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 Natalie!

Thank you for reaching out!

If you do not have a menstrual cup, we recommend using pads rather than a tampon. Remember, to change the pad often to avoid getting the infection again. Please contact your doctor for appropriate medication.

You can also use your Lunette Cup while treating a yeast infection as medical grade silicone is a very unfavorable platform for any yeast or bacteria to live. However, there is still a chance that germs can live and that’s why you’ll need to pay special attention to cleaning the cup and boiling might not be enough. There are few tricks worth trying:

- Boil the cup for at least 20 min in water with vinegar in it
- Freeze the cup for at least 15 hours in 5 degrees fahrenheit or below
- Soak the cup in a water and vinegar mixture overnight

One of the trickiest part is the holes because they a good place for the germs to live. So make sure you clean the holes with extra care. Clean the cup normally after trying these tricks to avoid irritation due to the use of vinegar. It might be that even these tricks won’t do the work, so if you notice the infection returning after using the cup, you should buy a new one.

Hope this helps!

Best,
Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor September 18, 2023

I think I got a yeast infection while on my period this is the first time they’ve over lapped but I’ve never used a cup and I don’t use tampons so what do I do while trying treat it as well as manage my period

Natalie September 18, 2023

Hi Andrea,

thank you for your comment!

You can use your Lunette Cup while treating a yeast infection as medical grade silicone is a very unfavorable platform for any yeast or bacteria to live. However, there is still a chance that germs can live and that’s why you’ll need to pay special attention to cleaning the cup and boiling might not be enough. There are few tricks worth trying:

- Boil the cup for at least 20 min in water with vinegar in it
- Freeze the cup for at least 15 hours in 5 degrees fahrenheit or below
- Soak the cup in 3% hydrogen peroxide overnight
- Soak the cup in a water and vinegar mixture overnight

One of the trickiest part is the holes because they a good place for the germs to live. So make sure you clean the holes with extra care.

It might be that even these tricks won’t do the work, so if you notice the infection returning after using the cup, you should buy a new one. And of course, if you feel like prefering a new cup over the old cup, always listen to your feeling and get yourself a new one – you should feel comfortable using your period product :)

Best regards, Team Lunette

Lunette Cup December 13, 2021

I used my cup while I had a yeast infection but I’m scared to use it again. Can the cup reinfect me?

Andrea December 13, 2021

Hi Monique! It’s best to contact Azo for information regarding their products. <3
Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor June 29, 2021

Hi Can Azo Yeast Plus delay your period?

Monique June 29, 2021

I have had my yeast infection for about 3 days no, I’m supposed to get my period today but it hasn’t come yet? could the yeast infection done something there interrupting my cycle?

adilene bueno December 02, 2020

Hi Tatyana! If you are feeling concerned it is always best to consult a doctor. As we are not medical professionals we unfortunately cannot offer diagnosis.
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor November 23, 2020

I haven’t had my period in a while and I have a yeast infection. Is my yeast infection causing my period to delay? Should I go see a doctor?

Tatyana November 23, 2020

Hi Brianna! We recommend reaching out to Flex customer service and they’ll be better able to assist you with your request. :)
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor September 28, 2020

Can I use my flex disk if I just started my period and also have a yeast infection. I have the vaginally suppositories mouth when I insert them at night should I take my disk out

Brianna September 28, 2020

Hi, Alison! A yeast infection should not interfere with your period. However, if you are concerned about the delayed period it is best to consult a doctor as we are not healthcare professionals. <3
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor September 24, 2020
Can a yeast infection, and using vaginal medication, delay your period?
Alison September 24, 2020

Hi, Trinity! It’s best to consult your doctor about prolonged vaginal itching. As we are not medical professionals we cannot offer diagnosis.
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor September 23, 2020

Hi, Kathy! So sorry to hear about the yeast infection! Unfortunately we cannot assist with yeast infection treatment as we are not medical professionals. We recommend consulting your doctor so that you can be sure to clear the infection. :)
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor September 23, 2020

6th day with yeast infection. And first day having my period. I’m treating it daily. How long will this infection take to go away:( ?!?

Kathy Ramirez September 23, 2020

Hi, I still have a itch in my prepuce and it’s been 8 days and my period is still on

Trinity September 23, 2020

Hi Alanna! A period does not clear a yeast infection. You will need to treat the yeast infection like you normally would for it to clear. :)

-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor July 31, 2020

how long after I have my period should my yeast infection clear up? its been a couple days and I’m still experiencing symptoms

alanna July 27, 2020

If I have a yeast infection during my period, and after still, can the period blood that’s being flushed out after your period affect the color of discharge from your yeast infection? Because the blood at the end of a period is like brownish red?

Ash July 01, 2020

Hi Ny!
So sorry to hear you’re having to deal with BV- that’s no fun!
Unfortunately we cannot diagnose reasons for why it might have occurred as we are not medical professionals. We encourage you to reach back out to your doctor and let them know you feel the infection has recurred.

Wishing you all the best!
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor February 12, 2020

Hey I am 20 years old and I went to my doctor because a few weeks after my period I had notice a weird discharge. I went to my doctor and she told me it was BV and prescribed me medication. My doctor asked me if I was sexually active and I get nervous when she ask. Now I was doing well after I completed the medications. It was been a while since I have seen my doctor and I think it’s back. Should I ask my doctor to refill my prescription? Or is it because I am sexually active?

Ny February 12, 2020

Hi Alliyah!

If you’ve been experiencing some light bleeding that is pinkish or brownish in color and you’re expecting your period in 5 days, then you’ve been experiencing pre-period spotting. It is very common and perfectly normal! :) However, if you’re experiencing something on concern we recommend consulting your doctor.

Best,
Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor December 28, 2019

Hi is normal that 2 days after my yeast infection is gone, it has started my period 5 days early?

Alliyah December 28, 2019

Hi Moneà,

It is best to visit a doctor so that they can properly diagnose you for a yeast infection and offer the best treatment plan for you. :)

Best,
Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor December 01, 2019

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