vaginal burning is one of the most common complaints among women, it involves a burning sensation around or inside your vagina. Women experience vagina burning in a number of ways, for example, burning of the vagina after sex, burning of the vagina after peeing, vagina burning after rough sex, burning after periods and Burning sensation on the cervix

There are various causes why your vagina is burning and among them include:

Causes of vaginal burning

1.Bacterial Vaginosis                                                           

Bacterial Vaginosis is a condition where your vagina has too many harmful bacterias over the good bacteria which distorts the balance of bacteria and this is called bacterial vaginosis.

According to the research carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common infections in women aged 15 to 55 years of age.

One of the major symptoms of BV is a burning sensation in your vagina which makes you feel unsafe and uncomfortable.

In addition to a burning sensation of your Red wagon, You may also experience a fish-like odor, especially after sex, pain, itching outside the vagina, a thin gray and white discharge.

If you have Bv, Your are at a high risk of getting STDs(sexually transmitted diseases), So you should meet your doctor for treatment which often involves antibiotics.

How to treat BV

In most cases, BV clears on its own with some treatment but doctors will prescribe antibiotics if the situation is terrible and please take all the dose to prevent the return of the infection.

 2.Yeast infection

Yeast infections happen when yeast grows excessively in your vagina distorting the balance between bacteria and yeast

Yeast infections are also called candidiasis

Yeast infections lead to a burning sensation in your vagina

According to the national institute of child health and human development, Almost 75% of the women get yeast infections at least once in their lifetime.

Symptoms associated with yeast infections include soreness, itching, pain during sex, discharge from the vagina, swelling of the vulva, red rash on the outside of the vagina and burning of the vagina.

How to treat yeast

Yeast infections are in most cases treated with antifungal medicines which can either be taken as a capsule or applied on applied directly in form of a cream.

However different home remedies can be used to treat yeast infections.

If you suspect that you are having a yeast infection for the first time, it’s best you make an appointment with your doctor for a diagnosis.

3.Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is also known as trich and its one of the most common STDs(sexually transmitted diseases)  in the united states.

Its more common in women than men.

Trichomoniasis is transmitted through a parasite that is passed on to another person through sexual intercourse.

Only 30% of people with trich show symptoms that’s why most women do not show any symptoms of the infection.

Some of the symptoms for are itching, soreness, redness, discomfort while urinating, irritation in the genital area and thin white, yellow, green or clear discharge.

Trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics like tinidazole and metronidazole which are pills taken by mouth.

In most cases, a single dose is usually enough but it’s recommended both for you and your partner to get the treatment before you have any more sex.

If you don’t treat trich, you may increase the risk of other STDs and this may lead to other complications.

4.Irritation

Things that irritate the vagina are caused both directly and indirectly.

Things that irritate the vagina indirectly include soaps, bubble bath products, fitted pants, pantyhose or tights, tight underwear and detergents, These products that irritate the vagina cause a burning sensation in your vagina.

Things that affect the vagina directly include douches, sprays, condoms, tampons and many other products.

Symptoms always develop as soon you start using the products and if the irritation is because of tight clothes, burning and other symptoms may all result.

How to treat this

Avoid using any scented or perfumed products on your vagina.

Stop using the product after you incur some symptoms.

Make sure you take a shower after you been in a hot tub or swimming pool to wash away chemicals and bacteria’s that may irritate your skin.

If condoms and contraception are the sources of the irritation, then talk to your doctor about the available alternatives.

5.Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections occur when harmful bacterias get inside the urinary tract/bladder hence causing a burning sensation and a painful sensation.

Different parts of the urinary tract can be infected starting from the urethra, kidneys, and a bladder.

Women with UTI feel a burning sensation in the vagina when urinating.

Symptoms of urinary tract infections include pain while urinating, blood in urine, smelly urine, cloudy urine, fever and chills, stomach pain, pelvic pain and need to urinate frequently.

How to treat UTI

Urinary tract infections can be treated with either natural remedies or antibiotics. The infections clear up in 5 days with antibiotics but make sure you complete all the treatment given to prevent the infection from coming back.

It’s best you see your doctor if you suspect the presence of urinary tract infections.

6.Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an infection caused by the bacterias called Neisseria gonorrhea that infect the mucous membranes of the vagina such as the fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix.

