Yes, lupus can absolutely contribute to vaginal irritation. Because lupus affects the immune system, it can make the body more vulnerable to infections and other issues in that area.
Here are some common vaginal symptoms that can be linked to lupus:
- Bacterial vaginosis — Lupus may alter the vaginal microbiome, reducing Show Full Answer
Yes, lupus can absolutely contribute to vaginal irritation. Because lupus affects the immune system, it can make the body more vulnerable to infections and other issues in that area.
Here are some common vaginal symptoms that can be linked to lupus:
- Bacterial vaginosis — Lupus may alter the vaginal microbiome, reducing healthy bacteria and making infections more likely
- Yeast infections (vaginal candidiasis) — Overgrowth of fungus is more common in people with lupus, especially those on immunosuppressive treatments
- Discharge, itching, or burning — These can be signs of either bacterial or yeast infections
- Unusual odor or cottage cheese-like discharge — These are distinguishing signs between bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections respectively A MyLupusTeam member shared, "I recently got diagnosed with lupus and ever since, I've noticed a white, lightly scented discharge from my vagina," and others confirmed experiencing the same thing.
If vaginal irritation or unusual discharge is noticed, it's worth bringing up with a doctor sooner rather than later. Because lupus can suppress the immune system's typical response, infections may not always show the usual warning signs — making it easy to miss something that needs treatment.
July 16
Join
Your Privacy Choices
