The vulva is very sensitive, and irritation can lead to a burning sensation. Many common products irritate the area, including soaps and detergents, fragranced shampoos or bubble baths, pantyhose, tight clothes that restrict air flow, and certain medications.
If you are experiencing burning that doesn’t go away, see a doctor for an evaluation. Some issues like trichomoniasis or chlamydia can cause serious complications if left untreated.
Vaginitis
Many women experience a burning sensation in their vagina at some point. Itching and discharge may also occur, though the symptoms aren’t always a cause for concern. However, when itching and burning persist, it’s important to see a health care professional to determine what is causing them.
A common reason for vaginal itching and irritation is an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections or trichomoniasis. Symptoms of these conditions can include itching, fishy or cottage cheese-like odor, thickened, clumpy or foul-smelling discharge, painful urination and burning during sexual intercourse.
Yeast infections, which are the second most common cause of vaginal itching and irritation, result from overgrowth of a type of fungus called candida. Candida normally lives in the vagina, as well as the mouth and digestive tract of all people. When an overgrowth occurs, it leads to annoying symptoms like itchiness and vaginal discharge. Yeast infections are usually easy to treat and go away on their own, but most women with this condition need to seek prescription treatment from a gynecologist for effective relief.
To reduce the risk of a yeast infection, wash your vulva with a mild soap and water daily. Avoid irritants, such as scented tampons, pads or douches. Wipe from front to back after urination and after using the toilet to prevent spreading fecal bacteria to the vagina.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
If the burning is accompanied by itching, a loss of libido or pain when you pee, you may have a urinary tract infection. These infections (also known as UTIs) are common, and are not usually a cause for concern unless they persist for more than a few days. They can be treated with antibiotics.
The bacteria that cause UTIs get into the bladder or urinary tract from outside the body (the opening of a man’s urethra at the penis or the opening of a woman’s vulva). Sometimes these bacteria travel up the urethra to the vagina and infect it. You can help prevent these infections by drinking lots of fluids, emptying your bladder as soon as you feel the urge to go and wiping from front to back. It is also important to use a clean tampon or pad each time you change it, and to avoid perfumed products in the area.
Sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, herpes and HPV can also make your vagina feel hot. They can also be spread through unprotected sex, and you should practise good hygienic practices to minimise the risk of getting them. These include wearing cotton underwear, changing tampons and pads regularly, wiping from front to back, and not using douches, sprays or feminine hygiene products that contain chemicals or fragrances.
Menopause
The menopause phase is a major life event for women. It can cause many different changes, including hot flashes and vaginal issues. A burning feeling in the vulva can be caused by an infection or even as a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease, like trichomoniasis or chlamydia. It can also be a sign of allergic reactions to certain products, like condoms, soaps, and lubricants.
The low estrogen levels that occur during menopause can lead to thinning, drier vaginal tissues. This can make penetration and intercourse painful. It can also make some women lose interest in sex, and this is why it is important to use a lubricant during sex.
Women who are going through or close to the menopause stage should talk to their doctor about their symptoms, especially if they are having problems during sex. The doctor can help with treatment, lubrication and other solutions.
Pain during sex can be frustrating and embarrassing. But remember that it is a very common problem, and you are not alone. There are many things that can cause it, and it is usually easy to treat. The most important thing is to see a nurse or doctor about the issue and get it treated. They can give you over-the-counter medications or recommend hormone therapy if needed. If you are worried, ask your doctor about using over-the-counter lubrication or moisturizers.
Allergies
Allergies cause the immune system to overreact and attack substances that are normally harmless, like pollen or certain foods. These symptoms can affect the skin, airways and mucous membranes. In some cases, allergic reactions can also affect the vulva and the external genitalia. Symptoms of allergies in these areas can include itching, pain and sometimes discharge.
The most common causes of itching and burning in the vulva are infections, irritants, menopause and skin conditions. In most cases, these symptoms are short-lived and improve once the underlying condition is treated. However, some of these symptoms can have long-term complications if left untreated. It is important to see a nurse or doctor to diagnose the cause of these symptoms and prescribe the appropriate medication.
A burning feeling in the vulva can indicate many different problems, from a yeast infection to an STD. If you have a burning sensation in your vulva along with pain and a discharge that looks and smells different than normal vaginal discharge, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
