Even though it is okay to keep scratching if the itchy sensation keeps you up at night, there are a few ways to ease vaginal itching without compromising your health.
KAMPALA | LIFESTYLE UGANDA (http://lifestyleuganda.com/) — You can keep scratching if you sense an itchy sensation keeping you awake at night, but there are a few things you can do to reduce vaginal itching without harming yourself.
- Did you know that 15 per cent of women experience vaginal itching during their pregnancy?
- One of the most common causes of itching during pregnancy is a yeast infection.
- Read on to learn more about why your vagina might itch during a period.
- During menstruation, the uterus heats up, which causes the vagina to become dry and sensitive.
“There are several things you can do to help manage vaginal itching, but those who suffer with itching often complain that itch is embarrassing and difficult to hide,” said Dr Julie Burrows, an ob-gyn at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
“Women also might wonder if it’s normal to be itching during pregnancy and if there is something they can do to decrease itching,” she told HuffPost.
“Antibiotics are the best treatment for yeast infections,” said Dr. Burrows. She explained that while there is a period where taking an oral antibiotic won’t help, once you’ve gone on board with the treatment, you’ll typically experience significant improvement.
The two primary causes of genital itchiness during periods are premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and bacterial vaginosis.
The medical term for period discomfort is premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is the condition that many women experience before their period.
Women with PMS are often very itchy, uncomfortable, and have irregular cycles. The condition usually begins six to eight weeks before the start of menstruation.
To learn more about why your vagina might itch during a period or to determine what causes vaginal itching during a period, continue reading.
What causes vaginal itching during a period?
During menstruation, the uterus heats up, causing the vagina to become too dry and sensitive.
A fever during a period can cause a vaginal itch as well. Antifungal cream or ointment called vagisil may help relieve itching.
PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) causes the body to produce an excess of the hormone estrogen. Estrogen levels are typically higher during the week before menstruation and lower during the week of menstruation.
The hormone estrogen regulates many vital processes in the body. High levels of estrogen can cause many unpleasant symptoms, such as bloating and extra weight gain, as well as bloating and breast tenderness in some women.
The presence of excess estrogen during a period can cause a person to experience premenstrual symptoms, such as mood swings and a feeling of uneasiness, in addition to the typical PMS symptoms of bloating and discomfort.
In some cases, a person may notice the change in their menstrual flow is very heavy, and it is difficult to contain it. The flow may even include blood clots. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may cause these symptoms.
PMS symptoms are most common during the week prior to menstruation, and peak at day 14 of a normal menstrual cycle.
Many women will experience minor changes in their menstrual flow during their premenstrual phase. However, PMS is a condition that should be treated.
Sinus and sinusitis
During a period, a person may experience a sinus infection that makes the vagina very itchy. The vagina also may become congested, causing irritation and dryness.
A sinus infection can also lead to the vagina becoming very tender and sore.
Appendicitis
A sinus infection or upper respiratory infection, such as sinusitis, can cause the vagina to feel itchy.
It is possible that the pain and inflammation of appendicitis may make the vagina feel itchy, too. The appendix, or enlarged appendix, is located near the bladder and vagina.
Other causes
Sometimes a change in vaginal discharge is a sign of an infection. The discharge is usually watery and pink, and it smells bad.
Appendicitis is uncommon, but during a period, it is possible that a person may experience a loss of bladder control, which can make it feel hard to urinate.
A yeast infection
Candida albicans causes yeast infections. Yeast can be found anywhere in the body, including the vaginal area.
Yeast infections can occur during a period. The vagina, and particularly the vulva, is more susceptible to infection during this time.
According to the World Health Organization, some women experience the following symptoms with a yeast infection:
- acute itching
- bleeding
- blistering or stinging
- hot to the touch
- foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- yellow or green vaginal discharge
- pain during urination
- dribbling urine
- vaginal discharge that is difficult to contain
- redness and swelling around the vaginal opening
- intense itching
An outbreak of yeast infection can last for several weeks and usually affects only one area of the vulva. Sometimes, a person may feel that their vulva is on fire.
A yeast infection is usually treated with a drug called monensin. It is available over the counter, and there is a specific treatment for a recurrent yeast infection that lasts for longer than a week.
Appendicitis and appendicitis irritants
In addition to vaginal itching, a person may also experience other changes in the vagina during their period.
Peeing more often, including through the night, may cause the vagina to feel tight, dry, and irritating.
Some of these changes may be due to an infection, but other times, they may be a sign of an appendix rupture. The appendix is located near the vagina, and a ruptured appendix will make the vagina feel itchy.
The appendix is pierced by a small or large blood vessel. Infections may cause a clotted blood vessel. This can lead to a bloated, pus-filled abdomen, and the appendix may break open and leak fluid.
What is a normal discharge?
Most of the time, vaginal discharge is normal and does not have an infection. But it can feel foul or have other symptoms during periods. A woman can help her vagina stay healthy by using lubricant.
If the vagina does not feel right, it is a good idea to visit a doctor to get checked.
Vaginal itching during the menstrual cycle can be dangerous, as it may be a sign of infection or a problem with the endometrial lining, the lining of the uterus.
Other symptoms of an infection
When a person has a yeast infection, they may experience:
- dry, foul-smelling discharge
- white or yellow discharge
- swelling around the vaginal opening
- vaginal itching
- skin redness
How is it diagnosed?
Vaginal itching is a common symptom during the menstrual cycle. The doctor will usually diagnose a yeast infection or other infection if they find:
- a large amount of vaginal discharge
- itching, burning, or pain in the vulva or vagina
- swelling of the vulva
- foul-smelling discharge
Treatment
Yeast infections tend to get better with the help of antifungal medication. The drug monensin is commonly used to treat yeast infections.
Usually, a doctor will prescribe the drug directly, but it is also available over-the-counter.
Antifungals can also help treat other yeast infections and prevent recurrences.
It is important to note that not all drug-resistant strains of yeast are associated with an infection.
While many cases of vaginal yeast infections resolve without treatment, a woman may wish to consider applying the drug to the vagina for two weeks. This helps the treatment to be more effective.
Although many different types of yeast infections can affect the vagina, most of them cause symptoms similar to that of a yeast infection.
Other infections that cause similar symptoms include:
Acne
Using a barrier cream, such as a suppository, can help prevent the skin from getting infected.
Urinary tract infection
An infection in the urinary tract may cause itching, burning, or pain in the vulva. Symptoms include:
- pain while urinating
- pain in the vaginal area
- swelling or itching around the vulva
Urinary tract infections are more common in women than men, and the most common site of infection is the vagina. The infection can be found near the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis.
Vaginal thrush
Vaginal thrush is a common fungal infection that usually affects young babies, infants, and young children.
When the vagina is exposed to the fungus, it can cause an itchy, white rash on the vulva, in the vagina, or on the inner thighs. The rash usually goes away on its own.
Vaginal thrush may be due to a product called lice rinses that are used to treat head lice.
Scabies
Scabies is a bacterial infection that affects the skin. Women with the infection will experience itching, the appearance of white spots, and a red rash. Itchy skin that gets red and hot is the most common sign of scabies.
Oral thrush
An infection in the mouth can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and vagina, along with excessive salivation.
Other symptoms include:
- a white or grayish patch on the tongue
- a white or grayish patch on the roof of the mouth
- swollen, white spots inside the mouth
- swelling around the mouth or throat
- the throat can also be inflamed and tender.
