Itchy Vagina During Period: Causes And How To Get Relief

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat can cause vaginal itching during a period?

Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — Written by Danielle Dresden — Updated on February 14, 2024

Common causes
Other causes
Home remedies
Treatments
Seeing a doctor
Summary

Sometimes, a person may experience an itchy vagina during their period. Hormonal changes or allergies may be why.

Vaginal itching during a menstrual period can occur from normal hormonal changes during menstruation. It may also signal a sensitivity or allergy to pads, tampons, or other products a person may use.

This article outlines some potential causes of vaginal itching during a period and at other stages of the menstrual cycle. It also covers some home remedies and treatments for vaginal itching and provides information about when to talk with a doctor.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

Causes of itching during a period

People passing a pad through a bathroom door — Lucy Lambriex/Getty Images

Two causes of vaginal itching during a period are hormonal changes and sensitivities or allergies to period products, such as tampons.

Hormonal changes

The vagina contains a delicate balance of bacteria and yeasts. Changes in hormones can lead to changes in the relative levels of these microorganisms in the vagina. This can lead to vaginal itching.

Hormonal changes can occur due to several reasons, including:

menstruation
pregnancy
menopause

Sensitivities and allergies

Vaginal itching can occur from sensitivities or allergies to products that come into contact with the skin around the vagina.

Some period products that could cause vaginal itching during a period include:

sanitary pads
tampons

Other products that could cause vaginal itching more generally include:

soaps and deodorizing sprays
underwear made from synthetic fibers
underwear washed in harsh laundry detergents or fabric softeners
lubricants
latex condoms
spermicides

Vaginal itching may become worse with repeated exposure to a product that causes sensitivity or irritation.

Other causes of vaginal itching

The following conditions can cause vaginal itching at any stage of the menstrual cycle.

Vaginal yeast infections

A vaginal yeast infection is a type of fungal infection from the yeast Candida. This yeast usually lives harmlessly inside the vagina.

However, certain factors can cause the yeast to multiply excessively. These factors include:

pregnancy
unmanaged diabetes
certain medications

A vaginal yeast infection may cause the following symptoms:

itching and irritation around the vagina
soreness or stinging during urination or sexual intercourse
white vaginal discharge that has the consistency of cottage cheese

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that occurs when there is an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms include vaginal itching and gray or white vaginal discharge that has a fishy odor.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection among females ages 14–49 years. According to the Office on Women’s Health, it is twice as common among African American females than it is among white females.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is the result of the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Experts estimate trichomoniasis accounts for around 15–20% of vaginitis cases. “Vaginitis” is the medical term for inflammation and irritation of the vagina.

Around 70% of people who have trichomoniasis do not experience any symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they may include:

genital itching, burning, or soreness
redness or other discoloration around the genitals
discomfort when urinating
an increased volume of vaginal discharge
vaginal discharge that has a fishy odor

Dermatitis

“Dermatitis” is the medical term for a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation.

A 2014 review notes that around half of all cases of chronic vulvovaginal itching are due to allergic or irritant contact dermatitis. These types of dermatitis can occur due to poor hygiene or exposure to harsh chemicals and other irritants.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to divide and multiply at a rapid rate. These cells then build up on the skin, resulting in patches of irritation.

Psoriasis can develop anywhere on the body, including on the vulva and inside the vagina. Two main types of psoriasis can affect the genitals: plaque psoriasis and inverted psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis involves red, purple, discolored, and crusty or flaky skin covered with silvery scales. The patches can be itchy or sore.

Inverse psoriasis typically develops in the folds of the skin. The affected skin may appear red or discolored, smooth, and tight.

Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy white patches on the genitals or anus. It can affect people of all ages. It is most common among females between 40 and 60 years old.

The exact cause of lichen sclerosis is unknown. Topical steroid creams can usually help alleviate itching and other symptoms.

Lichen planus

Lichen planus is an autoimmune condition in which inflammatory cells attack a protein within the skin and mucous membranes. The condition affects moist areas of the body, such as the:

mouth
vagina
area around the vulva

People with lichen planus of the vulva may experience the following symptoms:

an itchy rash
a pattern of lacy white streaks
painful and persistent ulcers
scarring
yellow or blood-stained vaginal discharge
painful intercourse

Atrophic vulvovaginitis

Atrophic vulvovaginitis is a condition in which the vaginal tissues become dry, tender, and easily inflamed. The condition develops as a result of low estrogen levels. It is common among postmenopausal females.

