A burning sensation in the vagina can occur for a number of reasons and vary in quality. So it is not an independent clinical picture, but rather a symptom of a number of possible diseases.
The burning sensation is not always the same and can be accompanied by other symptoms. Different parts of the vagina or the entire vagina can be affected.
The causes of a burning sensation in the vagina are very diverse. Vaginal infections are often the cause of a burning sensation. By far the most common fungal infections of the vagina. The likelihood of experiencing a fungal infection at least once in your life is very high. The unpleasant infection is not dangerous, but causes symptoms such as itching, burning sensation in the vagina or greasy vaginal discharge.
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Here it goes to Treatment of a yeast infection.
A bacterial infection of the vagina called bacterial vaginosis can also cause the vagina to burn. However, the burning sensation is not a mandatory part of a bacterial infection. It is more common in traffic. This is also known as dyspareunia.
Trichomonads transmitted through sexual intercourse also cause a strong vaginal burning sensation. These pathogens cause no symptoms in 80% of cases. However, possible symptoms include itching, a severe burning sensation in the vagina, and a typical, unpleasant-smelling, greenish discharge.
Aside from infectious diseases, other causes are also possible triggers for vaginal burning. Endometriosis can cause burning pain in the vagina. It is the presence of uterine lining in the vagina.
A burning sensation in the vagina can also be an expression of a mental illness, such as depression or anxiety disorder. In this case, it usually manifests itself in traffic.
More information can be found here: Burning sensation during or after intercourse
Different diseases can cause a burning sensation in the vagina. Depending on the underlying disease, there are therefore also different accompanying symptoms. A possible accompanying symptom of burning in the vagina is burning when urinating. This combination of symptoms is typical of a bacterial infection of the vagina, which is also known as bacterial vaginosis.Furthermore, itching, pain during sexual intercourse and a fishy smell of the vagina are added. The fishy smell arises from the fact that various proteins are broken down by bacteria. A thin or foamy, gray-white to yellowish discharge from the vagina is also typical.
Inflammation of the vulva and the vaginal entrance, which are often associated with inflammation of the vagina, also cause similar symptoms. A reddening of the vulva and the labia can also be seen. Swollen lymph nodes can be felt as small painful nodules in the groin area.
See also: Vaginal pain
An infection with the pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis also causes the vagina to burn. Typical accompanying symptoms of this trichomonads infection are itching and reddening of the vulva and vagina. Small blisters can also appear at the beginning of the disease. Very characteristic of the disease is a greenish, foamy discharge that has a very unpleasant odor.
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A fungal infection of the vagina manifests itself as a white, crumbly discharge, as well as severe itching and burning in the vagina. After a few days or weeks without treatment, slight bleeding and cracks in the vaginal lining may occur. They show up as small, punctiform bleeding on the toilet paper.
A burning sensation in the vagina can also hide a more serious infection of the ovaries or uterus. The accompanying symptoms range from nausea, severe abdominal pain and fever to painful urination, diarrhea or even constipation. Intermenstrual bleeding is also possible.
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Itching (go to the main article here Itching in the vagina) is a common symptom of vaginal diseases. It not infrequently occurs in combination with a burning sensation in the vagina and is perceived by those affected as very distressing and uncomfortable. The constant friction in the genital area, be it through movement or tight clothing, often increases the itchiness. Vaginal itching and burning are very common with a fungal infection of the vagina. A crumbly, white discharge is also typical of such a fungal infection of the vagina. An improvement occurs hours after therapy with a fungicidal agent (Antifungal agent) a. Without therapy, the symptoms usually only worsen day by day.
Read more on the topic: What drugs are there for vaginal thrush?
Some vaginal bacterial infections can also cause itching and burning sensation. In this case, however, the itching is far less common than with a fungal infection. Various antibiotics are used to treat bacterial vaginosis.
Vulvitis, on the other hand, is characterized by itching, burning in the vagina, and reddening of the vulva and labia. This inflammation of the vulva and the vaginal entrance is very painful, especially during sexual intercourse. The causes of such vulvitis are very different. If the burning sensation is more in the foreground of the symptoms, infections such as genital herpes or an inflammatory skin disease such as lichen planus are suspected.
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If itching is more superficial, other diseases, such as a fungal infection, allergy, neurodermatitis, pubic lice, scabies or lichen sclerosus come into question. The latter is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by itching, pain and narrowing of the vaginal entrance. The cause of this condition is unclear.
