Have you ever noticed your vagina starts to itch a few days before your period…? Could it be a yeast infection? Maybe, maybe not. Many menstruating humans experience vaginal itching in different stages of their menstrual cycle. Remember, the menstrual cycle lasts ~28 days, having different functions in each stage, and every uterus is different! But why is it so common for people to experience that deadly itch before menstrual bleeding?
It could be many reasons, but it always links back to vaginal pH levels. A normal pH level for your vagina ranges from 3.5-4.5, which means it is acidic. If your pH levels are higher than 7, it is considered alkaline, which means your pH levels are too high and infection has risen. You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again – your vagina is a self-cleaning oven, which means it doesn’t need any scented soaps or creams (that will mess with your pH balance) to get clean.
Is it yeast infection?
Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, occur when there is an overgrowth of the Candida fungus in the body. While Candida is naturally present in various parts of the body, such as the mouth, intestines, and genital area, an overgrowth can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and complications. Symptoms like itching, burning sensation, redness, swelling, and abnormal vaginal discharge that is typically thick, white, and odorless. Learn more how to detect yeast infection and how to treat it from our blog.
Hormones also play a key role in your itchy vagina
Your vagina experiences a decrease of estrogen levels during the start of your period (the follicular phase). This change in estrogen is making your vaginal wall go all kinds of crazy, causing the vaginal wall to thin, increase inflammation, and create more acid in your vagina. Guess what? Yeast loves acidity, which could be one of the reasons why you feel itchy down there.
Aside from itching, many people also experience stinging and irritating sensations just days before or during their period. They could be experiencing cyclic vulvovaginitis.
We’ll elaborate.
Cyclic vulvovaginitis
Cyclic vulvovaginitis refers to the recurrent burning *and itching* happening down there before or during menstrual bleeding. It could mean that your vagina is experiencing intense burning, stinging, and overall irritation due to candida infection. How lovely does this sound? Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse, don’t even THINK about having sexual intercourse – your vaginal walls will scream Bloody Mary.
Are you boiling your menstrual cup before and after every cycle?
If you want to prevent your vagina from getting a yeast infection or other unwanted cause for itch, you've got to make sure you're boiling your menstrual cup consistently and cleaning it properly! Our Lunette Cup Cleanser not only cleans your cup, but it doesn't have any harsh chemicals that will mess with your pH levels! It's a win-win situation.
So how can we treat an itchy vagina, especially before menstruation?
Hopefully you don’t always experience discomfort before or during your period, but if you do, there are many ways to prevent itchiness and keep your pH levels balanced. Raw probiotic pills are a vagina’s best friend. Eating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, or miso can also make a great impact. Let’s not forget about cranberry juice – that stuff is full of acidic compounds that will fight off bacteria and keep your vagina happy. Also, tight, synthetic underwear can suffocate your vagina and create moisture, so remember to let it breathe. It's important to clean your vulva (external area) with lukewarm water or products that are meant for the delicate genital area, like Lunette Intimate Wipes or patented Lunette Intimate Cleanser.
If you’re eating healthy, exercising, cleaning your cup right, and taking care of yourself, then you're doing it right!
Hi Tay,
We recommend discussing this itching with your doctor. As we are not medical professionals we cannot offer advice related to medical surgical procedures.
Apologies we weren’t able to help further!
Best,
Team Lunette
This is for Kelly. I have had some of the same issues recently which is crazy because I have never had a yeast infection and I am 37. During my research found “Lichen Sclerosus”. It is an inflammatory disease. It is kind of rare and chronic. Maybe go to a specialist to check it out. Mention the disease. Looks like steroid cream is mainly used. And also try what Brittany said. Keep the area dry, wear cotton, and try to put ointment on the area to keep it dry.
Kelly,
I’m having the same problem. I’ve been dealing with this for about 10 months now. I’m starting to get depressed because it. It’s a recurring issue with no answers and the same meds over and over. I almost want to give up and suffer in silence. I can’t imagine this going on as long as yours is. I really hope we both get answers soon. This feels horrible and it’s kinda scary. Every month the infection comes back. And every month I cry. There has been a couple things I thought of was gone then boom, it’s back. This is beyond frustrating.
Kelly- I have been experiencing yeast infections almost every month for 5 years – it has impacted my life in so many ways. From all the research I e done it all comes back to your diet
Help! Whenever I am two days into my period, my whole vagina gets red and swollen, and feels like it’s tearing. I’ve had 4 children, and even after giving birth naturally 4 times, this pain is far worse than the healing process of That. I’ve tried everything, and now it’s worse. The right side of my vulva is completely red and very swollen. It stings when I urinate and sitting/walking hurts really bad. If anyone had suggestions, please tell me!!!