Vaginal Itching, a sensation that can turn even the most confident individuals into frantic scratchers.
It's a curious dance of discomfort and unease that leaves us scratching our heads (and other places) in search of relief.
It's like having a tiny orchestra of ants staging a performance in your garden, complete with an itch that just won't quit! This is when the unease, strange wriggling, and hushed worries of "Is this normal?!" start.
Yes! It is absolutely normal. In this blog, we will discuss all your queries that pop into your head when vaginal itching creeps in before periods. So, stay tuned to ease the discomfort.
Table of contents:
- Understanding Vaginal Itching Before Period
- Effective Remedies for Vaginal Itching Before Period
- Avoiding Vaginal Itching with Qnix Period Underwear
Understanding Vaginal Itching Before Period
Pre-menstrual vaginal itching can be read as your body's attempt to communicate, "Hey, I'm getting ready for the monthly show, but let's add a little extra drama." Your body may go through changes as your hormones perform their monthly dance, which can cause irritation and itching below.
What Causes Vaginal Itching Before Period?
It is common to feel itchy right before, during, or right after your period. This itching could be felt on the vulva, pubic region, and vagina. This problem could be caused by several different things.
1. Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)
A yeast infection, usually brought on by an overabundance of the fungus Candida albicans in the vagina, is one of the most frequent causes of vaginal itching. In addition to itching, symptoms could include redness and swelling of the vulva as well as thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge.
2. Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. This imbalance can cause symptoms like irritation, itching, and a thin, fishy-smelling discharge.
3. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Vaginal itching can be a symptom of a number of STIs, including herpes and genital warts. Other symptoms that may accompany STIs include abnormal discharge, pain during sex or urination, and genital lesions or sores.
4. Irritants
Vaginal itching and irritation can be brought on by coming into contact with irritants like scented detergents, bubble baths, douches, perfumed soaps, and some fabrics (like synthetic underwear). These substances can cause allergic reactions that worsen symptoms.
5. Hormonal Changes
Vaginal dryness and itching can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, which are especially common during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and when using hormonal contraceptives.
6. Stress or Psychological Factors
Physical symptoms, such as vaginal itching, can occasionally be the result of stress or psychological factors. Prolonged stress may impair immunity, increasing a person's vulnerability to infections and other vaginal health problems.
Also Read - How to Clean Vulva During Periods [Essential Tips]
Symptoms of Vaginal Itching Before Period
Vaginal irritation before the menstrual cycle is a bizarre blend of discomfort, irritation, and restlessness that can make you do a secret dance in public.
Here are some signs that something is off down there:
- There is a feeling of uneasiness, a recurrent sensation that something isn't quite right down there
- You might also experience redness, itching, burning sensation, swelling, or irritation
- Not to be overlooked is the unusual discharge, which serves as a quiet reminder that your body is preparing for its monthly cycle.
Effective Remedies for Vaginal Itching Before Period
Even though itchy vagina before periods can cause mental anguish, there are ways to calm the itch and bring harmony back.
1. Maintain Proper Hygiene
Keeping your vagina clean and healthy is more than just a good habit.
Imagine that your vagina is like a delicate flower garden full of life and energy. But even the most colourful garden can become overrun by weeds and pests if it isn't given the necessary care and attention.
Similar to this, poor hygiene habits can upset your vaginal health, a delicate bacterial and moisture balance, which can cause irritation, infection, and, yes—that dreaded vaginal itching.
Genital Hygiene Practices
- Begin by gently washing your intimate areas with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap, paying special attention to the folds and crevices
- Avoid scented products and harsh chemicals that might disturb the delicate balance of your vaginal ecosystem
- Make loose-fitted clothes your style and wear breathable cotton underwear, which lets moisture evaporate and air circulate freely, minimizing irritation and itching
- It is important to always wipe from front to back to stop bacteria from entering the vagina from the anus
Also Read: Leg Pain During Periods: 7 Tips and Tricks for Comfort
2. Practice Safe Sex
Using the "S" word is strictly forbidden in our society, regardless of the potential health risks involved. Instead of using the word "sex," we use a variety of other strange terms to avoid embarrassment.
However, we need to have an honest discussion about it if we want to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that may cause vaginal itching.
‘What is safe sex’?
Engaging in sexual activity that lowers the risk of STIs and unwanted pregnancy is referred to as safe sex. It entails taking protective measures to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and HIV, to oneself and one's partner(s).
How can we practice safe sex?
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Using Condoms: Proper and consistent use of condoms, both male and female, during vaginal, anal, and oral sex can greatly reduce the risk of STI transmission. Condoms act as a barrier, preventing bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, and blood from coming into contact with the partner's mucous membranes.
Regular Testing: Both partners should undergo regular STI testing, especially if they have multiple sexual partners or engage in high-risk sexual behaviours. - Limiting Sexual Partners: Having fewer sexual partners can reduce the risk of exposure to STIs. Maintaining a monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for STIs lowers the risk of vaginal infection.
- Communicating with Partners: Open and honest communication with sexual partners about STI history, testing, and prevention methods is essential. Discussing boundaries, desires, and concerns can help ensure mutually safe and infection-free intercourse.
Also Read: Surviving Painful Periods: Tips for Relief and Comfort
3. Foods that can help you avoid vaginal itching
Food has healing properties and it has the power to fix everything. Here is a list of foods that you need to keep in your kitchen cabinet to fix the itching:
- Yoghurt: Lactobacillus, one of the beneficial bacteria found in yoghurt, may aid in re-establishing the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. To support vaginal health from the inside out, just apply plain, unsweetened yoghurt to the affected area or think about increasing your intake of yoghurt.
- Probiotics: You can maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina by including probiotics in your diet through supplements specially designed for vaginal health or fermented foods like kimchi, idli, dosa, and dhokla.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support immune function and reduce inflammation. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables such as berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, broccoli, and bell peppers in your diet to support overall health and vaginal well-being.
- Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids, which are present in nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, have anti-inflammatory qualities that can help lessen inflammation throughout the body, including the vaginal region.
- Water: Drinking lots of water throughout the day is crucial to preserving the moisture in the vagina and avoiding dryness, which may trigger itching and cause discomfort.
Avoiding Vaginal Itching with Qnix Period Underwear
Are you tired of changing your undies every month because of the discharge and the itching it causes?
If Yes! Then Qnix Period Underwear is your go-to solution.
Its antibacterial properties prevent bacteria from creeping into your undies and prevent the feeling of, ‘Did I get my period?’ And even if you do, Qnix has your back.
Explore our range now!