A common cause of easy vaginal bleeding with a burning sensation is a fungal infection of the vagina. Also known as vulvocandidosis, this condition affects most women at least once in their lives. If left untreated, it leads to small tears in the vaginal lining. These small cracks (fissures) cause bleeding. They usually show up as small, drop-shaped bleeding on the toilet paper. Correct intermenstrual bleeding or spotting, however, does not occur with a fungal infection. Spotting combined with a burning sensation in the vagina is found in endometriosis.
The vaginal entrance, which is also known as the introitus in technical terms, can be irritated or inflamed for various reasons. A typical symptom of such irritation is a burning pain. Often times, infection or inflammation is the cause of the burning sensation. If the inflammation is limited to the vulva and the vaginal entrance, it is called vulvitis. It manifests itself as itching and burning pain, which are mainly localized at the vaginal entrance. Pain when urinating, reddening and swelling of the vulva, and swelling of the inguinal lymph nodes are also typical of vulvitis. The burning pain is particularly evident during sexual intercourse.
Non-infectious causes of vulvitis include allergies or diseases such as diabetes, psoriasis and neurodermatitis. A contact allergy due to incompatible underwear, panty liners or hygiene products, poor hygiene and a lack of estrogen during menopause can also lead to inflammation.
Often it is also infections that cause the burning sensation. A rather rare cause of a burning sensation, which is particularly localized at the entrance to the vagina, is so-called lichen sclerosus. It is a rare, chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes the vaginal entrance to narrow. The disease, the cause of which is unknown, leads to a hardening of the skin, which is also known as sclerotherapy. The vaginal entrance itches and burns. In addition, the risk of cancer of the vulva (vulvar cancer) is increased.
A burning sensation in the vagina after sexual intercourse can indicate various causes of the symptoms. A very common and harmless cause is vaginal dryness. Afterwards or during traffic, a burning pain arises from intense friction during traffic. This vaginal dryness, in turn, can have very different causes. A common cause of menopause is a natural lack of estrogen.
In younger women, a lack of arousal can be the cause of vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse. Infections are also possible causes of a burning sensation in the vagina after sexual intercourse, as is endometriosis. An intolerance to the condom used can also be a cause of a burning sensation in the vagina.
A burning sensation in the vagina can also occur during pregnancy. The most common cause is usually a simple infection. Vaginal fungus in particular can occur during pregnancy. They do not pose a threat to pregnancy, but they should still be treated by a doctor. Bacterial infections are also possible triggers of vaginal burning during pregnancy. These must be treated in any case, as ascending infections of the ovaries or the uterus can promote premature birth.
If the natural vaginal flora is attacked, this also leads to irritation of the vagina during pregnancy. Possible causes are excessive or insufficient intimate hygiene. You should therefore absolutely avoid using aggressive washing lotions and shower gels. Stress or psychological conflicts also affect the health of the vagina and can cause irritation and burning. However, pregnancy as such does not cause vaginal burning.
Also read: Pregnancy symptoms.
A burning sensation in the vagina cannot be considered a sign of pregnancy. Pregnancy does not cause such symptoms or discomfort. A burning sensation in the vagina that occurs during pregnancy should be clarified. An infection of the genital area, if left untreated, can develop and affect the internal genital organs. In the worst case, this poses a threat to the child's integrity.
Burning of the vagina when urinating usually occurs with an infectious disease. A common cause is a bacterial infection of the vulva or vagina. Usually there are other accompanying symptoms, such as a foul-smelling or thin discharge, pain during sexual intercourse or itching. Endometriosis can also lead to burning vaginal pain and discomfort when urinating. Aside from a burning sensation when urinating, you may also experience light bleeding when urinating.
Also read: Painful urination.
Women are more likely to experience bladder infections than men due to the proximity of the urinary tract to the genital and anal areas. Germs can easily get into the urethra and cause bladder infections. However, a burning sensation in the vagina is not necessarily typical of a cystitis. Bladder infections tend to lead to a specific burning sensation when urinating, as well as abdominal pain and general complaints such as fever and nausea. A burning sensation in the vagina is possible if there is also an infection of the vagina.
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Here it goes to Symptoms of a cystitis.
The cause of a burning sensation in the vagina that occurs after taking antibiotics is usually a fungal infection of the vagina. The intended effect of antibiotic therapy is to fight infection. This could be an infection of the upper respiratory tract, for example. However, antibiotics are not aimed specifically at bacteria in one region of the body or a specific species.
