A sensation of burning in the vagina is actually more common than we imagine it to be.
Many women are ashamed to talk about it, however, and do not seek the help of a qualified professional to alleviate these symptoms.
Many will appeal to homemade recipes, which end up damaging their intimate health.
Read also:
- What is Squirting? Can every woman have it?
- 11 tips from Sexologists that will Help you Reach Orgasm
But why do we feel a burning sensation in the vagina?
For several reasons, but I will mention the main ones:
1) Dermatitis (eczema)
Sweat and residues of urine and faeces can cause a skin irritation in the vagina, which is often accompanied by a sensation of burning, itching and redness in the area.
During the menstrual period this can get worse due to the use of tampons and pads, which prevent proper ventilation in the vagina.
2) Allergies
Toilet paper (especially the scented kind), soaps, intimate perfumes and even fabric softeners used in underwear can cause allergies and irritation.
3) Vaginal infections (vaginitis or vulvovaginitis) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Caused by bacteria or fungi, vaginal infections and STDs can cause itching in the area and burning when urinating or during sexual intercourse.
Read also: Vaginal odor: 6 tips to keep your vagina healthy
4) Very acidic urine
When you drink little water, the urine becomes very concentrated and irritates the urethra.
If any urine residues remain in the vaginal labia there can be burning.
Pay attention to the color of your urine: the more yellow it is, the less water you are drinking and the more concentrated your urine will be.
5) Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is a sexual dysfunction which prevents women from feeling pleasure during sexual intercourse.
It is characterized by a burning pain on the outside of a woman’s genitals.
In some cases, women will only feel pain during sex.
In other cases, however, they will feel pain even when their underwear touches the area.
This condition should be treated by professionals such as gynecologists and pelvic physical therapists.
6) Vaginismus or dyspareunia
Vaginismus is when there is no possibility of penetration, as if the vagina “closed” itself. It is a spasm – like a contraction of the perineal muscles.
Dyspareunia is the name that we give to pain related to sexual intercourse.
Both are sexual dysfunctions and can cause a burning sensation in the vagina during penetration attempts (with the penis, tampons, fingers, and other objects).
How to prevent vaginal burning
Keep adequate hygiene
The ideal is to shower after evacuating, but in case this is not possible you can use feminine hygiene wipes to clean the area.
Pay attention though: make sure the wipes will not cause you any allergy.
During your period, hygiene must be very thorough and the change of menstrual pads should be regular.
Do not wash the inside of the vagina, only the outside area
Vaginal douches shall not be applied without a doctor’s prescription.
Do not use panty liners
They prevent proper ventilation of the vagina and increase the chances of fungi and bacteria growing in the area.
Avoid synthetic clothing, which does not allow the skin to breathe
Remove sweaty clothes as soon as possible. Keep the genital area dry.
Pay attention to the type of soap that you use to wash your underwear and then line-dry it in the sun.
In case it is not be possible to dry your underwear outdoors, make sure to iron it (according to the type of fabric).
Pee after you have sex
This cleans the urethra and avoids infections (but it does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases, as it does not clean the vagina – only the urethra).
Drink plenty of water, so that your urine is less concentrated and less irritating on the labia.
What should I do when my vagina burns?
Any changes in your vagina should be investigated.
Start by looking for a gynecologist, who will assess clinical conditions such as inflammation, infections and allergies.
Do not try homemade recipes or infusions. They might relieve the symptoms but mask a serious problem, like an infection.
Some homemade recipes can actually irritate the area even more.
Sexual dysfunctions like vulvodynia, dyspareunia and vaginismus can be treated with other professionals, such as pelvic physical therapists and sex therapists.
Pelvic physical therapists will work directly on the perineal and adjacent muscles. Sex therapists, on the other hand, will take care of all the psychological factors that may be causing pain and this burning sensation.
The most important is to seek professional help.
Sources:
- Genital HPV infection – fact sheet [Fact sheet]. (2017).
cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm - What causes vaginitis?
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/vaginitis/conditioninfo/causes - Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Disease-Specific Research
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/std-research - Urinary Tract Infection
https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/uti.html - About Vulvodynia
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/vulvodynia/conditioninfo - Vulvovaginitis and Cervicitis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9781455748013001107 - Allergic vulvovaginitis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11061467/ - Abnormal vaginal microbioma is associated with severity of localized provoked vulvodynia. Role of aerobic vaginitis and Candida in the pathogenesis of vulvodynia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29934834/ - Dyspareunia in Women
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/1001/p465.html
