Yeast Infection On Your Period

Candidiasis is a common ailment, which is likely to occur in everyone at least once in their lifetime. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast called Candida albicans that occurs naturally in us all. When the fungus in the vagina has been escalated to grow too much, it causes a vaginal yeast infection.

Causes of Vaginal Itching:

  1. Yeast Infections: An overgrowth of the Candida fungus in the vaginal area can lead to itching, along with other symptoms such as burning and abnormal discharge.
  2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Imbalance in the bacteria that naturally reside in the vagina can cause BV, characterized by itching, unusual discharge, and a fishy odor.
  3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain STIs, such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, can cause vaginal itching, along with other symptoms like pain during urination and abnormal discharge.
  4. Allergic Reactions: Irritants such as scented hygiene products, latex condoms, and certain fabrics can trigger allergic reactions leading to vaginal itching.
  5. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can result in vaginal dryness and itching.

Hello, Bacterial Vaginosis. 

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance between the naturally occurring good and bad bacteria in your vagina. When your vagina’s bacterial levels are balanced, the harmful bacteria is fought off by the good bacteria. When you have more baddies than good, your vagina can’t do its job of staying balanced, which can lead to itching, burning and fishy odor. 

Attention please: having BV can make you more prone to contracting an STI. If you think you might have bacterial vaginosis you should see a doctor right away and be sure to use protection during sex, to reduce your risk of getting an STI. 

To answer a popular question about bacterial vaginosis, no, you cannot get it from toilet seats or a swimming pool. Whew.

STDs 

STDs are sexually transmitted diseases, passed through sexual contact like intercourse, or oral sex. They can spread quickly and can also lead to permanent reproductive damage. 

In many cases, there will be no symptoms at all - 70% of people infected with chlamydia, for example, will not show any obvious signs or symptoms or they may be very mild. 

When there are symptoms of STDs, they will vary depending on the type of disease. Genital herpes can cause severe irritation, while other STDs can include skin rash, bumps or sores, unusual bleeding, swelling or redness on or around the vagina, change in discharge and weight loss.  

If there is a chance of having an STD, it is important to get an examination and a sexual health test. There’s no need to be embarrassed and it’s recommended that any sexually active person has regular sexual health tests! 

Symptoms of Yeast Infections

Candidiasis symptoms of infection are intense itching and burning, as well as chunky vaginal discharge. The vulva mucous membranes may show redness and small ulcers. Abdominal pain and fever don’t belong to the symptoms, and if they occur you should contact a physician. The triggering factor for causing infection is not always recognized, but, for example, antibiotics, pregnancy, as well as extensive use of non-breathable panty liners and pads can trigger it. Also artificial fibers and ill-breathable underwear predispose to infection. The yeast can also spread from the rectum into the vagina, so after a toilet visit always wipe from front to back.

Since the symptoms of yeast infection are also similar to many other diseases, such as sexually transmitted diseases or infections, over-the-counter medication should be carefully considered, especially if the yeast infection occurs for the first time. Also, women under 16 and over 60 years of age should see a doctor in case of symptoms.

Yeast infection and menstruation

Candidiasis may erupt during menstruation. In this case, it is essential to use the most breathable underwear as well as see to adequate hygiene. 

During infection, the use of menstrual pads and panty liners should be avoided, because they do not breathe, and thus poach the lower end promoting the growth of yeast. The period cup is the best menstrual protection with the yeast infection, as it allows the lower end to breathe and does not disturb the natural moisture balance.

If the infection is internal and the yeast medicine cannot be orally taken or a vaginal suppository in addition to the pill has been prescribed, it should be used in the evenings. In this case, the use of a tampon or cup is not recommended. A yeast infection can also affect a man, so if there is a yeast infection going on, it is recommended to use condoms when having sex.

Effective solutions for vaginal itching and yeast infections

For the treatment of vaginal yeast infection, vaginal suppositories and oral pills on prescription and non-prescription can be found in pharmacies. Vaginal suppositories are used for 1-3 days, even during menstruation. A variety of creams can handle itching of the vulva area. Asymptomatic inflammatory yeast does not need to be treated.