As an undesirable side effect of taking antibiotics, it can happen that the vaginal flora is attacked. The natural colonization with lactic acid bacteria is very important for the health of the vagina. If too many of these bacteria are destroyed by taking antibiotics, the body's own fungi or other skin pathogens can lead to vaginal infections. In a healthy vaginal environment, these germs would not cause infection.
The gynecologist is the right person to contact for vaginal complaints. He can do specific and general exams to determine the cause of the burning sensation. First of all, in a conversation with the patient concerned, important accompanying symptoms such as fever, discharge, vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain are asked about. The intensity of the burning sensation and possible triggers, such as the sexual act, are also very important for the diagnosis. The gynecologist then looks at the vagina as part of a gynecological examination. For example, redness, discharge, plaque or an unpleasant smell are indications of a vaginal infection.
To confirm the diagnosis, special examinations such as a smear from the vagina or a sample can be carried out. A measurement of the pH value shows changes in the acidic vaginal environment and is indicative of various infections of the vagina. Sampling is carried out, among other things, if a malignant disease or endometriosis is suspected. A vaginal palpation examination and palpation of the lower abdomen are also part of the diagnosis. Ascending infections of the ovaries can be clarified with the ultrasound.
Read about this: vaginal pH
Treatment for a burning sensation in the vagina will vary based on the underlying cause. Very often a simple vaginal thrush is the cause of the burning sensation (see also Treatment of vaginal thrush). The fungus is treated with the help of an antifungal that kills the fungus. Both vaginal creams and suppositories, individually or in combination, are used for treatment. A common active ingredient is clotrimazole. Particularly stubborn vaginal thrush are also treated with tablets that are swallowed. Preferred active ingredients in these cases are fluconazole or itraconazole.
A bacterial infection of the vagina, on the other hand, requires therapy with antibiotics. This therapy should be carried out in any case, as a bacterial infection can arise and thus also affect the ovaries and the uterus. The active ingredient metronidazole is preferred.
In addition to infections, there are other diseases that can cause a burning sensation in the vagina. Menopausal women often experience a burning sensation in the vagina due to the natural lack of estrogen (here you can find more about Menopausal symptoms). Special vaginal estrogen creams help relieve the burning sensation. Soothing Sitz baths and moist compresses, zinc ointments and, if necessary, cortisone ointments are suitable for symptomatic therapy of burning. Such measures are very useful in the case of an allergic cause, for example.
Rarer diseases such as lichen sclerosus require special therapy. In the case of lichen sclerosus, ointments containing cortisone or the active ingredient tacrolimus are used. Both active ingredients serve to reduce inflammation. Surgical therapy of the inflamed tissue is also possible. For the care of the irritated vagina, it is recommended to use pH-neutral washing and care lotions for the genital area. To restore intimate health after an infection or inflammation, vaginal capsules with lactic acid bacteria and vaginal vitamin C tablets are also often used.
If you have a burning sensation in your vagina, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible in order to receive targeted treatment. Unfortunately, home remedies only have a very limited effect on vaginal burning. Moist, cooling compresses or hip baths help against the burning sensation or existing itching. However, you should avoid using essential oils or chamomile, as otherwise irritation or allergic reactions can occur.
After a vaginal infection, many women use yogurt locally to restore a healthy vaginal environment. The yogurt is applied to the vulva and in the vagina with the finger. However, the effect has not been proven with certainty. However, the cooling effect of the yogurt is perceived as very pleasant. Furthermore, the vagina should be cleaned daily with clear water. Aggressive shower gels or cleaning lotions, on the other hand, should be avoided. Keep away from home remedies such as lemon juice or vinegar. In the worst case, they cause irritation.
The duration of a burning sensation in the vagina depends directly on the cause. Infections such as bacterial vaginosis or a fungal infection of the vagina can usually be managed quickly with the right therapy. This includes a therapy treatment with an antibiotic or a fungicidal agent (antimycotic). The burning sensation should then be relieved within a few days. However, without treatment, the burning sensation can last for weeks.
A persistent infection, which also affects the internal genital organs, for example, can drag on for several months. The burning sensation that occurs with endometriosis usually affects women for several months or even years until effective therapy is given. However, by removing the endometrial foci or using appropriate drug therapy, symptoms are quickly eliminated.
There are also chronic diseases that cause a burning sensation in the vagina, such as lichen sclerosus. In this case, too, years of progress are not uncommon.