It is a sexually transmitted disease that can be passed on through sexual contact with someone with the infection.

Gonorrhea is common in young adults of ages between 15 and 24

Symptoms include a burning vagina, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding between periods, mild burning and irritation of the vagina, unusual discharge and bleeding or spots between periods.

How to treat it

It’s better you see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Gonorrhea is only treated with a right antibiotic.

If not treated, gonorrhea can lead to infertility and pelvic inflammatory diseases.

7.Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.

It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected person.

According to research,70% of the people with chlamydia get no symptoms and that’s why the infection is sometimes called a silent infection.

If symptoms occur are a burning sensation in the vagina, increased vaginal discharge, bleeding during sex and between periods and pain while urinating and during sex.

How to treat this.

Chlamydia can be treated using antibiotics and if left untreated, it can cause damage to your reproductive system making it difficult to conceive.

Repeated infections with chlamydia are very common and can increase the risk of infertility so its best to see the health professionals for a track.

8.Genital herpes

Genital herpes is another sexually transmitted disease in the united states that is caused by the skin to skin contact with an infected person of the herpes virus.

It is estimated that 1 out of 6peoplee in ages between 14-49 years have herpes in the US

Its also known that women get more infected than the men

If you acquire the virus, you stay with it for the rest of their life until the virus becomes active and that’s when symptoms are seen and these include itching, burning sensation, swollen glands, pain in the vaginal area, change in vaginal discharge and ulcers may also develop after a few days.

 How to treat this.

There is no cure for genital herpes because its a virus that stays in your body but prescriptions made will reduce the risk of outbreaks and reduce the flare-ups duration.

It’s important for you to know that although the medication reduces the symptoms, it does not prevent the virus from spreading to your partner.

It’s best you talk to your doctor on how to reduce the transmission.

9.Menopause

Estrogen levels decrease as you approach menopause and vaginal burning is one of the symptoms.

Sexual intercourse makes vaginal burning worse, its advised you use lubrication.

Other symptoms include fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats, reduced sex drive, and irritability.

How to treat this.

If you think you are having symptoms of menopause, then you should meet a doctor who may prescribe estrogen supplements and other hormonal therapies to help reduce the symptoms.

These are available in creams, vaginal inserts, and tablets.

But however hormonal supplements aren’t for everyone so its best you consult with your doctor.

10.Lichen sclerosis

This is a rare condition that affects your skin which causes thin white patches on the skin of your vagina.

The patches commonly affect the vulva.

Lichen sclerosis causes permanent scarring and postmenopausal women have a high risk of developing the infection.

But women of all ages can contradict the disease.

How to treat this.

If you think you are having lichen sclerosis, it’s best you see the doctor.

The doctor will prescribe a strong steroid cream that helps reduce the symptoms of the infection.

Make sure you keep in touch with your doctor to watch permanent complications, for example, thinning of the scars and skin.

When to see your doctor

In some cases, the causes of vaginal burning get better on their own but if the burning persists, then you will begin developing other symptoms.

It’s best you make an appointment with your doctor.

In most cases, your doctor will prescribe medications that will cure your underlying condition and in some cases, your doctor will work with you to develop a permanent treatment plan.

If your partner has been diagnosed with vaginal burning, then you should meet the doctor.

Home remedies

Your doctor will prescribe medications for yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis but there are also alternative remedies that can be used to treat the conditions but keep in mind its best you see the doctor for a diagnosis.

1.Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a magical ingredient that works for treating yeast infections, trichomonas, and bacterial vaginosis.

The oil contains components like gamma-terpinene,alpha-terpineol, and terpinen which contributes to its antifungal, antiprotozoal and antibacterial properties.

How to use

Wash your vagina with bacteria free water

Mix the essential oil with a quart of water and wash the vagina with it.

You can also soak a tampon in 40% essential tea tree oil and use it as a suppository but don’t keep the tampon for more than 24 hours.

2.Boric Acid

Boric acid capsules are used in treating recurring BV(bacterial vaginosis) and yeast infections.

It has strong antimicrobial properties however the remedy is not suitable for pregnant women.

How to use it.

Get the gelatin capsule with around 600mg of boric powder and insert it into your vagina every day at night and remove it in the morning for two weeks.

You can also use the boric acid suppositories at least once a week for preventive measures and after the infection clears.

