What's Causing My Burning Vagina?

A burning vagina can be so uncomfortable and painful you seek treatment as soon as you notice it.? Vaginal burning is almost always a symptom of something else, whether it's irritation, an infection, or something less common.

Vaginal infections

Vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection sometimes cause burning as one of the symptoms.? Infections result from an imbalance in vaginal conditions.? For instance, bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of the bacterium Gardnerella.? Other symptoms of vaginal infections include an unpleasant smell and a change in discharge, along with other forms of irritation like itching and soreness.? If you suspect you have a vaginal infection, see a doctor.? Treating the infection will also relieve the burning.

Irritation

Most commonly, a burning vagina is a symptom of irritation.? Irritation can be caused by many things.? Usually the cause is right in your own home.? Feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, cleansing wipes, or soaps that contain strong fragrances and dyes may irritate the vagina, because the chemicals used to make those products are too harsh for use on sensitive skin.? That's one thing they don't warn you about on the label.? If you find your vagina burning after using any of these products, switch to a plain, unscented variety.? Douching can be another kind of vaginal irritant for much the same reason as the other products we discussed: harsh chemical ingredients.? Using a douche also kills the healthy bacteria in your vagina, making you more likely to contract infections.? If you feel like you have to douche, make a gentle homemade version using organic ingredients.

STDs

Sometimes a burning vagina is a sign of an STD.? Symptoms of STDs vary widely because there are so many different kinds, but some common ones are itching, swelling, an unpleasant smell, and a change in discharge.? Yellowish or greenish gray discharge in particular points to a sex-related infection.? Regular STD testing will help decrease your chances of experience unpleasant STD symptoms.? Always wear a condom during sex to prevent getting or spreading an STD.

Hormonal factors

Finally, a burning vagina can be caused by a change in hormones.? During menopause, the vaginal walls tend to become a little thinner and drier, leading to forms of irritation like itching and burning.? This can also be a problem during breastfeeding for some women.? This problem will usually go away on its own as your hormones balance themselves out, but if the problem persists, there are hormone therapy options that will help your body regulate hormones better.

If a burning vagina lasts more than a few days after eliminating the source, it's important to see a doctor to make sure you don't have any more serious issues.