Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsVaginal Itching During a PeriodVaginal Itching After PeriodHow to Stop Vaginal ItchingWhen to See a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Vaginal Itching During a Period
Vaginal Itching After Period
How to Stop Vaginal Itching
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Many things can causevaginal itching(vaginal pruritus) during and after your period. Infections, skin conditions, sensitivities, certain medications, or diseases may cause vaginal itching at any time during yourmenstrual cycle.
However, if you experience itching during your period, the culprit may be hormonal changes or allergies to tampons or other menstrual products. Treatment for vaginal itching depends on the cause.
This article covers reasons for vaginal itching during and after your period, how to manage the itching, and when you should see a healthcare provider.
Isabel Pavia / Getty Images
If vaginal itching starts during your period, it could be due to hormonal fluctuations or sensitivities to the menstrual products you are using.
Hormonal Changes
Themenstrual cyclehas three hormonal phases: follicular, ovulatory, andluteal. Your period is the beginning of the follicular phase.
During this phase, theendometrium(uterine lining) is thick. The low levels of estrogen and progesterone during this phase cause the uterine lining to break down and shed. This shedding results in vaginal bleeding.
While bleeding only lasts three to seven days, the follicular phase lasts up to a couple of weeks. It ends when the level of luteinizing hormone surges.Hormonal fluctuations, especially low estrogen, can sometimes result in itching.
Sensitivities and Allergies
In addition, you may be sensitive or allergic to specific products, especially those that come in contact with yourvulvaor vagina during your period. Sensitivities may lead to itching.
Some common products that could lead to vulvar or vaginal itching include:
Scented items tend to cause more irritation onsensitive skin. Thus, you may want to stick tounscented menstrual products, soaps, and detergents made for people with skin sensitivities.
Vaginal itching can occur at any time during your menstrual cycle. Causes range from infection and skin conditions to medications and cancer.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis(BV) is a common condition where the normal balance of bacteria is disrupted. When you have BV, you have an unhealthy balance of bacteria in the vagina.
BV is the most common vaginal condition in people ages 15 to 44.
The exact cause of BV is unknown. However, it occurs most often in sexually active people.
In addition to vaginal itching, BV causes other symptoms, including:
You cannot treat BV at home. It requires a medical diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics.
Bacterial Vaginosis or Yeast Infection?
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasisis a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause vaginal itching. A parasite calledTrichomonas vaginaliscauses the condition.
Trichomoniasis infected more than 2 million Americans in 2018. In the U.S., it is the most common of all curable STIs.
Up to 70% of people with trichomoniasis do not have symptoms. But, those who do have symptoms may experience the following:
Treating trichomoniasis requires prescription medication. If you suspect you may be infected, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider. In addition, after treatment, it’s possible to become reinfected. All sexual partners should receive treatment simultaneously to limit the likelihood of reinfection.
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are common. People most at-risk for developing them include those who arepregnant, takebirth control pills, havediabetes, areimmunocompromised, or are taking antibiotics.
Symptoms of thrush include:
Yeast infections are treated with anti-fungal medicine.
Vulvovaginitisis inflammation or infection of the vulva and vagina. It can result in itching, pain, and discharge with odor. Yeast, bacteria, and STIs can cause it, but for some people, vulvovaginitis occurs more frequently during their period.
Yeast Infection After Period: Causes and Treatments
Dermatitis
Dermatitisis a skin condition that causes itching and irritation. Allergies, sensitivities, or an inflammatory disease likeeczemacause dermatitis.
Contact dermatitisoccurs when your skin reacts to a substance to which you are sensitive or allergic. Symptoms include itching, burning, and skin rash or blisters. The itching from dermatitis can be intense and disrupt a person’s ability to sleep or perform day-to-day tasks.
The best way to treat dermatitis is to prevent it. Therefore, try to identify the trigger and avoid it. In the meantime,topical steroidscan help relieve itch and inflammation. Allergy testing may be a good idea to help narrow down allergens.
The Difference Between Blood Tests and Skin Tests for Allergies
Psoriasis
Psoriasisis an autoimmune skin condition that causes scaly, itchy patches on the skin. It can occur anywhere on the body—even thegenitals.
Anyone can develop psoriasis, but it is not contagious.Instead, it occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your body’s tissues.
Symptoms of genital psoriasis include:
Even if you treat psoriasis elsewhere on your body, it’s important to tell your healthcare provider about psoriasis on your vagina or vulva. That’s because the skin on your genitals is thinner and more sensitive. Your healthcare provider may suggest a different treatment for that area.
Lichen Planus
Lichen planusis a condition that causes itchy bumps on the skin. Anyone can get lichen planus, but it is most common in middle-aged people. The cause of lichen planus is unknown. One theory is that it is an autoimmune disease.
Lichen planus bumps can occur anywhere on the skin, including the genitals. Symptoms of lichen planus include:
Antihistaminesmay relieve the itch associated with lichen planus. In addition, a healthcare provider may prescribe topical and systemic steroids. They may also suggestlight therapyand retinoic acid.
Lichen Sclerosus
Not everyone with the condition experiences symptoms. Those who do may have vulvar itching and find that sex feels painful. In addition, the genitals may appear white, thin, and wrinkled.
Healthcare providers commonly use steroids to manage the symptoms.
Atrophic Vulvovaginitis
Atrophic vulvovaginitisis a condition where the skin of the vulva and vagina is dry and painful. It is most common in post-menopausal people. It also occurs duringlactation, cancer treatments, and with some medications.
Symptoms of atrophic vulvovaginitis include:
Lubricantscan often help with vaginal dryness, especially during sexual activity. In addition, healthcare providers routinely prescribe progesterone and estrogen hormone therapy.
