Why does my vagina itch before my period?

Doctor's Answers 1

Hi, the 2 main causes of itching around your vagina, especially before your period are:

1. Infections, such as a yeast infection. Other STDs can also cause itching, and are usually accompanied by discharge.

2. Hormonal changes around your period - A decrease of oestrogen levels at the start of your period can also cause itching due to changes around your vaginal area.

If you noticed an accompanying white discharge with the vaginal itch, then this could be due to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.

Treatment for a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis are not the same, hence I'd encourage you to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.

Don't worry about being embarrassed at all - itching at the vaginal area is an extremely common complaint that doctors see daily, so there's nothing to be embarrassed about.

Similar Questions

Is a smelly white discharge after my periods a sign of an STI or fungal infection?

The best advice I can give is actually to go for a check. There are reliable tests to check for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other possible STIs. While a white discharge is often associated with a fungal/ yeast infection, which sometimes flare up with the menses, there can be a concurrent bacterial infection which may or may not be sexually transmitted. Some of these STIs in women can be silent, yet can have important sequelae.

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Answered By

Human

How can I prevent recurring yeast infections?

Hi! I suggest to have it fully evaluated by seeing a gyne, and doing some swabs. This is to confirm if it truly is a yeast infection. Quite a number of women mistake normal discharge for yeast infection. It is usual for discharge to be thicker and more opaque before the period. A true clinically significant yeast infection will have a lot of curd-like lumpy white/yellow discharge and a VERY irritated red and sore vagina/vulva. True recurrent yeast infections can be managed with regular suppressive antifungal treatment, probiotics and correction of any underlying predisposing factors.

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Answered By

Dr Jasmine Mohd

Gynaecologist

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