It’s a normal phenomenon when you are experiencing vag itchy before period, during, or after a period. Itching on any part of the body can be extremely uncomfortable. But it can be embarrassing when it comes to a sensitive area of the body such as the vagina and vulva.
Itching of the vagina can be irritating and uncomfortable. This itchiness could be occurred either inside the vagina or on the vulva. It means that you can feel itchiness around your vagina, labia, and general pubic area.
In this article, we will talk about the 7 reasons for a vagina itchy before your period.
Vag Itchy Before Period, during or after a period- Causes
The following are the causes of vagina itching:
Irritants
Some chemical irritants irritate contact with the skin. When vagina is exposed to these irritants, it can lead to vagina itching. These irritants can irritate any part of the body.
You should avoid those irritants to which you are allergic. So you should note the name of those chemicals.
Some of the common irritants include:
- Soap
- Douches
- Bubble bath
- Perfume sprays
- Creams
- Ointments
- Detergents
- Fabric softeners
- Scented toilet papers
- Lotions etc
Skin problems
Some skin problems like eczema and psoriasis can cause itching in the vagina and some other private parts of the body.
Eczema is called atopic dermatitis and it develops in asthmatic or allergic people.
Eczema and psoriasis cause redness and itchiness in the targeted area. When it targets the vagina, then vaginitis is started.
Psoriasis can cause redness and itchiness on the scalp and joints. This condition can occur in the vagina as well.
Yeast infection
Yeast is a fungus that is found naturally in the vagina. It is a normal flora of your body. It cannot create any problem but when it is disturbed then it creates a certain infection in the vagina.
A vagina infection caused by fungus is called a vaginal yeast infection. Lots of factors can disturb the growth of yeast. But the most common is the use of antibiotics and hormonal fluctuation in the menstrual cycle.
Some people have cyclic yeast infections or cyclic vulvovaginitis. Cyclic vulvovaginitis is an itching and burning sensation on the valve and inside the vagina. This cyclic vulvovaginitis can occur in the menstrual cycle.
Some people experience it during or before their period. Sexual intercourse can make it worse. So avoid sexual activity when you are experiencing cyclic vulvovaginitis.
Candida overgrowth is the main cause of cyclic vulvovaginitis. Candida grows naturally in your vagina and lactobacillus keeps the growth of candida normal. Any change in lactobacillus can cause the overgrowth of candida.
In the menstrual cycle, there is fluctuation in your hormonal level. This change in hormonal level can affect the pH of your vagina, which in turn affects the growth of bacteria in the vagina. When bacteria cannot work properly, candida overgrowth happens.
The following are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection:
- Itching
- Burning sensation during sex or urination
- Swelling around vagina
- Redness
- Pain
- Rash
- Whitish gray discharge
Topical and oral antifungal medications are available in the market to treat vaginal yeast infections. These medications can be bought over the counter but the best option is to visit your doctor and buy these medications upon a valid prescription.
Bacterial vaginosis BV
Just like fungal infection bacteria also cause a vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis. This infection is due to an imbalance between good and bad bacteria.
Fluctuation in hormones and the use of antibiotics is the main cause of this infection. The infection caused by bacteria is different from that of yeast.
Bacterial vaginosis BV has many common symptoms with that yeast infection. The main difference between bacterial and yeast infection is that bacterial infection is accompanied by greenish, yellow, or gray discharge with a foul, fish-like odor. Other symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:
- Pain
- Burning sensation during urination
- Vaginal itching
- Uneasiness
Yeast infection symptoms include:
- White or gray discharge
- Pain
- Vaginal itching
- Burning sensation
Sharing of sex toys can spread BV from one person to another person. The use of unhygienic garments can lead to BV.
If you have the symptoms of BV, it is important to visit a doctor immediately. A doctor will diagnose and prescribe proper antibiotics for BV treatment.
Sexually transmitted diseases STDs
Unprotected sex could be the cause of vagina itching. Various types of pathogens cause sexually transmitted infections STI. These pathogens include:
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Genital warts
- Trichomoniasis
- Genital herpes
All these pathogens don’t cause vagina itching but they can create serious symptoms like pain, irritation, abnormal growth, and yellow or green vaginal discharge.
Trichomoniasis is the most common STI that can lead to vaginal itching. According to CDC (Centers for Disease control and prevention) 3.7 million people have trichomoniasis in the united states at any given time.
