Topic: Key Notes On Vaginal Itching Before, During, After Period

Overview

Vaginal itching can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. This is fairly common among women in their reproductive period. Vaginal itching is common prior to, during and after monthly menstrual period.

There are few factors that can lead to vaginal itching, including:
1. Vaginal dryness (commonest cause)
2. Infections (especially yeast infection)
3. Changes in hormone.

Generally, no matter what the cause is, vaginal itching can be extremely uncomfortable and should be addressed by a professional.

So, Why Vaginal Itching?

Normally, in a woman’s body, there are many changes that happen cyclically every month, these changes occur in the womb and the vagina. Specifically, there are monthly changes in the cells that line the vagina and these changes are controlled by menstrual cycle hormones. By default, during the monthly period, the level of these key hormones decrease and become low leading to dryness in the vagina.

Estrogen is the key hormone that play a role in vaginal environment, when the level is reduced, it leads to dryness and irritation of the vaginal, which will manifest as itching. Normally once the period ends, the itchy feeling will go away. However, if the itching continues afterwards without subsiding, the cause may be due to some kinds of infection or inflammation.

Normally, most women are prone to yeast infections during menstruation. Please, note, in women, they have normal yeasts that inhabit the reproductive organs. However, sometimes there might be an over growth of these yeasts, especially when the normal acidity of the vagina changes, and when this happens, you are more prone to get a vaginal infection.

There are so factors that can lead to changes in the acidity of the vagina, including:

1. Menstruation,
2. Pregnancy,
3. Douche products (chemical-based),
4. Diabetes,
5. Some antibiotics,
6. Birth control pills
7. Steroids,

These factors can actually affect the acidity of your vagina.
Sometimes, vaginal itching can be accompanied by discharge. Most times, this combination of symptoms means there is an ongoing infection. If you experience white, thick, clumpy discharge (looking like cottage cheese), this may be a sign of vaginal infection.

Please, note, a yeast infection usually does not cause a strong odor. But it may cause severe itching and burning.
Apart from Yeast infections, other infections, like bacterial vaginosis, Genital herpes can also cause itching.

Abnormal Signs to look out for if you have vaginal Itching
Please, if you experience any of these symptoms before, during or after your period, together with itching, consult your doctor to ensure you get an accurate diagnosis.

Abnormal signs include:

• Unpleasant odor
• Blisters on vagina
• Burning during urination or if the itch that does not go away.

Normally, your doctor will examine your vagina and other reproductive organs, and a sample of vaginal discharge may be collected to determine the exact cause of the symptoms.

Solutions/Remedies for Vaginal Itching

1. Very importantly, always keep your vaginal area clean by using plain, unscented and natural soap. This will help with vaginal itching. Avoid using perfumed soap Avoid scented perfumes, lotions that come in contact with your vagina.

2. During your period, to prevent yeast infection be sure to spray down your vaginal area to keep the area clean.

3. It’s important to resist itching to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas.

4. Consider, using a high-quality and organic vaginal lubricant. Ask your doctor. Using a personal lubricant helps ease the itching due to dryness of vagina. Be sure to choose a high-quality vaginal.

5. Try coconut oil. Organic coconut oil can help with vaginal itching, because it contains natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and is suitable to use in this delicate region. Coconut oil is one of the best remedies for vaginal dryness.

6. If you want to use disposable pads, use only hypoallergenic organic disposable cotton pads

7. If you are having itching, consider, avoiding, tampons because they may also create a more ideal opportunity for the growth of bacteria. They can dry out the vaginal canal by absorbing its natural moisture.

8. Avoid synthetic fabrics and wear cotton underwear

9. Eat food that contains Probiotics (Probiotics are live microorganisms). They are commonly known as friendly bacteria.

10. It’s strongly recommended that you increase your intake of probiotic-rich foods – such as, yogurt

11. Avoid douching

Dr. Chudi Chudi Godsons

FTC