Vaginal Burning: 10 Causes And Treatments - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat causes burning in the vagina?

Medically reviewed by Priya Patel, MD — Written by Tom Seymour — Updated on April 24, 2025

Causes
Home remedies
Complications
When to see a doctor
FAQ
Summary

There are many causes of vaginal burning, including irritants, sexually transmitted infections, and menopause. Each cause has its own symptoms and treatments.

In this article, we examine 10 possible causes of a burning sensation in the vagina and other associated symptoms. We also look at available treatment options and potential complications.

10 causes of vaginal burning

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Irritation

Certain things can irritate the skin of the vagina when they come into direct contact with it. This is known as contact dermatitis.

Irritants that can cause contact dermatitis include soaps, fabrics, and perfumes. As well as burning, other signs and symptoms include:

severe itching
rawness
stinging
pain

The main treatment for irritation is to avoid whatever is causing it. Avoiding the irritant and not itching the area allows the skin to heal. Sometimes, medication is needed.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when there is too much of a specific type of bacteria in the vagina, affecting the normal balance.

One symptom of BV is a burning sensation in the vagina, which can also occur when urinating.

BV does not always cause symptoms. When it does, symptoms can include:

white or gray vaginal discharge
pain
itching
a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex

Having BV can increase the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If someone develops symptoms of BV, they should get checked and treated by a doctor. Treatment for this condition often involves a course of antibiotics.

Yeast infection

An infection in the vagina caused by yeast can lead to a burning sensation. The medical term for this is candidiasis. It’s also known as thrush.

Associated symptoms include:

itching
soreness
pain during sex
pain or discomfort when urinating
vaginal discharge

Yeast infections are very common. Some people are more likely to develop an infection if they:

are pregnant
are using hormonal forms of contraception
have diabetes
have a compromised immune system
have recently taken or are taking antibiotics

Treatment is usually an antifungal medication, which can either be applied directly as a cream or taken orally as a capsule.

Urinary tract infection

Different parts of the urinary tract can become infected, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys.

A person with a urinary tract infection (UTI) will likely feel burning in the vagina when urinating. Other symptoms of a UTI include:

needing to urinate suddenly or more often
pain when urinating
smelly or cloudy urine
blood in urine
pain in lower abdomen
feeling tired or unwell

Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat UTIs. In general, an infection clears in around 5 days after starting a course of antibiotics.

Repeat prescriptions may be required if an infection returns.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, or trich, is caused by a parasite that is passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse.

Only around 30% of people with trich have any symptoms. As well as a burning sensation in the vagina, these symptoms may include:

itching, redness, or soreness
discomfort when urinating
vaginal discharge that can be clear, white, yellow, or green and with a fishy smell

Trichomoniasis is treated using metronidazole or tinidazole, which are pills taken by mouth.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an infection where bacteria called Neisseria gonorrheae infect mucous membranes, such as the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. It is typically transmitted through sexual contact with someone who has the infection.

This STI is particularly common in people ages 15 to 24 years. Symptoms can include:

burning when urinating
vaginal discharge
vaginal bleeding between periods

The right medical treatment can cure gonorrhea.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is typically transmitted through sexual contact with someone who has the infection.

Many people with chlamydia experience no symptoms, which is why the condition is sometimes known as a “silent” infection.

When symptoms do occur, they can include a burning sensation in the vagina as well as:

increased vaginal discharge
pain when urinating and during sex
bleeding during sex and between periods

Antibiotics treat chlamydia, such as doxycycline.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is caused by skin-to-skin contact with a person with the herpes virus. It is very common. More than 1 in 5 people ages 15 to 49 years worldwide have it.

Herpes is a chronic (long-term) condition. However, a person may not develop any signs or symptoms until the virus becomes active.

If the virus becomes active, a person might experience a burning sensation in the vagina. Other symptoms include:

an itching or tingling sensation
flu-like symptoms
swollen glands
pain in the vaginal area, particularly when urinating
change in vaginal discharge

Painful sores, blisters, or ulcers may also develop after a few days.

The symptoms of genital herpes can be treated with antiviral medication.

Menopause

The shifting levels of hormones before menopause can affect the vagina. Vaginal burning is one possible result of these changes, especially during sex.

