Why Does My Vagina Burn?

Feeling a burning sensation in your vagina can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and even alarming. The good news? Most causes are treatable. Below are some of the most common reasons for vaginal burning and what you can do about it.

Why does my vagina burn? 

Before we dive into the causes of vaginal burning, it’s worth pointing out that sometimes the burning feeling isn’t coming from the vagina at all. 

Several factors can affect the tissues and organs surrounding the vagina, making it easy to confuse the source of discomfort. It also doesn’t help that most people colloquially — and incorrectly — refer to the vulva (the outer female genitalia) as “vagina”. 

So, for the sake of covering all bases, below are the most common reasons why you might experience a burning and stinging in your vaginal area as a whole. 

Yeast infection

A yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is a common culprit for vaginal itching and burning. A yeast infection happens when the natural yeast in your vagina (Candida) overgrows, leading to unpleasant symptoms such as: 

• Vulvar and vaginal itching redness, or soreness
• White vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese 
• Pain during sex 
• A burning sensation when you pee.  

Antifungal medications (like creams and suppositories) can help, but if it’s your first time experiencing these symptoms, consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. 

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when the balance of bacteria in your vagina is disrupted. The most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are: 

• Abnormal discharge that is watery and gray
• A fishy odor that gets worse after sex
• Vaginal itching and burning.

Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics such as metronidazole and clindamycin to treat bacterial vaginosis.

Sexually transmitted infections 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, or trichomoniasis can all cause vaginal burning, along with other symptoms such as: 

• Abnormal discharge that may be yellow, green, white and thick, and has an unpleasant odor
• Sores in and around the vagina, vulva, and anus
• Vaginal pain during and after sex.

If you suspect you have an STI, see a healthcare provider or take an STI test. Evvy offers an at-home STI test that screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium. 

Irritation or allergic reactions

Sometimes, the products you use — like scented soaps, bubble baths, laundry detergents, or even certain types of condoms — can irritate the sensitive skin in and around your vagina.

In these cases, the first thing to do is to stop using whatever triggered a reaction and switch to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products and see if symptoms improve. If you’re experiencing any external burning or itching, Evvy’a Anti-Itch Vulva Cream offers fast-acting relief from external irritation. 

Hormonal changes

A drop in hormone levels (such as estrogen), especially during menopause, breastfeeding, or postpartum, can lead to vaginal dryness, which may cause burning or discomfort. 

Over-the-counter lubricants or vaginal moisturizers (like Evvy’s Hyaluronic Acid Suppositories) can help with dryness. For more severe cases, your doctor might recommend estrogen therapy.

Skin conditions

Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, or lichen sclerosus can affect the vulva and vaginal opening, and cause vaginal itching, burning, and irritation.

A dermatologist or gynecologist can help diagnose these conditions and recommend appropriate treatments, such as topical steroids or specialized creams. 

Sex

Rough sex, not being “wet” enough, or reactions to certain lubricants can all cause irritation and post-sex vaginal burning.

Lube is your friend during sex (especially if you’re having vaginal intercourse). It helps prevent friction during penetration — which can cause micro-tears in the vaginal lining — and make it feel more pleasurable. That said, not all lube is created equal. Some lubricants contain ingredients like sugar and glycerin, which can sometimes cause irritation or disrupt your vaginal pH. If a particular lube seems to cause vaginal irritation, try switching brands or opting for hypoallergenic options.

If lubrication isn’t an issue but you’re still feeling vaginal discomfort after having penetrative sex, it might be a good idea to see your healthcare provider. Pain, burning, or discomfort during or after sex might be common, but it’s never normal. Sometimes the solution is as simple as taking things slower and trying different positions, but there may be an underlying reason why you’re experiencing burning when you have sex. 

Urinary tract infection 

Do you have a burning or stinging sensation when you pee? It’s often a telltale sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). These infections happen when bacteria enter your urinary tract and cause irritation. Other symptoms might include:

• Needing to pee often
• Feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine. 

It’s worth noting that UTIs don’t cause vaginal burning, but given how close the urethra is to the vaginal opening, it’s easy to confuse where the discomfort is coming from. 

If you suspect a UTI, see your healthcare provider. They’ll likely prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. Drinking plenty of water can also help flush out bacteria.

Cytolytic vaginosis

Cytolytic vaginosis (CV), sometimes referred to as Lactobacillus overgrowth syndrome or Doderlein’s cytolysis, is a condition where the helpful bacteria known as Lactobacillus become overactive in the vaginal microbiome. This can lead to some discomfort down there.

When CV occurs, you might experience a few pesky symptoms, such as:

• An increase in vaginal discharge, which may be white and watery or a bit like cottage cheese (similar to what you’d feel with a yeast infection)
• Discomfort or pain during sex
• Vaginal itching or burning
• Discomfort while peeing. 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to reach out to a healthcare professional for support. A baking soda bath is the recommended treatment for CV. This soothing bath works by lowering the levels of Lactobacillus, and studies have shown that it can really make a difference in easing the symptoms for those dealing with cytolytic vaginosis. 

When to see a healthcare provider

While occasional vaginal irritation might resolve on its own, you should see a doctor if:

• Vaginal burning persists or worsens
• You have other symptoms like unusual discharge, sores, or pain during sex.
• It’s your first time experiencing these symptoms and you’re unsure of the cause.

Vaginal burning can be unsettling, but with the right care and attention, most causes are manageable. 

FAQ

How do I stop the burning down there?

If you're experiencing burning in your vaginal area, the first thing to do is figure out what's causing it. If it’s related to a urinary tract infection, bacterial vaginosis, or an STI, it’s a good idea to see a doctor for some antibiotics. For yeast infections, over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories can often help, but it's always smart to check in with a healthcare provider, especially if this is your first time dealing with these symptoms. If irritation is coming from products like soaps, laundry detergents, or lubricants, consider switching to fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options. If hormonal changes are causing dryness, over-the-counter lubricants or vaginal moisturizers, like Evvy's Soothing Vulva Cream, might bring some relief. For more severe cases, your doctor could recommend estrogen therapy. To help soothe the area, try to avoid abrading, wear breathable cotton underwear, and practice gentle hygiene using warm water and mild soap. If the burning continues or gets worse, or if you notice any unusual discharge or pain, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. 

What STD causes burning down there?

Many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause burning. One of the more common culprits is genital herpes, which can bring along uncomfortable sores or blisters. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are also possibilities; they often cause burning sensations, particularly when peeing, and might lead to some unusual discharge. Another infection to be aware of is trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection that can cause vaginal itching, burning and a frothy discharge that smells foul or fishy. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or suspect that you might have an STI, it’s really important to reach out to a healthcare provider. They can help with testing and recommend treatments that work, like antibiotics or antivirals. 

Which infection causes a burning sensation? 

Several types of infections can cause burning in the vaginal area. Urinary tract infections often cause burning, especially when you pee, and may be accompanied by frequent urges to pee and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Yeast infections are another common cause, leading to burning, itching, and thick white discharge. Bacterial vaginosis can also cause burning, along with a grayish discharge and a fishy odor. Sexually transmitted infections like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can result in burning, often accompanied by other symptoms like sores, discharge, or pain during sex. If you experience persistent burning, it's important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.