A yeast an infection and interval double whammy is likely one of the rudest issues that may occur to an individual. Not solely are you doubtlessly coping with cramps and all the opposite pretty signs which may often come along with your menstrual cycle, but in addition the added bonus of discomfort and irritation. Not enjoyable in any respect.

Fortunately, your interval shouldn’t make it any more durable to deal with and clear up a yeast an infection. You simply want to herald some assist in the type of an ob-gyn, and you have to be again to regular quickly sufficient. Right here’s what to do in case you suspect you’re contending with each of those pretty experiences on the identical time.

Whether or not you might have your interval or not, there are some frequent causes for yeast infections to pay attention to.

The perpetrator behind your yeast an infection is a fungus referred to as Candida albicans. It happens naturally within the physique, together with within the vagina. Normally, a micro organism referred to as Lactobacillus stops this fungus from inflicting you grief. Sometimes, although, it might probably unfold to the extent that it results in a yeast an infection, which regularly comes with signs like itching, irritation, and a chunky, white discharge.

There are many causes that this overgrowth can occur: Possibly you’re taking antibiotics that throw off your vaginal flora, your hormones are fluctuating, you might have a well being situation like diabetes, or some facet of your way of life angered the vaginal gods—e.g., you used a fragranced product to scrub your vagina, otherwise you wore your exercise garments for too lengthy after leaving the health club, as SELF beforehand reported. In any case, relaxation assured that yeast infections are extremely frequent: Based on the Workplace on Ladies’s Well being, most ladies with vaginas will get at the least one in some unspecified time in the future of their life.

Having your interval can really make it simpler for a yeast an infection to develop.

The double whammy impact typically occurs as a result of hormones, vaginal pH, and micro organism ranges can all fluctuate within the lead-up to your interval, which makes it simpler for yeast to flourish, H. Frank Andersen, MD, a scientific training director and ob-gyn within the Division of Medical Training and Scientific Sciences at Washington State College, tells SELF.

Ramped-up estrogen ranges within the days main as much as your interval might predispose you to this hellish combo. An uptick in estrogen is a danger issue for yeast infections as a result of it contributes to a extra acidic vaginal pH, making it simpler for yeast to overgrow to the purpose of an infection. Even in case you’re on a mixed hormonal contraceptive that suppresses hormonal fluctuations, the estrogen in your contraception can increase your odds of a yeast an infection. There’s additionally analysis to point that ranges of Lactobacillus drop when you might have your interval, which spurs your vaginal pH to grow to be extra acidic, too.

Dr. Andersen factors out that there’s no purpose to suppose your interval will make yeast an infection signs any worse or trigger it to last more. With care and time, your interval yeast an infection will clear up the identical manner every other one would, Taraneh Shirazian, MD, a gynecologist and assistant professor within the Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone Well being, tells SELF. (At the very least there’s that, proper?)

Sure, you possibly can deal with a yeast an infection when you have your interval—right here’s how.

Yeast infections will be difficult to self-diagnose, so earlier than we dive into options, let’s be certain that that is really the issue you’re coping with. As an alternative of racing to the pharmacy and attempting to deal with the an infection at residence, go to an ob-gyn first to substantiate that you just do, the truth is, have a yeast an infection, slightly than bacterial vaginosis (BV), a UTI, or another challenge with related signs. If needed, a doc can carry out exams to substantiate what’s occurring, which is vital, as a result of in case you attempt to deal with the mistaken challenge, the one which’s really plaguing you possibly can proceed to hassle you unchecked.