Some potential symptoms of atrophic vulvovaginitis include:

vulvar or vaginal itching
vulvar or vaginal dryness
vaginal burning
spotting
pain during sex
skin splitting at the entrance of the vagina

Cancer

Vaginal itching can also be a symptom of the following gynecologic cancers:

vaginal cancer
vulvar cancer
cervical cancer

If cancer is the cause of vaginal itching, the itch is unlikely to go away after a person’s period has ended.

Medications

In some cases, extensive use of the following medications can also lead to vaginal itching:

antibiotics
steroids
immunosuppressive drugs

Home remedies for vaginal itching

Certain home remedies can help treat and prevent vaginal itching. These remedies aim to:

limit sources of irritation
reduce excess moisture and associated fungal growth
maintain an optimal balance of microorganisms inside the vagina

Some specific home remedies include:

not douching, as douching can cause an imbalance in the amount of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the vagina
taking probiotic supplements to help restore levels of “good” bacteria in the vagina
wearing cotton underwear, which is less likely to trap moisture against the skin
not using soaps that contain perfumes and other irritants
using fragrance-free laundry detergent and avoiding the use of fabric softeners
bathing in warm water, as opposed to hot water, to avoid irritating the sensitive skin around the vagina
soaking in a lukewarm bath with 4–5 tablespoons of baking soda to help soothe vaginal itching

Treatments for vaginal itching

The treatment options for vaginal itching during a period depend largely on what is causing the itching.

Some potential treatment options include:

antibiotics for itching caused by bacterial vaginosis or other bacterial infections
antifungal creams and pessaries for yeast infections
topical steroids for irritant dermatitis
topical estrogen for atrophic vulvovaginitis
antihistamines for contact dermatitis and psoriasis

When to see a doctor

Often, vaginal itching during a period clears up on its own within a few days. If there is no improvement after a couple of weeks, a person may wish to talk with a doctor.

A person should also talk with a doctor if they have any of the following:

repeated bouts of vaginal itching
vaginal discharge that has a foul smell or an unusual color or consistency
sores or inflamed skin around the vagina or vulva
a preexisting health condition, such as diabetes

People who are pregnant should see their doctor about vaginal itching or any other vaginal symptoms that they experience during pregnancy.

Summary

Experiencing vaginal itching during a period is common.

This symptom may be linked to normal hormonal changes that occur during menstruation. It may also signal a sensitivity or allergy to certain products a person uses during their period.

Some other causes of vaginal itching include imbalances of bacteria and yeasts inside the vagina, certain skin conditions, and some medications.

Vaginal itching during a period tends to go away on its own within a few days. However, if the itching persists, it may be best to talk with a doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Dermatology
Women's Health / Gynecology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Bacterial vaginosis. (2022).https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis
Chen J, et al. (2023). Lichen planus.https://dermnetnz.org/topics/lichen-planus
Chen Y, et al. (2017). Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7789027/
Flores SA, et al. (2022). Atrophic vaginitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564341/
Genital psoriasis. (2024).https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/specific-locations/genitals
Gynecolocic cancers. (2023).https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/index.htm
Itching. (2021).https://medlineplus.gov/itching.html
Kairys N, et al. (2023). Bacterial vaginosis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459216/
Lambert J. (2014). Pruritus in female patients.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3966341/
Lichen sclerosus. (2023).https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/lichen-sclerosus/
Psoriasis: Overview. (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/
Trichomoniasis – CDC basic fact sheet. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm
Vaginal candidiasis. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/genital/

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Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — Written by Danielle Dresden — Updated on February 14, 2024

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Tag » Why Does It Burn When I M On My Period

Itchy Vagina During Period: Causes And How To Get Relief

A note about sex and gender

Causes of itching during a period

Hormonal changes

Sensitivities and allergies

Other causes of vaginal itching

Vaginal yeast infections

Bacterial vaginosis

Trichomoniasis

Dermatitis

Psoriasis

Lichen sclerosus

Lichen planus

Atrophic vulvovaginitis

Cancer

Medications

Home remedies for vaginal itching

Treatments for vaginal itching

When to see a doctor

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

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