Few days before the start of your period, some women experience this as early as 10 days before the first day of menstruation. Apart from the smell, you noticed that the area down there is itchy and accompanied with vaginal dryness. Worse, you felt a burning sensation in the vaginal wall every time you walk or do any physical activities. Don’t worry too much. Itchy vagina before period is usually normal. Read more about it and find out when you should see a doctor.
Causes to Blame
Are you wondering why you feel the urge to scratch the area down south? This could be any of the following:
Allergies – Blame it on the cleansing product you use or the fabric of the underwear you are wearing. Allergic reaction is a common culprit that you need to watch out for.
Uncomfortable Clothing – Apart from the fabric of your underwear, uncomfortable clothing like tight fitting clothes or clothes in spandex material worn for a prolonged period may cause itch down there.
Stress – When you are under stress, you tend to neglect other equally important things like taking a shower before going to bed. This could cause the itch on your vagina.
Hormonal Changes – When your hormones are disrupted, everything on your vaginal area is likewise disturbed; hence itching and dryness. Usually, vaginal itching is more common on menopausal women and girls who are in puberty stage.
Pubic Lice or Scabies – Aside from the itching, pubic lice or scabies may also cause skin irritation and ducts in your skin. If left untreated, it may even spread in other areas of your body. This one is serious compared to what have mentioned above.
Sexually Transmitted Infection or STI – Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and genital warts have one thing in common: vaginal itching. This condition needs medical help. Pay attention to other symptoms like smelly discharge or bleeding after sex to determine if itchy vagina before period could be STI.
Other Causes – Aside from these six common causes, other causes include parasitic infection or a precancerous skin condition in your vulva tissues.
Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching
With these culprits in mind, can you do something about it? The answer is yes and the part will tell you how.
Firstly, there are tons of creams and ointments available to help you address the itch before you get your period. Nonetheless, it won’t hurt if you consider home remedies first.
Below are some of the remedies you can try at home:
Always keep your vaginal area clean. Proper cleansing is crucial to prevent not just itch but also the buildup of dirt and bacteria in your area down there. Make sure to take a bath every day to get rid of possible irritants and allergens that could contribute to itching.
Go for the right hygienic products. Avoid anything scented since this could trigger irritation or infection; hence vaginal itch.
Use undergarments made from cotton material. Anything made of synthetic fabric materials could irritate your skin and cause you to itch. As much as possible, use undergarments, especially panty and pantyhose made from cotton material. The same goes for other things you often use such as bed sheets and towels.
Consider “icing” the area. Ice can be a soothing way to relieve yourself from itchy vagina before period. Place an ice pack in a clean cloth and apply it on the lips of your vagina. Let it stay for an hour or until the ice has melted.
Keep your vagina dry at all times. The vaginal wall is among the most sensitive tissues in your body. This means any changes in the environment, including water content could lead to itch and vaginal dryness.
Eat the right foods at all times. What you eat plays a crucial role in your vaginal health. Make sure you include probiotic yogurt in your diet to fill your body with good bacteria. Drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day also helps to flush the irritants that may cause vaginal itchiness.
Don’t underestimate the power of soothing products. Talcum powder, yogurt, and apple cider are among the soothing products you can use on your vaginal area to soothe the itching. You can sprinkle talcum powder on your genitals or wash your genital area with half-cup each of water and apple cider.
Abstain from sex – for now. Itchy vagina can indicate two things: a simple hormonal problem or a sign of something serious. If you are unsure, you might want to abstain from any sexual contact until you are cleared. Vaginal itchiness, especially the severe one, can be a sign of infection. Consequently, the friction in the area could make your condition worse, which is why you need to follow the home remedies above when you have itchy vagina before period.
Don’t forget to maintain bacterial balance. Not all bacteria are bad. In fact, there are certain bacteria in your vaginal area that needs to be present to keep it healthy. To maintain the right balance, eat yogurt, preferably the unflavored ones, with live culture since it helps in maintaining the right bacterial balance.
When to See a Doctor
An itchy vagina will usually go away and there is nothing to worry about, especially when your period came. In case you notice the following, make sure you consult your doctor immediately:
Continuous vaginal itching
Vaginal discharge in brown or reddish brown color
Swelling
Pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal area
Blisters in your vulva or vagina
Frequent urination or burning sensation when urinating
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Your sexual partner experiences burning sensation or itching when urinating, which is often a sign of sexually transmitted infection
These symptoms, together with itchy vagina, may indicate a more serious condition such as sexually transmitted infection. It is best to seek medical help immediately to address the problem and prevent the spreading of possible infection. Don’t worry and don’t feel embarrassed. This condition can be treated and don’t wait for it to get worse.
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