For self-treatment good personal hygiene and avoiding processed sugars and high gluten-foods when possible, is of essence, since yeast feeds on sugar. In addition, favouring variable diet and healthy unsaturated fats is a good start. Poorly breathable menstrual pads, panty liners and synthetic fibrous underwear poach the lower end, and the yeast gets a favorable moist substrate.

  1. Antifungal Medications: Over-the-counter antifungal creams, suppositories, or oral medications can effectively treat yeast infections and alleviate vaginal itching.
  2. Probiotics: Incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, reducing the risk of yeast overgrowth.
  3. Maintaining Good Hygiene: Practicing proper hygiene, including avoiding scented products and wearing breathable cotton underwear, can help prevent vaginal itching and yeast infections. Try also scientifically tested and patented Lunette Intimate Cleanser and Lunette Intimate Wipes.
  4. Seeking Medical Advice: If experiencing persistent or recurrent vaginal itching or yeast infections, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

72 comments

Hi Lisa,

We’re so sorry to hear you keep having this recurring problem, UGH! Unfortunately, we do not have information on this strand of yeast that’s non responsive to the regularly prescribed medication. But we’ll be sure to keep our eyes and ears open about this!

Best,
Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor November 05, 2019

I keep getting yeast infections, I’ve gone to several doctors and an OBGYN and they keep saying It’s a a regular yeast infection that should go away with Diflucan. I’ve had to pop this stuff like skittles and I’ve repeatedly advised them that this medicine does not take it away, it works to help relieve the symptoms but the infection never fully goes away. I do everything right, I wear the proper underwear, I’m extremely clean down there, and I eat a well balanced diet. I did some independent researched and realized there’s another string of yeast that’s non responsive to the regularly prescribed medication. Any insight on this?

Lisa November 05, 2019

Hi Zoe!

Some people experience recurrent yeast infections, it’s best to talk to your doctor about a treatment plan. :)
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor October 25, 2019

Hi Nae!

There are many reasons why you might have been experiencing burning in this situation, however if you’re concerned about infection we recommend visiting your doctor, as only a medical professional can make the necessary diagnosis for an infection.

Wishing you all the best!

-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor October 11, 2019

Hi Julie!

Sorry to hear about the itching! If you’ve never been diagnosed with a yeast infection by a doctor before, we recommend visiting a doctor to make sure you truly have a yeast infection. If a doctor has determined you to have a yeast infection in the past, and you know for sure that the symptoms you’re experiencing are caused by a yeast infection, then you can purchase over the counter medication at a drug store or a supermarket.

Wishing you all the best!

-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor October 11, 2019

Hi Amie!

Sorry to hear about your yeast infection! If you’ve never been diagnosed with a yeast infection before by a doctor before, we recommend visiting a doctor to make sure you truly have a yeast infection. If a doctor has determined you to have a yeast infection in the past, and you know for sure that the symptoms you’re experiencing are caused by a yeast infection, then you can purchase over the counter medication at a drug store or a supermarket. A yeast infection will not go away while you are on your period.

Wishing you all the best!

Lunette Menstrual Mentor October 10, 2019

Hi
I am having my yeast infection and I just got my period today
And the thing is I didn’t tell my grandmother yet! Is there a way for me to take care of it on my own? And will the yeast infection go away while I have my period?

Amie golden October 10, 2019

It’s Moneà again I think I had a yeast infection , I had all the symptoms , but Last time when I was on my period the symptoms of yeast infection infection where not there , the symptoms went away after that month . I thought it was over but now they are back !!! Do I have a yeast infection that recurred because I didn’t cure the last one ?

Monea December 01, 2019

Is it normal to have 3 yeast infections in a year?

Zoe October 25, 2019

Umm I’m about to turn 12 on Thursday and ion know if I have an infection because I have bumps all over down there and it itches but ion have any burning or anything just itchy and I’m also on my period can any one help? Please? I keep having panic attacks and ion know if I should tell my mom…do I or do I not have an infection?

Julie October 11, 2019

Hi, my period went off then my boyfriend want to have sex , the condom was bothering me so my boyfriend put on lubrication on but it starts to burn. What’s going do I have a std or a infection please help!?

Nae October 11, 2019

These are great questions, Maddie & Adriana!

