Yeast Infection and Periods
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allergic Reactions: Irritants such as scented hygiene products, latex condoms, and certain fabrics can trigger allergic reactions leading to vaginal itching.
- 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.
- Antifungal Medications: Over-the-counter antifungal creams, suppositories, or oral medications can effectively treat yeast infections and alleviate vaginal itching.
- Probiotics: Incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, reducing the risk of yeast overgrowth.
- 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.
- Seeking Medical Advice: If experiencing persistent or recurrent vaginal itching or yeast infections, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
86 comments
Hi Queen,
We recommend reaching out to your doctor to discuss this topic. Your doctor should be able to give you valuable insights.
All the best. <3
Team Lunette
I have seen that some teens comments on the comment section.
I had my first infection as a teen and
I must advise that you should never feel shy or embarrassed to tell your parents your health status or even visit a health practitioner because a prolonged infection can affect your fertility (ability to conceive) later in life.
I suggest you see a doctor as soon as you can and don’t hide it till it becomes acute.
I developed an infection about 4 months ago which I treated and was positive it was over not until in this current month June, it resurfaced and through my research, yeast infection is not the only infection that gives symptoms of itching and discharge though yeast infection produces a cottage cheese like discharge, other infections resulting from bacteria can cause itching and discharge as well.
This time the condition was worse especially when it came to the discharge because the antibiotics I took and the canesten cream had helped to ease itching but I really felt uncomfortable down below and would sometimes feel an itch.
When the condition got worst, I had to visit a health practitioner who told me that sometimes women mistaken a bacteria infection for a yeast infection and so on and prescribed oral medications in addition to the one I would insert into my vagina and I believe this drugs are to fight both the yeast infection and bacteria infection.
I have started the pills and all the ratches which appeared when the fluid from my interior touches the exterior of my vegina and boom have completely gone.
I hope to complete treatment soon and just be a normal me
Also I haven’t seen my period which I will go and perform a pregnancy test first today before I conclude on what might be causing a change in the expected time.
And it was based on this I stumbled into this article.
I advise that u visit an authentic health practitioner to get the best treatment.
please I have an infection is it advisable to start using suppositories while mensurating ?
Last month I felt this itchy and burning in my vulva then some chuncky discharge before my period guess 3days and it stopped after my period
This time it started again and it has lasted 7days and my period is long overdue but hasn’t started and the discharge is extensive what can I do
Hi Egbuji Augusta gift,
We recommend reaching out to your doctor to discuss exactly what you’re experiencing. They should be able to provide you with valuable insight.
All the best. <3
Hi…I have infection…I have not seen my period for three month now…I feel itchy and white discharge in my vagina. .what could be wrong
Hi Linda!
Here’s a great blog article that talks about why your vagina may be itching days before your period:
https://www.lunette.com/blogs/news/why-does-my-vagina-itch-days-before-my-period
Wishing you all the best. <3
Itching of d vaginal before my period,the solution
Hi Gaius peace,
We would recommend reaching out to your doctor to discuss what you’re experiencing. They should be able to provide valuable insight.
All the best. <3
I have a toilet infection I always feel itching and whitish discharge in my private part and my period has stop for the month but blood is still coming out of my Virgina
Hello Taiwo praise,
Itchy anythings are no fun!
We recommend reaching out to your doctor to discuss exactly what you’re experiencing. They should be able to provide you with valuable insight.
Wishing you all the best. <3
I don’t if I have yeast infection but I just noticed sumtin under my Virginia like raches nd I don’t know what to do
Hey Archana,
We know that talking about these topics can be kind of uncomfortable, but because everybody and every BODY is different, we recommend contacting your doctor for answers on what you’ve been experiencing.
Wishing you all the best. <3
I guess I have yeast infection. Bt my menstrual cycle just started and I have a very thick red discharge n nothing else. Is it dangerous? It’s the first time n I am little nervous n really nt comfortable meeting a doctor.
vagitot cream is also reliable.
I had a yeast infection right before my period and it was almost gone by using home remedies now I am on my period can it leave with my menstural flow?
I always feel pain and itchiness when I am from my periods. Its irritating, how can I stop the pain and the itchiness?
My period is nearly two weeks late I’m not pregnant I think I might have a yeast infection I’m 15 years old what should I do and should I be worried my period is always regular
If you suspect to have an yeast infection and it is your first one, we’d recommend to visit a doctor.
Medical grade silicon is very unfavorable platform for any yeast or bacteria to live. But there is still a chance that it’ll live and that’s why boiling your cup after the period won’t be enough. There are few tricks worth of trying.
- Boil the cup at least for 20 min in water with vinegar in it
- Freeze the cup at least for 15 hours in at least –15 celsius
- Soak the cup in 3% hydrogen peroxide
One of the trickiest part is the holes because they a good place for the bugs 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.
-Meri
hii i am suffering every month yeast infection from last 1 year….with itching swelling burning and white discharge i also have visited the gynac. … but no use… it comes every mnth after my Menstrual cycle. my skin is sensitive n always get pad rashes…. i keep everything hygine bt why its happening…pls help what should i do….
Pls i have toilet infection i always feel itching and whitish discharge from my private part. And my period last for 7days instead of 4days with heavy bleeding. This is the first time am experiencing this.
hi there,
After using panty liner my vagina started itching, and i missed my period, could it be possibly yeast infection? does it interfere my period schedule? this is the first time happened to me, I’m really bothered right now. please let me know. thank you :)
Hi I’m 10 years old and I think I have a yeast infection. It really itches and there are a few bumps here and there. I don’t know what to do! Should I be worried?
I had a discharge so i used a vaginal cream for yeast now im having unbearable cramps and am very concerned is this normal??