It’s best you see the doctor for recommendations on how you should keep yourself safe.

3.Consume Yogurt

Yogurt has the bacteria known as lactobacillus acidophilus which is inadequate in women’s vagina. This bacteria helps in preventing the growth of candida.

According to research carried out on women with recurring yeast infections, consuming daily yogurt reduces yeast infections.

4.Garlic

Garlic helps fight bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections because garlic contains a compound known as allicin that helps in inhibiting the growth of candida.

According to one study, garlic tablets were seen as effective as metronidazole medicine which is used to treat bacterial vaginosis.

How to use it

Peel a clove of garlic and wipe it in gauze and insert it in your vagina for a night, this will help you treat the infection.

You can also incorporate garlic in your diet because it’s very useful but remember that fresh garlic works more effective against yeast.

5.Myrrh

Myrrh is a resin from a tree known as Commiphoramolmol and it has been used for a number of medicinal properties.

According to research, myrrh helps fight against protozoa that causes trich.

According to one research, women with trichomoniasis who were not responding to antibiotics benefitted from taking myrrh extract on an empty stomach for 6 to 8 days.

How to use

Mix ½ tsp of myrrh, goldenseal, and water.

Place the mixture on fire and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Strain after the mixture has cooled off, and use the douche once a day for 2 weeks.

6.Flax Seeds

Flax seeds contain phytoestrogens like soy which help in improving menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

How to use.

Grind up some flaxseeds and drink a lot of water but they work for 24 hours.

You can consume 9 grams of flaxseeds per day but its best you include it in your diet gradually like soy.

Flaxseeds remedy may not be suitable for pregnant mothers or breastfeeding mothers. The is because of its estrogen-like activity.

It’s best you speak with your doctor before you decide to include flaxseeds in your diet because they are also not suitable for patients with ovarian cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer, and endometriosis.

6.Drink Licorice Tea

The estrogenic effect found in licorice roots is good for our general health. The compounds found in the roots also stimulate mucous production which helps in relieving vaginal dryness.

How to use

Take 2 to 3 cups of licorice tea per day, by boiling a mixture of water and licorice root for 15 minutes and straining for licorice tea.

You should, however, know that licorice tea that can raise your blood pressure, so its best you take it after you check with the doctor.

It’s best to not use licorice for longer than two weeks.

7.Goldenseal  

Goldenseal is a native plant in North America and its used to clear up yeast infections and trichomonas.

Berberine a compound found in goldenseal is effective against trich and yeast.

How to use.

Prepare a douche with goldenseal and use it to wash your vagina.

You can also combine with myrrh if you want to treat trichomoniasis.

8.Moisturize With Natural Oils

If your vaginal burning is as a result of vaginal dryness and itching, natural oils like coconut and almond oils can be used to lubricate and moisturize your vagina.

Unlike other things like petroleum jelly which is difficult to flush out, Your body can clear those oils clearly

Never use synthetic oils to lubricate your vagina since they can stay in your vagina for a long time, unlike the coconut and almond oils.

Remember not to use an oil-based moisturizer or lubricant because the oils can damage the condoms.

How to use it.

Apply almond and coconut oil in your vagina to get rid of vaginal burning and dryness.

9.Soy and Soy Products.

Soy contains isoflavones a kind of phytoestrogen which exhibits estrogen-like properties and is helpful in menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness.

One study carried out found that soy and soy products are included in the diet of women, it reduced vaginal dryness and hot flashes.

How to use it

Since soy and its products cause bloating and gas, its best you start small and gradually increase the amount of soy with time in your diet.

10.Ashwagandha

This is a natural remedy that has been used for a number of centuries and its good for treating inflammations in your vagina.

According to research, it helps to improve your vaginal lubrication and has helped increase sexual encounters in women.

Ayurveda suggests that having ashwagandha with honey and ghee

How to use:

Ayurveda recommends having ashwagandha with ghee and honey. You can also take half a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder mixed in a cup of milk before going to bed. However, before taking ashwagandha, do check in with an ayurvedic practitioner who will be able to determine whether this herb is suitable for you and advise you on the appropriate dosage

conclusion

Many women face a situation where their vagina is burning like hell and it makes them uncomfortable and sad. We have explained the possible causes of a burning vagina, how to treat a burning vagina and natural remedies for treating a burning vagina.