Many things can causevaginal itching(vaginal pruritus) during and after your period.
Treatment for vaginal itching depends on the cause.
Hormonal Changes
Themenstrual cyclehas three hormonal phases: follicular, ovulatory, andluteal.
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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.
Sensitivities may lead to itching.
Vaginal Itching After Period
Vaginal itching can occur at any time during your menstrual cycle.
Causes range from infection and skin conditions to medications and cancer.
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.
It requires a medical diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics.
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, its essential to see a healthcare provider.
In addition, after treatment, its possible to become reinfected.
All sexual partners should receive treatment simultaneously to limit the likelihood of reinfection.
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginalyeast infection, also calledvaginal thrush, is a fungal infection in the vagina.
Vaginal yeast infections are resulting from a fungus calledCandida.
This fungus usually lives in your vagina in healthy amounts.
However, a yeast infection triggers when this fungus overgrows.
Yeast infections are common.
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.
Dermatitis
Dermatitisis a skin condition that causes itching and irritation.
Allergies, sensitivities, or an inflammatory disease like eczema cause 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 persons ability to sleep or perform day-to-day tasks.
The best way to treat dermatitis is to prevent it.
Therefore, venture 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.
Psoriasis
Psoriasisis an autoimmune skin condition that causes scaly, itchy patches on the skin.
It can occur anywhere on the bodyeven thegenitals.
Thats 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
Lichen sclerosusis an inflammatory skin disorder that affects the vulva and perineum.
Researchers believe it is sparked by immune dysfunction, genetics, and hormones.
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.
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.
Thats because these medications can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria and yeast, leading to itching.
Thus, it’s important to getpap smearsand other recommendedcancer screeningsregularly.
Sometimes it’s possible for you to control itching at home.
Other times, youll need to see a healthcare provider for treatment.
Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching
Home remedies can help you manage the discomfort of vaginal itching.
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 depends on the cause and may include antifungals or antibiotics, steroids, or lubricants.
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