Vagina itching during menstruation? this is the cause and how to fix it

Approaching menstruation or afterward, some women complain that the vagina becomes itchy and painful when urinating. This complaint has even become a subscription for some people every month. However, what actually causes vaginal itching during menstruation? Is this normal?

It turns out that a vaginal yeast (yeast) infection is the cause. This infection may indeed appear every month, precisely when you are having your period. You can read the full explanation below.

Recognizing vaginal yeast infections

A vaginal yeast infection occurs due to a yeast growth in your female area. Usually the fungus that causes this infection is Candida albicans. This disease is quite common and fortunately it can be treated if treated properly.

Here are the characteristics of a vaginal yeast infection, especially when you are menstruating.

Vaginal itching
The vagina feels sore when urinating or having sex
Thick and white vaginal discharge, a bit like porridge in texture
The lips of the vagina (labia) swell when the infection gets worse

Causes of vaginal itching during menstruation

Although it happens quite often, vaginal itching during menstruation should not be underestimated, let alone considered a natural thing. The reason is, infections are more prone to occur if you do not maintain proper vaginal health while menstruating. The following are various causes of vaginal infections before or during menstruation.

1. Changes in vaginal pH before menstruation

If the infection usually appears about a week before your period, most likely the cause is a change in the pH level in the vaginal area. Before you menstruate, your estrogen hormone decreases quite dramatically. This causes the balance of good bacteria in the vagina to be disturbed. With the reduction of good bacteria, the vagina is also more susceptible to fungal attack and cause itching during menstruation.

2. Rarely change pads

A vaginal yeast infection that makes it itchy can also appear when you are menstruating, aka menstruation until a week after. If this is what you usually experience every month, it could be because you rarely change pads.

Too long wearing the same pads makes the vagina moist. The humid condition of the vagina eventually becomes a comfortable nest for yeast growth.

3. The wrong choice of underwear or pads

Synthetic underwear and pads can cause irritation due to insufficient air circulation. Dressings that contain certain fragrances can also cause irritation of the sensitive vaginal tissues. The irritation will make your feminine area more susceptible to yeast growth and infection.

How to deal with vaginal infections during menstruation

Relax, vaginal yeast infections are generally harmless and can be treated immediately. Pay attention to the following steps to treat and prevent the appearance of yeast infections that cause vaginal itching during menstruation.

1. Check with the doctor

The doctor will give you anti-fungal drugs that are effective in stopping the infection. If the infection is serious enough, the doctor may prescribe certain medications that should be followed for at least six months.

2. Wear comfortable pants and sanitary napkins

Choose a cotton-based material that can provide good air circulation for the vagina. Do not use pads that contain chemical additives such as perfume or deodorant.

3. Routinely change pads

To prevent vaginal itching during menstruation, you should change your sanitary napkin at least every four hours.

4. Reduce sugary foods and high carbohydrates

Fungi and bad bacteria in the vagina will multiply more rapidly if you eat lots of sweet and high carbohydrate foods.

5. Do not wash the vagina with soap

Your feminine soap or body wash contains chemicals that are actually unsuitable for the vagina. Feminine soap will actually mess up the pH level so that the good bacteria that are responsible for maintaining vaginal health also die.