It’s not recommended that you wear disposable pads or panty liners when treating a yeast infection as they can provide a moist environment that’s favorable for the growth of yeast. For that reason, a menstrual cup is the best way to go as it will allow your lower end to breathe without disturbing the natural moisture balance.

That being said, a menstrual cup isn’t recommended if you’re being treated vaginally.

If this is the case, we’d suggest reaching out to your doctor to figure out what’s best for you.

Lunette Menstrual Mentor June 17, 2019

Hey Andrea,

There are a number of reasons why your periods can be delayed, with one of them being that you’re not feeling 100%.

You can learn more about that here: https://store.lunette.com/blogs/news/6-reasons-your-period-could-be-late-besides-being-pregnant

Lunette Menstrual Mentor June 17, 2019

Great question Adriana & Ciel,

While I wish our periods could wash everything away, sadly it can’t.

So whether you’re expecting your period or not, you’ll want to be sure to consult your doctor about the best way to treat your yeast infection.

All the best. <3

Lunette Menstrual Mentor June 17, 2019

Heya Willow,

Yeast infections can occur for a number of reasons, such as antibiotics and non-breathable underwear. But because everybody and every BODY is different, we’d recommend reaching out to your doctor on this one.

Wishing you all the best. <3

Lunette Menstrual Mentor June 17, 2019

Heya Sabre,

Even the most predictable of periods can be unpredictable at times.

A few reasons your period could be late besides being pregnant include: stress, being sick, weight fluctuations, a change in your schedule, hormonal imbalance and your birth control.

You can learn more about this on our blog:
https://store.lunette.com/blogs/news/6-reasons-your-period-could-be-late-besides-being-pregnant

That being said, we do recommend reaching out to your doctor if you’re experiencing something of concern.

Wishing you all the best. <3

Lunette Menstrual Mentor June 17, 2019

Heya Monea,

There’s a good chance that maybe you didn’t have a yeast infection afterall. But because every body is different, we recommend reaching out to your doctor to find out exactly what’s going on.

Wishing you all the best. <3

Lunette Menstrual Mentor June 17, 2019

I have never experienced a yeast infection, but recently I felt a weird itching sensation, no burning when I urinate but it became worse and the burning showed up sometimes I read about it and I saw the white clumpy discharge , it had only been two days and my period came down early (suppose to come on the 9 came on the 5) while on my period the symptoms are gone .. is the yeast infection gone ?

Monea June 17, 2019

I had a yeast infection last week and got medication 4 days ago. I’m 90% better, still just a little bit itchy on occasion. I just started my period. Can I use a tampon?

Maddie June 17, 2019

okay so i have already gotten a yeast infection before in early april went for treatment, it went away… & now i’ve recently got another one maybe a week ago & i’ve looked up the symptoms & i’m 95% sure it’s a yeast infection so i’m taking the cream again for it BUT i should be getting my period soon… & just wanted to know, could i still use the cream? what’s best to use pads? (because i’ve never used any other supply but pads when i’m on my period) i just don’t want it to make it worse… so i’m unsure on what to use for it…. also will getting my period always help my yeast infection go away or make it worse? helppppp!!

adriana June 17, 2019

I’m 16, I noticed that I might be having a yeast infection. It’s also pushing my period back, as it would seem. I also know that I’m not pregnant. Is there anyone that I could call instead of having to go to the doctor? And also, how many other reasons would my period not be here when I’m not pregnant?

Sabre June 17, 2019

I’m 26 years old and haven’t had a period since I was in about 9th grade. Just this year I started having my period every month and the yeast infection if it is one comes every month now. I get pasty gray rolls that come out of my vagina and it gets really sore and tender to touch with irritation and chafing. Does anyone know what this could be?

Willow June 17, 2019

Hi,

I had a yeast infection last May 16,2019 and my last period was April 18. Is there a possibility that because of that my menstruation will delay?

I badly need your answer

Thanks in advance

Andrea Bregona June 17, 2019

Do periods wash away your yeast infection?
Like if you have a yeast infection before your period and when your period comes, does your blood wash it away?

Ciel June 17, 2019

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Rachael Mancuso!

Lunette Menstrual Mentor May 07, 2019

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