Is It Normal to Have A Burning Sensation And Itching During Periods?

Menstruation is a challenging time for women. Many women face different types of difficulties and symptoms during or before their periods, like cramps, mood swings, back pain, and a lot more. Some women have a burning sensation during their periods or even itching. This issue is not commonly discussed, leaving many women wondering if it is normal or a potential warning sign from the body

If you are worried about your menstrual health and the burning sensation on your period, you are at the right place. In this blog, we will discuss all the causes, when to seek professional help, and how to take care of your menstrual health.

Let's Understand The Reasons Behind Period Burns And How Proper Hygiene Can Make A Difference:

The menstrual cycle has various effects on the body, like cramps, bloating, exhaustion, fatigue, burning sensations, and itching. However, burning and itching are generally less discussed topics. They can happen for a few reasons, but they can be uncomfortable. However, they are only sometimes alarming.

Therefore, understanding the causes is essential in identifying whether your experience is expected or needs immediate attention. It would help if you took the menstrual health and menstrual hygiene initiative seriously by better understanding your menstrual cycle, symptoms, and experiences. You must monitor yourself while you are on your period to take care of your overall menstrual health. 

Raising Awareness And Supporting Menstrual Health And Menstrual Hygiene Initiatives:

Raising awareness about menstrual health and menstrual hygiene is essential for encouraging women to maintain good hygiene practices during their periods. The knowledge about proper hygiene, along with access to safe and effective menstrual products, can make a significant difference in a woman’s quality of life during menstruation.

There are many organizations and menstrual health and menstrual hygiene initiatives structured and designed to make period products safe and accessible, especially for women in underprivileged communities. Many women today barely use pads, tampons, or other menstrual products, which increases the chances of gynecological issues in young females. Therefore, creating awareness and putting forward the correct information about menstrual hygiene is genuinely essential. 

Several Factors Can Lead to A Burning Sensation over A Period, Ranging from Mild to More Severe Concerns. Here Are Some of The Most Common

1. Menstrual Hygiene Products And Allergies:

   A lot of women might have sensitivities or allergies to certain materials in the pads or the tampons, especially those with synthetic fibers and fragrances. This can cause irritation and burning sensations during menstruation. Such causes can trigger reactions often in the form of itchiness, redness, or burning around the vaginal area.

2. Hormonal Changes During Periods: 

   If you are experiencing a burning period, it might also be because of the hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that play an essential role in your periods. A decrease in estrogen can lead to dryness in your vagina, which can cause irritation, itchiness, and period burns during menstruation.

3. Vaginal PH Imbalance And Infections: 

   The menstrual blood creates a slight imbalance in the pH of the vagina, which leads to itchiness and irritation. This also makes a perfect environment for yeasts to grow. Therefore, you might experience period burns due to yeast infections. Additionally, BV or Bacterial Vaginosis occurs due to an imbalance in the vaginal bacteria. It can cause itching, burning, and an unusual discharge. BV symptoms can worsen during your period due to blood pH changes.

4. Lack of Airflow And Sweat:

   During menstruation, wearing pads and tight-fitted underwear can increase moisture around the vaginal area. This moisture, combined with sweat, can create an environment for bacteria to grow. When bacteria mix with sweat, it might lead to skin irritation, rashes, or a burning feeling. However, choosing breathable cotton underwear and changing pads at regular intervals can help in reducing the discomfort. Additionally, if you wear synthetic underwear, it might trap the heat and moisture, increasing the risk of period burns.

Here Are A Few Tips to Avoid Burning Sensation And Itching During Periods:

Proper menstrual hygiene is the first step toward avoiding discomfort. Implementing some of the following practices can help reduce irritation and support your menstrual health:

1. Use Hypoallergenic Products

• Choose menstrual products labeled "hypoallergenic" and avoid those with fragrances. Organic cotton pads and tampons are typically free of synthetic fibers and chemicals that could irritate.

2.  Maintain good hygiene

• Change your pads or tampons every 4-6 hours, even if the flow is light. This will reduce the buildup of bacteria that could contribute to itching or a burning sensation.
• Menstrual cups should also be cleaned regularly and changed as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

3.  Wear breathable clothing

• You must opt for cotton underwear and loose clothing, especially during your period. This will allow better airflow and reduce the buildup of moisture, which can lead to bacterial growth and, consequently, burning or itching.

4.  Avoid harsh soaps

• The vagina has a natural cleaning mechanism, so avoid washing your perineal area with soaps, which can disturb the pH balance and lead to infections. Instead, you can rinse it with water to maintain the hygiene.

Let’s Understand When You Should Seek Help from A Healthcare Professional:

If you are regularly experiencing itchiness or burning sensation during your periods, it can cause discomfort. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor. Here are a few signs that you must not ignore:

• Unusual Discharge: 

  If you notice an unusual discharge with a foul odour, this could indicate a bacterial or yeast infection.

• Pain During Urination:

  If the burning sensation is severe and occurs when you urinate, it may indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI).

• Rashes or Blisters: 

  Blisters or rashes in the vaginal area should not be ignored, as they could indicate a skin infection or another underlying issue.

Wrapping Up

A mild burning sensation or itching during menstruation can sometimes be expected due to hormonal changes or increased moisture, but persistent or severe discomfort should never be overlooked. If you understand the potential causes of these sensations, you can take preventive steps to ensure a more comfortable period.

You must make better and informed choices about menstrual products, maintain good hygiene, and wear a breathable fabric during menstruation. Menstrual health and menstrual hygiene should be accessible topics and openly discussed to support women in understanding and managing their period cycles with greater comfort and confidence. 

Ujaas is founded by Advaitesha Birla. Through Ujaas, Advaitesha is committed to bringing about sustainable change by ensuring that girls are equipped with the right knowledge and resources to manage their menstrual health.