Medication Side Effects
Some medications can contribute to vaginal itching, including antibiotics,immune-suppressing drugs, and steroids. That’s because these medications can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria and yeast, leading to itching.
Medications That Cause Vaginal Dryness
Cancer
Less frequently, itching can be asymptom of any cancer, especially skin cancer.In addition, cancer treatment can sometimes cause itching.
Cancers that affect the genital area include:
Regular screenings help catch cancers in their early stages when they are most treatable. Thus, it’s important to getpap smearsand other recommendedcancer screeningsregularly. If you are undergoing cancer treatment and experiencing itching as a side effect, talk to your oncologist for treatment options.
Cancer Symptoms That Women Need to Know
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to manage vaginal itching when it does occur. Sometimes you can control itching at home. Other times, you’ll need to see a healthcare provider for treatment.
Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching
Home remedies can help you manage the discomfort of vaginal itching. You might use them for minor situations that don’t require medical support, and you can also use them alongside standard medical care to soothe skin and provide relief.
Home remediesinclude:
Applying aloe vera or coconut oil is also used to manage the symptoms of vaginal itching.Note that these products should not be placed in the vagina.
Typical Medical Treatments for Vaginal Itching
Medical treatment depends on the cause of vaginal itching. A healthcare provider will first diagnose your condition and then prescribe treatment.
Treatment may include:
You should see a healthcare provider any time you are worried about your symptoms or have signs of infection. In addition, the following symptoms warrant medical attention:
What Are the Symptoms of an Infection?
Summary
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Knudtson J, McLaughlin JE.Menstrual cycle. Merck Manual.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bacterial vaginosis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Trichomoniasis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaginal cadidiasis.National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How can I treat genital psoriasis?.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Lichen planus: who gets and causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Lichen planus: signs and symptoms.UpToDate.Patient education: vulvar lichen sclerosus (beyond the basics).Mac Bride MB, Rhodes DJ, Shuster LT.Vulvovaginal atrophy.Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2010;85(1):87-94. doi:10.4065/mcp.2009.0413American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.American Cancer Society.Itching.Criquet M, Roure R, Dayan L, Nollent V, Bertin C.Safety and efficacy of personal care products containing colloidal oatmeal.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2012;5:183-193. doi:10.2147/CCID.S31375Evangelista MT, Abad-Casintahan F, Lopez-Villafuerte L.The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.Int J Dermatol. 2014;53(1):100-108. doi:10.1111/ijd.12339Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A.The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review.Iran J Med Sci.2019;44(1):1-9.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Knudtson J, McLaughlin JE.Menstrual cycle. Merck Manual.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bacterial vaginosis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Trichomoniasis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaginal cadidiasis.National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How can I treat genital psoriasis?.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Lichen planus: who gets and causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Lichen planus: signs and symptoms.UpToDate.Patient education: vulvar lichen sclerosus (beyond the basics).Mac Bride MB, Rhodes DJ, Shuster LT.Vulvovaginal atrophy.Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2010;85(1):87-94. doi:10.4065/mcp.2009.0413American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.American Cancer Society.Itching.Criquet M, Roure R, Dayan L, Nollent V, Bertin C.Safety and efficacy of personal care products containing colloidal oatmeal.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2012;5:183-193. doi:10.2147/CCID.S31375Evangelista MT, Abad-Casintahan F, Lopez-Villafuerte L.The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.Int J Dermatol. 2014;53(1):100-108. doi:10.1111/ijd.12339Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A.The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review.Iran J Med Sci.2019;44(1):1-9.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Knudtson J, McLaughlin JE.Menstrual cycle. Merck Manual.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bacterial vaginosis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Trichomoniasis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaginal cadidiasis.National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How can I treat genital psoriasis?.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Lichen planus: who gets and causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Lichen planus: signs and symptoms.UpToDate.Patient education: vulvar lichen sclerosus (beyond the basics).Mac Bride MB, Rhodes DJ, Shuster LT.Vulvovaginal atrophy.Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2010;85(1):87-94. doi:10.4065/mcp.2009.0413American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.American Cancer Society.Itching.Criquet M, Roure R, Dayan L, Nollent V, Bertin C.Safety and efficacy of personal care products containing colloidal oatmeal.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2012;5:183-193. doi:10.2147/CCID.S31375Evangelista MT, Abad-Casintahan F, Lopez-Villafuerte L.The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.Int J Dermatol. 2014;53(1):100-108. doi:10.1111/ijd.12339Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A.The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review.Iran J Med Sci.2019;44(1):1-9.
Knudtson J, McLaughlin JE.Menstrual cycle. Merck Manual.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bacterial vaginosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Trichomoniasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaginal cadidiasis.
National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How can I treat genital psoriasis?.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Lichen planus: who gets and causes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Lichen planus: signs and symptoms.
UpToDate.Patient education: vulvar lichen sclerosus (beyond the basics).
Mac Bride MB, Rhodes DJ, Shuster LT.Vulvovaginal atrophy.Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2010;85(1):87-94. doi:10.4065/mcp.2009.0413
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.
American Cancer Society.Itching.
Criquet M, Roure R, Dayan L, Nollent V, Bertin C.Safety and efficacy of personal care products containing colloidal oatmeal.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2012;5:183-193. doi:10.2147/CCID.S31375
Evangelista MT, Abad-Casintahan F, Lopez-Villafuerte L.The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.Int J Dermatol. 2014;53(1):100-108. doi:10.1111/ijd.12339
Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A.The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review.Iran J Med Sci.2019;44(1):1-9.
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