6 Causes of burning in the vagina and what to do

The sensation of burning, pain or itching in the vagina can be caused by allergies, diaper rash or skin irritation that arise from reactions to underwear, hygiene products, softeners or creams. They can also indicate an infection, such as candidiasis, vaginosis, trichomoniasis or gonorrhea, for example, especially when the burning sensation in the vagina is accompanied by other symptoms such as discharge or a bad smell in the region.

When it arises after an intimate relationship, burning in the vagina can be caused by excessive friction during intimate contact, allergy to the condom or the partner's semen, or it can also indicate a decrease in lubrication of the genitals, simply due to lack of stimuli for the woman is aroused at the time of intercourse, but also due to hormonal or psychological changes.

To differentiate between the causes of burning in the vagina, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist, who will be able to gather information, examine and perform exams. Treatment is done according to the cause, and may include antibiotics, vaginal ointments, hormone replacement or anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Thus, the causes of burning, itching or pain in the vagina include:

1. Allergies and diaper rash

Some women may have an increased sensitivity to certain products and develop irritation in the vaginal mucosa. Some of the products that usually cause this type of reaction are absorbent, certain panties fabrics, toilet paper, soaps or even the type of fabric softener used to wash clothes, especially the most perfumed ones. In some cases, even wearing very tight clothes is enough to cause irritation in the region.

It is also possible that the burning after the relationship indicates allergy to the latex of the condom or to the partner's semen, but the woman should be alert to the appearance of other symptoms such as discharge and a bad smell, as it can also be the beginning of some fungal infection or bacteria.

What to do: It is necessary to identify and discontinue the use of substances that cause allergy. The gynecologist will also be able to guide the use of medications that relieve symptoms, such as anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory ointments, for example.

2. Vaginal infection

A very common type of vaginal infection is candidiasis, caused by the overgrowth of the fungus of the genus Candida sp in the vaginal flora, and causes itching, burning, redness that can be more intense before menstruation and after intercourse, in addition to a white discharge lumpy. Check out what the symptoms are and how to treat candidiasis.

Other forms of infection can be bacterial vaginosis, which causes yellowish discharge, a foul smell and burning in the vagina, trichomoniasis, which causes abundant discharge, itching and pain in the vaginal area, in addition to other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, genital herpes and chlamydia.

What to do: It is necessary to seek assistance from the gynecologist, who will prescribe medications according to the microorganism causing the infection, which may include antifungal agents in the case of candidiasis or antibiotics in the case of bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea or chlamydia infection. When genital herpes infection occurs, your doctor may prescribe antivirals, such as acyclovir.

3. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes usually appear at menopause, but can also happen after removal of the ovaries, undergoing radiation therapy or using certain medications, which can make the wall of the vagina thinner and more sensitive, a situation known as atrophic vaginitis.

These changes in female hormones can also contribute to decreased sexual desire and lubrication of the vagina during intimate contact, also contributing to causing pain and burning in the region.

What to do: the gynecologist will be able to guide ways to allow a more comfortable intimate contact, through the use of hormone replacement, lubricants and substitution of medications that can disrupt sexual desire. Check out some tips to increase sexual desire in women.

4. Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is an important cause of vaginal burning during intimate contact, as it causes uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, irritation, redness or stinging in the genital region, which is chronic and recurrent. Although its causes are not yet fully understood, this disease appears to be caused by dysfunctions of the pelvic floor, hormonal or nerve pathways.

What to do: After evaluation, the gynecologist will adjust the treatment according to the symptoms of each person, since there is no definitive treatment. Some options include the use of topical medications such as lidocaine, the use of oral remedies such as pills with estrogen, antidepressants or antiepileptics that relax the muscles, in addition to being indicated for psychotherapy or sexual counseling. See what it is and how to treat vulvodynia.

5. Worms

Oxyworm worm infection can cause severe itching in the anal area, and if not treated properly and become severe, it can extend into the vaginal region and cause pain and burning in that region. Also known as enterobiosis, this verminosis is transmissible from one person to another and is more common in children. Find out what the symptoms are and how oxyuriasis is transmitted.

What to do: The treatment for oxyuriasis is made with vermifuge medicines such as pyrantel pamoate, albendazole or mebendazole, used in a single dose to eliminate the worms and eggs that infect the body.

6. Skin diseases

There are dermatological diseases that can affect the mucous membranes of the body, such as the mouth and vagina, causing injuries and burning. Some of these diseases include lichen planus or simple lichen, pemphigus or erythema multiforme, for example.

What to do: The treatment of these dermatological diseases should be guided by the dermatologist, which includes the use of medications to relieve itching, corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory ointments or phototherapy, which is the use of pulsed light to reduce inflammation of the skin. skin. See more about how phototherapy works.