What should I do if I experience severe itching in the genital area during menstruation?

Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon in women. However, some women experience itching or a burning sensation in the genital area during their periods—sometimes severe enough to interfere with daily life. So, what should one do if the genital area becomes especially itchy during menstruation?

What to Do If the Genital Area Becomes Especially Itchy During Menstruation

Itching of the external genitalia during menstruation may be due to an allergic reaction to sanitary pads or to vulvitis. During menstruation, the body’s immune resistance decreases, and menstrual blood may further irritate the skin, leading to itching. To alleviate symptoms, the external genitalia can be gently cleansed with warm saline solution, or herbal fumigation and washing may be used.

If vaginal discharge appears discolored or has an unusual odor, vaginitis should be suspected—such as bacterial vaginosis, candidal (yeast) vaginitis, or trichomonal vaginitis. After menstruation ends, a routine gynecological examination—including microscopic examination of vaginal secretions—can be performed at a hospital. For bacterial vaginosis or trichomonal vaginitis, metronidazole vaginal suppositories and oral tinidazole are typically prescribed for anti-inflammatory treatment. For candidal vaginitis, nitrofurantoin-nystatin vaginal capsules are used, along with oral antifungal agents such as itraconazole or fluconazole.

During treatment, maintain good hygiene practices: wash the external genitalia with warm water before bedtime, keep the vaginal area dry, and abstain from sexual intercourse until full recovery is achieved. We hope this information proves helpful!