According to CDC, the symptoms of trichomoniasis appear between 5-28 days after infection. CDC noticed that only 30 percent of people out of 3.7 million people express the symptoms of trichomoniasis.
The symptoms of trichomoniasis include:
- Itching
- Burning sensation during sex or urination
- Frothy like vaginal discharge with a foul smell
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Frequent urination
Consult your doctor when you feel that you have trichomoniasis. He will treat you with appropriate antibiotics.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD
PMDD is a group of physical and mental symptoms, that begins about a week before your period and remains up to the end of your period.
The physical symptoms of PMDD include:
- Itchiness
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Cramps
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Acne
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sleep issues
- Muscles or joints pain
The psychological or emotional symptoms of PMDD include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Crying spells
- Anger and irritability
- Suicidality
- If you are suspected that you have PMDD quickly visit your doctor. He/she will suggest proper treatment.
public lice
Pubic lice are tiny creatures that are mostly found in the dense hairy area. These are the ectopic parasites that cause itching where they are residing.
They are usually found in head hair but also found in pubic hair. In the pubic area, these lice sometimes cause extreme itching sensation which is very embarrassing and uncomfortable in a public area.
OTC lice-killing lotions are available which can be used to treat these pubic lice. Before buying lice lotions first consult your doctor.
Urinary tract infections UTI
UTI is a bacterial infection that can be happened anywhere in your urinary tract including the urethra, ureters, bladder, or kidneys. UTI can cause pain, the urge to urinate, pain during urination, and foul-smelling or cloudy urine.
If an infection is near the urethra, then it can cause severe itching in the vagina. In this case, you should talk to a doctor.
UTI before or during a period can produce serious other complications. So don’t treat it with over-the-counter drugs. UTIs are not recovering from OTCs.
When to see a doctor
When you have the following symptoms before or during your menstrual cycle and home remedies are not working then you should visit a doctor.
- Cheese or froth vaginal discharge
- Green, yellow or gray vaginal discharge
- Swollen or inflamed vulva
- Pain or burning during sex or urination
- Foul or fishy smell discharge
When you have these symptoms immediately consult your doctor.
Diagnosis
Bacterial vaginosis can be diagnosed by taking a swab of your vagina to view it under a microscope to identify the causative agent.
Trichomoniasis can be diagnosed by examining your vaginal fluid sample.
Yeast infection can be diagnosed by your doctor either by sight or listening to your symptoms. It can be also diagnosed by taking a swab of tissue inside your vagina and sending it to a laboratory to confirm that it is a yeast infection and also to identify which kind of fungus infecting you.
Learn about cyclic vulvovaginitis before period
Home remedy for itchy vag before period or during the period
There are lots of home remedies available for vagina itchy before period or during the period. These home remedies include:
- Wash your vagina with soap without scent
- Use loose-fitting cotton underwear
- Avoid tight jeans and pantyhose
- Use washable pads, unscented pads, and absorbent underwear
- Use a menstrual cup instead of tampons
In case of yeast infection, use over the counter antifungal medications or creams. You can also use hydrocortisone cream which is available over the counter. But it can be used topically but should not be inserted into the vagina.
Home remedies for yeast infection include:
- Use probiotics to balance the normal flora of the vagina
- Use tea tree oil suppository
- Add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath and wash or soak your vagina for 20 minutes.
- Insert plain Greek yogurt into your vagina
- If you are facing recurrent yeast infections, then talk to your doctor. He/she will prescribe strong antifungals to clean up the infection.
- Use once a day a baking soda sitz bath
Mostly trichomoniasis infection cannot clean up with home remedies. For trichomoniasis infection, the best option is to visit a doctor. Lots of antibiotics are available in the market which can easily clean up trichomoniasis infections.
Summary
Vagina itchy before period or during a period is relatively common. There is no need to worry about it. In most cases, it is a self-limiting infection. Mostly it can be treated in homes. If home remedies are not responding then you should talk to your doctor. He will prescribe medication according to the type of pathogen.
Author
Trending posts:
13 Hair loss remedy at home
Vitamin A Deficiency Diseases, Causes, prevention
What are Vitamin D deficiency Symptoms And Cuases
11 Top Causes of Hair Loss in Females
Feet Swelling in Pregnancy: Causes And Home Remedies
What is Erectile Dysfunction: Symptoms Causes & Treatment
15 Leukorrhea Home Remedies- Types & Causes
12 Anas Itching Home Remedies- Symptoms Causes & Treatment