Why You Should Take Your Red Day Itch Seriously

Vaginal itching or what is medically known as “vaginal pruritus” is a common experience women have during red days. It’s that feeling of discomfort down there that makes even the idea of walking in tight jeans dreadful!

Red day itch or “vaginal pruritus” could even vary in symptoms. It could show up to some women through an intense red day itch, others feel a burning sensation, and other women go as far as feeling both simultaneously. Granted that every uterus is different, women experience stages of their cycles very differently, and that’s okay. Some feel it more a few days before menstruation begins, while others feel it most at the peak of their red days, and some feel the itching through all their red days!

If you’ve felt any or all of these uncomfortable situations feeling down there, don’t worry, you’re not alone in this. There are a handful of things worth knowing so discern whether your red day itch is a mild symptom or is starting to be suggestive of a bigger concern.

Level 1: Red Day Reaction

“I’ve been feeling itchy down there, is this normal?” The short answer: if you’re nearing your red days, YES.

Through your red day cycle, the vagina goes through several phases that contribute to the itch you feel down there. You’ve heard it before and you’ll keep hearing it again — the vagina is made of good and bad bacteria that contribute to the balance of your pH levels. When that balance is tipped over, your vagina experiences different reactions such as itching, burning sensation, a change in discharge, and other probable symptoms. And when you are nearing your red days, your hormones are changing which causes the tipping of your vaginas pH balance. So if you have been feeling itch down there and are expecting your red days, it’s probably the change in your hormones.

If, on the other hand, you’ve been feeling an itch on the first few days of your red days this may probably be caused by the dipping of your estrogen levels. The earlier phase of your cycle or the “follicular phase” is when your uterine lining starts to thicken which then increases the acidity in your vagina and the levels of Oestrogen, which yeasts particularly love. Not to say it will automatically turn into a yeast infection, but it is something you should look out for.

Lastly, if the itch is mostly persistent at the latter part of your red day cycle then it could be the lingering of older blood that has not been discharged. So if the itch is present particularly during red days, it might be one of these. However, if the burning or itchy sensations persist, it’s always best to give your trusted OB-GYNE a call.

Level 2: Skin Irritation

Aside from red day reactions, another reason you may be feeling an itch around your feminine area is because of skin irritation. This usually appears with patchy, red rashes around your vulva. If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to take note of the products you have been using and consider a swap.

Skin irritation could be caused by the wax or shaving cream you use. It could also be triggered by some of your feminine products like your sanitary pads or your tampons. Consider switching to a brand that offers unscented and gentle variants to lessen the irritation of your feminine area.

If you use a menstrual cup, make sure you properly sanitize your cup and your vulva before putting your cup back in. On red days, our vagina becomes more prone to bacteria which may further irritate the vulva and the skin around it. Keep a bottle of GynePro Ultra Protection feminine wash on hand to make sure you can keep the bacteria away throughout the day. GynePro Ultra Protection feminine wash is known to have 2x better bacteria-killing action against selected brands, which will help keep your feminine area protected from further irritants.

Lastly, if you know you have a history of eczema or psoriasis, this could also show up around your feminine area due to allergies. So, back to the products you use especially on red days, be sure to consult your OB-GYNE and ensure that you’re not allergic to any of the materials used in your go-to products.

Level 3: Infections

And while a little bit of itch isn’t too harmful, it should never be taken lightly especially if it persists even after your period. When your itching turns into a burning sensation and then evolves into stinging, this may be your cue to put your OB-GYNE on speed dial and schedule an appointment.

Some red day itch is normal, yes, but they’re also supposed to be mild and may be soothed by some over-the-counter cream, a tampon change, or may go back to normal after your red days. But when your itch comes with a handful of other symptoms, you may be brewing an infection down there.

Yeast Infection

If the itch and stinging sensation you’re feeling days before your period are nowhere near mild, you may want to consult your OB-GYNE. Having a recurring burning sensation down there may be an effect of cyclic vulvovaginitis which is an irritation produced by the candidiasis infection or what is better known as a yeast infection.

Contracting this infection may mean that you have a weak immune system or that there is an imbalance in your hormones. Because your red days are coming, your acidity and estrogen levels are going up, which invites yeast into your vagina.

Usually, yeast infections come with swelling and redness of the vagina, white or gray-ish discharge, and discomfort when you pee.

While this infection should be taken seriously, you also need not panic as this is typically treated with some antifungal medication. So with the right attention and medication, you’ll be alright!

Bacterial Vaginosis

Another common infection you may want to be on the lookout for is BV or “Bacterial Vaginosis.” This is when there is an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria in your vagina, and your “good” bacteria is too overwhelmed to fight it. This usually comes with discomfort when you pee, a fishy odor down there, and a foamy or watery vaginal discharge. If you feel any of these symptoms, call your OB-GYNE and get it addressed immediately. As with any overgrowth in bacteria in any part of your body, this is usually solved with doctor-prescribed antibiotics.

The Point Is!

Yes, red day itch may be normal because of the change in our hormones, but it is not to be taken lightly. Neither is it a good idea to self-diagnose which is why if you have any doubts or questions about the discomfort you feel during red days, call your OB-GYNE!

Better yet, prevent irritations on red days by keeping your feminine area clean and healthy. You can do that by practicing the following tips:

• DO NOT DOUCHE
• Wear cotton underwear on red days
• Use unscented pads or tampons
• Replace your pads or tampons regularly
• Sanitize your menstrual cup before using it
• Wash your feminine area 2x/day on red days with GynePro Ultra Protection feminine wash

The next time you feel that red day itch, observe if any other symptoms come with it. While we know the red day itch is very hard to ignore, with your OB-GYNEs help, there’s a solution for it! Before the red day itch pops back up on your next cycle, be sure to keep your feminine area clean and protected by washing it with a palmful (5mL) of GynePro Ultra Protection feminine wash Ultra Protect 2x/day on red days!

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Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-health/reasons-vaginal-itch-happens-when-you-dont-have-a-yeast-infection

https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/vaginal-itching-burning-irritation#1

https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-itching

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/itchy-vagina-during-period

https://www.healthline.com/health/itchy-vagina-during-period#takeaway

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19948602/vaginal-itching-on-period/

https://store.lunette.com/blogs/news/why-does-my-vagina-itch-days-before-my-period

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a15048517/how-period-affects-vagina/

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