Burning sensation in vagina: 7 causes and how to treat them - Insider
- A burning feeling in your vagina can be a symptom of STIs like trichomoniasis or chlamydia.
- Bacterial vaginosis can also cause burning along with itching and a fishy odor.
- Allergies to condoms, lubricants, and soaps can also cause burning.
If you have a burning feeling in your vagina, this is a sign that something's wrong. Burning in the vagina or vulva is a common symptom — it can indicate many different issues, like a yeast infection, an allergy, or a symptom of menopause.
Here are six reasons why your vagina might be burning and when you should see a doctor.
1. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that's caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite.
It can cause a burning feeling in your vagina because trichomonas triggers inflammation and swelling, says Dr. Christine Greves, an OB-GYN at Winnie Palmer Hospital.
You might feel this irritation in your urethra when you pee, or inside your vagina during sex.
Along with a burning feeling, some of the common symptoms of trichomoniasis include:
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge
- Red, itchy vulva or vagina
- Pain in the lower belly
How to treat it: If you think you may have trichomoniasis, you should see your primary care doctor or gynecologist as soon as possible for treatment. They will likely prescribe an antibiotic like metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax).
2. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an STI that occurs when you're exposed to the chlamydia bacteria.
Chlamydia may cause inflammation and swelling in your vulva or vagina, leading to pain and possibly a burning feeling during sex.
This swelling can also affect your urinary tract, causing a burning feeling when you pee.
Some of the other common symptoms of chlamydia are:
- Bleeding in between periods
- White, yellow, or gray discharge
- Belly pain
- Needing to pee more often
However, it's important to note that chlamydia often won't cause any symptoms at all, so it's best to get tested regularly for STIs.
Dr. Hoosna Haque, an OB-GYN and professor at Columbia University, recommends that you should be tested for STIs once a year if you:
- Are sexually active and under the age of 25
- Have unprotected sex with a new partner
- Have multiple sexual partners
How to treat it: Your doctor or gynecologist can test you for chlamydia and prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection.
3. Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis happens when you have an overgrowth of certain bacteria in your vagina.
When this happens, it "can upset the balance between 'good' and 'bad' bacteria," Haque says.
This imbalance can cause symptoms like:
You may feel burning or itching at the opening of your vagina when the discharge comes out, Haque says.
In some cases, you might also have a burning feeling when you pee.
How to treat it: About one third of BV cases go away on their own. If needed, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin to treat the infection.
4. Yeast infection
"A yeast infection happens when there is an overgrowth of certain strains of yeast causing inflammation and itching," Haque says.
This inflammation can trigger pain in your vulva and vagina — this may feel like tenderness or may cause a burning feeling.
Yeast infections can also cause symptoms like:
- Redness or swelling of the genital skin
- Thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese
- Pain during sex
How to treat it: You can often treat a yeast infection at home using over-the-counter remedies like antifungal creams. But if the infection doesn't clear up in a few days, or comes back, it's best to see your doctor for further treatment.
5. Menopause
"During menopause there is a decrease in the amount of estrogen in the vagina which leads to thinning of the lining of the vagina," Haque says.
This thinning can trigger itching and a burning feeling inside your vagina. The burning may be especially strong during sex or while you pee.
Menopause can also cause symptoms like:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping
How to treat it: Menopause is a normal process, but you can take some steps to relieve the symptoms.
For example, if your vagina is feeling dry and irritated, you can try using moisturizer on the area — Haque recommends a natural product like coconut oil. "Similar to when your hands may be dry in the winter, putting lotion on provides moisture and reduces burning," Greves says.
It's also helpful to use a vaginal lubricant during sex, Haque says.
If you're still having symptoms, your doctor can offer treatment for menopause symptoms with methods like hormone therapy or vaginal estrogen creams.
6. Urinary tract infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter and infect your urinary tract.
When this happens, the lining of your urinary tract becomes irritated, causing a burning feeling. The burning is especially strong when you pee and can be incredibly painful.
UTIs can also cause symptoms like:
- Feeling a strong urge to pee
- Peeing more often, often very small amounts
- Cloudy or pink-colored urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Lower belly pain or pressure
How to treat it: In some cases, you may be able to treat a UTI at home using methods like drinking a lot of water or taking cranberry supplements.
But if your symptoms don't go away after a few days or get worse, you should see your doctor as soon as possible — they can offer effective treatments like antibiotics.
7. Certain allergies
"The vagina is porous and absorbs easily, so if something is introduced that could be irritating, the vagina responds," Greves says.
This allergic reaction, called vulvovaginitis, happens when your immune system reacts to substances like:
- Spermicide
- Latex condoms
- Scented products like soaps
- Some lubricants
Vulvovaginitis can cause inflammation and irritation in your vulva or vagina, triggering a painful, burning feeling.
It can also cause symptoms like:
- Redness and swelling in the vulva or vagina
- Itching in the vulva or vagina,
- Blisters that may ooze and become crusty
- More than usual vaginal discharge
How to treat it: If you have an allergic reaction, the most important thing is to stop using any new products and avoid anything that might irritate your vulva.
"Avoid local irritants by washing the area with plain water, using a mild detergent without fabric softeners, and wearing loose clothing and cotton underwear," Haque says.
If your symptoms aren't going away or get worse, see your doctor. They can help identify what caused the reaction and prescribe hydrocortisone cream to help reduce your symptoms.
When you should see a doctor
Leaving an infection untreated can lead to serious complications, like organ damage or premature birth — so when in doubt, it's best to see your doctor.
Haque says that, in particular, you should see a doctor if:
- You've never had the symptoms before.
- You're not sure what's causing the symptoms.
- Your symptoms don't get better with an over-the-counter treatment.
- Your symptoms come back or you have more than two episodes in one year.
- You're pregnant.
- Your symptoms come with pelvic pain and/or fever.
Insider's takeaway
If you have a burning feeling in your vagina, something's not right — you might have an STI, a yeast infection, or an allergic reaction.
If your symptoms are familiar to you, like those of a yeast infection, you can try an over the counter remedy before getting medical attention.
However, "you should see your doctor if you notice something different or have any concerns, especially if you have a new sex partner," Greves says.
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