There are lots of things that can go wrong with your lady parts. One of the worst of all of them is a burning sensation in the vagina. This burning sensation can range from irritating, itching to all the things that would make you wiggle in your seat. This sensation is usually around the vaginal opening, labia, and clitoris. There is a wide range of reasons for a burning sensation near the vagina. It isn’t necessary that the problem you have can become a major cause of concern. Most of these issues can be resolved by following a hygienic lifestyle. However, it is always better to be sure of what is causing your discomfort. Thus, here’s a blog to help you identify the vaginal burning problem you are facing, the possible reasons, and what needs to be done next.
Irritation
Usually, irritation around the vaginal area is caused by contact with certain substances from the outside that are not suited for this sensitive area. Most of the time these are chemicals that are found in products that we use with the intention of maintaining our hygiene. These can be your bathing soaps, lotions, deodorants, vaginal wash, menstrual pads, scented toilet papers, etc. The medical term for such an issue arising due to irritation caused by the vagina coming in contact with an unsuitable substance is contact dermatitis. The symptoms of this type of vaginal irritation are rawness, severe itching, stinging, and the pain caused by all these symptoms.
Contact dermatitis can also be caused because of wearing the wrong kind of garments. Tight underwear, fitted pants, pantyhose, and tights can all contribute to either causing or worsening the problem. The first aid solution to this kind of irritation that leads to burning sensation in the vagina is to avoid using substances that cause it. Stay aware of the presence or absence of which of your daily use articles leads to vaginal burning. If the problem is caused by an article of clothing avoid wearing it. In extreme cases, it is best to get medical help.
Bacterial Vaginosis
As we have talked in our posts on vaginal health earlier, there are certain good bacteria that grow in the vagina and help its proper functioning. When these bacteria are in healthy and present in the right amount, they help in maintaining the pH of the vagina and aids maintenance of hygiene. An imbalance of these bacteria leads to an infection called Bacterial Vaginosis. BV is the most common kind of vaginal infection found in women in the age group of 15 to 44.
One of the first symptoms you will notice is a burning sensation in the vagina during urination. Other symptoms include white or grey vaginal discharge, itching, strong fish-like odor after sex, inflammation, and pain in the vagina.While in the initial stages BV itself is not a very serious problem. However, if left untreated, this can expose the person to a strong susceptibility to Sexually Transmitted Diseases. In some cases, BV treats itself, as the bacteria have a mechanism for going back to their normal state. However, it is best to see a gynecologist if the burning sensation and other symptoms don’t subside.
Yeast Infection
Vaginal Candidiasis or Vaginal thrust is a kind of yeast infection experienced by 75% women at least once in their lifetime. The excessive growth of the yeast, Candida, in the vulva and the vagina leads to this condition which is can be a possible reason behind the burning sensation. One of the other significant characteristics of a yeast infection in the vagina is a thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. However, other symptoms that one might notice include itching, redness, and swelling of the vagina and vulva, discomfort experienced during urination, and red rashes outside the vagina.
A woman is prone to getting a yeast infection in their vagina if they are pregnant, suffering from diabetes, are using hormonal contraceptives, have a compromised immune system, or are on an antibiotic prescription or have just stopped one. If this is experienced infrequently then it can be treated with home remedies or using an antifungal medication. However, if the yeast infection shows up frequently then it is best to visit your gynecologist as early as possible.
Urinary Tract Infection
A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is caused by microbes like bacteria, virus, fungi, etc, that enter the body from the outside and are unsuitable to the normal environment of your urinary tract. UTIs are most common in women and usually affect the bladder or urethra. More severe cases are caused by an infection in the kidneys. The close proximity of urethra and the anus and short length of the urethra in the female body makes it easier for E. Coli bacteria of the large intestine to enter the urinary tract. Apart from a burning and painful sensation while urinating, other symptoms include frequents urges to urinate with very little to release, abnormal odor and cloudy urine, the presence of blood in urine, stomach, back and pelvic pains, or fever and chills. Given how severe UTIs might be, if you suspect you have contracted such an infection, see your doctor at the earliest.
Trichomoniasis
Some of the most common reasons for experiencing a burning sensation in the vagina, in women, are Sexually Transmitted Diseases. One of those infections is Trichomoniasis caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This STD can be caused due to having multiple sexual partners or contracted because of unprotected sex. Most of the times it has no symptoms so it is always better to keep seeing your gynecologist regularly if you find yourself in any of the two above mentioned situations.
However, when symptoms do a show, they include irritation and itching in the vagina, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, thin or frothy discharge that can be clear, white, yellow, or green, pain experienced during urination, or pain in the lower abdomen. If left untreated Trichomoniasis can lead to serious long-term implications. Thus, it is always best to see a doctor before things get out of control. The treatment usually includes an antibiotic prescription that has to be taken orally for both you and your partner before you engage in intercourse again.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is one of the most dangerous of all Sexually Transmitted Disease which affects the uterus, cervix and the fallopian tubes. This STD is especially common in young adults, aging from 15 to 24, and is caused by the bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea is highly contagious as even touching the infected area can cause the transmission. Like most STDs, gonorrhea doesn’t show any symptoms either. Thus, regular screening is very beneficial for identification, which is very important as the worst case of gonorrhea can lead to infertility. Apart from vaginal burning during urination, other symptoms include unusual vaginal discharge and bleeding and spotting mid-cycle. The right medical treatment at the right time can cure gonorrhea. The most common form of treatment includes single-dose, dual therapy of antibiotics.
Some other STDs that can lead to burning in the vagina are Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, or genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). No STD should ever be left untreated and even the slightest of symptoms should be given medical attention. Visit your gynecologist often to get the best treatment.
Menopause
It is not necessary that the burning sensation in your vagina is caused on because of an infection of some sort or an STD. Approaching menopause is also characterized by the same as a decrease in estrogen can cause many symptoms. This lack of estrogen leads to thinning of the walls of the vagina, which then dry out leading to itching. Women who are breastfeeding also notice this winning in their vaginal walls. Other symptoms that indicate approaching menopause are hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia, night sweats, irritability, and reduced sex drive. A visit to the gynecologist can help reduce the side effects of approaching menopause. Estrogen supplements or other hormonal therapies and usually included in the treatment. However, remember that these supplements are not for everyone and taking them without proper prescription can be detrimental.
