, decreasing vaginal fluids as a result.

I use it as a sign I need to get grounded in today and seek relaxation. My lips and hands get chapped as well.

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

If you take any meds that dry out your mouth, or eyes & nose, they also dry that area as well. I had the itching for years, and assumed it was because I've had a total hysterectomy, and I take hormones. When I finally mentioned it, she ran a blood test on me for genital herpes, and it came back that I do have Herpes Simplex l (causes cold sores) and Herpes Simplex II (genital herpes). I was devastated, I hadn't had sex for at least 5 years, and had never had a 'outbreak' that I knew of. (I have since then, just recently, and know what it looks like)

Apparently at least 2 out off 5 adults have genital herpes and do not know about it. A blood test is the only way to confirm it. It does cause a 'hyper-awareness' of that area that disgusts me as well. I am so much happier having made the choice to stay single. After 4 failed marriages, it would be a mockery of the vows I think.

Some tips from my GYNO doc, whom I worked with, and has done surgery on me: Use the most gentle soaps, (I use Johnson's Baby wash) take only showers, don't douche or use any of the scented sprays, lotions, or wipes.

Good luck, I hope I helped.

 

[Sammyxxx]

I don't have an itching but I do have burning pain, which is so bad I can't actually have sex anymore even though I want to - after many trips back and fro I have finally got a diagnosis of Vulvodynia and am trying out gabapentin to try to deal with the nerve pain.

 

[Only 1 of me]

So interested to see this. Thought I was going even crazier than normal this week. I don't normally have much sensation down below. I describe myself as 'off' in terms of sexuality, always have been. In EMDR this week I got a new image of sexual abuse which I have always suspected. I managed to say a little to my T about it. Since the I've had almost constant tingling, like when you get a rush of blood to the head but downstairs. It's been really unsettling and distressing me. I thought maybe it was a physical flashback from therapy, but the idea that my body is healing itself and unlocking as I remember and acknowledge my experiences is a cool one.

 

[Laurajayne27]

I have experience itching while resurfacing memories of sexual trauma came to the surface and whilst I was working through them, also extreme shaking and sweating.

Body memories my therapist calls them. I haven't resolved any of my issues surrounding this trauma so I can't comment on why, or what to do with them. But your not alone.

 

[gone]

I had these symptoms for years. Gynos kept diagnosing yeast and/or urinary infections. Got hormone replacement therapy. Nothing solved it. Finally a female friend who happens to be a physician, and who'd been listening to my complaints about this for a couple of years said, "I'd like to do an exam on you." Her conclusion: Lichen sclerosis--an auto-immune skin condition that primarily affects the genitals. Had to get biopsies (shudder) to verify, which came back positive. Makes me wonder if molestation/sexual assault victims-could be at higher risk of developing this condition. (I mean, auto-immune condition of genitals?) Many doctors are unfamiliar with it. Worth getting checked asap. It can progress fast, and the earlier you catch it the better.