Other common symptoms of menopause include:

hot flashes
night sweats
difficulty sleeping
reduced sex drive
vaginal dryness
headaches
mood changes

Not all people starting menopause need medical treatment to relieve symptoms, but there are often options available that a doctor can outline, including hormone therapy.

Genital contact allergies

The immune system can become hypersensitive to certain substances.

These substances can cause allergic irritation when they come into contact with the vagina, including:

semen
spermicides, the fluids in condoms that destroy sperm and improve contraceptive action
latex, the material from which many condoms are made
K-Y jelly and similar lubricants
topical and oral medications
rubber, as found in contraceptive rubber diaphragms
some vaginal sprays and deodorants
the resin used to wax stringed musical instruments
certain components of urine
scented soaps
bubble baths
douches
objects that contain nickel on the surface, such as zippers

Treatment mainly involves avoiding the substance that is irritating. Patch testing using the suspected allergen to stimulate a controlled reaction in a clinical setting can help identify which substance is creating the burning sensation.

Women’s health resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on women’s health.

Home remedies

Many causes of vaginal burning require medical treatment, and anyone who has any concerns should talk with a doctor.

However, applying an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area may help reduce the sensation. Applying petroleum jelly to the skin can also help protect it.

Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight-fitting clothes can help reduce irritation in the vaginal area. It is also important to avoid products that could irritate the area further, such as:

perfumed soap
scented toilet paper
period products with deodorant or a plastic coating

Possible complications

Some causes of vaginal burning, such as BV or STIs, can have some serious complications if left untreated. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the most common complication.

STIs have a high risk of complications for people who are pregnant, as they can affect the baby or pregnancy. Some can be passed on to the baby when they are born.

BV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis all make people more susceptible to contracting HIV if they are exposed to the virus, such as through sexual contact without a condom or other barrier method.

When to see a doctor

Many causes of vaginal burning go away on their own over time. If they do not go away, are becoming worse, or are of concern, then the person should see a doctor.

In most cases, a doctor will prescribe medication once they have diagnosed the underlying condition causing the burning sensation.

Anyone with a sexual partner who has recently received an STI diagnosis should also consider talking with a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Why does down there feel like it's burning?

Infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, can cause a burning sensation in the vagina. Irritants and menopause may also cause this sensation.

How can I stop the burning down there?

Applying an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area may help reduce the burning sensation. Applying petroleum jelly to the skin can also help protect it. However, depending on the cause, a person may also require medical treatment.

What does BV burning feel like?

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) include pain, itching, or burning in the vagina. This burning may also occur when peeing.

Which infection causes a burning sensation?

A burning sensation in the vagina can be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, a urinary tract infection, or an STD.

What is vulvar burning?

Vulvar burning refers to a burning sensation in the vulva. This can happen due to conditions such as:

contact dermatitis

lichen sclerosis

lichen planus

vulvodynia

genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

A doctor can help a person determine the cause of vulvar burning and advise on suitable treatments.

Vulvar burning refers to a burning sensation in the vulva. This can happen due to conditions such as:

contact dermatitis
lichen sclerosis
lichen planus
vulvodynia
genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

A doctor can help a person determine the cause of vulvar burning and advise on suitable treatments.

Summary

Some cases of vaginal burning go away on their own. Others will be relieved once the underlying cause is treated.

In some cases, however, there can be long-term and lasting effects depending on what caused the burning sensation. Long-term issues are most likely to develop if the underlying condition is not properly treated.

For each cause of burning sensations in the vagina, there is a treatment plan that can relieve this symptom or help people manage their condition.

Read the article in Spanish.

Menopause
Sexual Health / STDs
Women's Health / Gynecology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

About gonorrhea. (2025).https://www.cdc.gov/gonorrhea/about/index.html
About trichomoniasis. (2025).https://www.cdc.gov/trichomoniasis/about/index.html
Chlamydia. (2024).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chlamydia/treatment/
Disorders of the vulva: Common causes of vulvar pain, burning, and itching. (2024).https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/disorders-of-the-vulva-common-causes-of-vulvar-pain-burning-and-itching
Genital herpes — Women’s health guide. (n.d.).https://www.publichealth.va.gov/infectiondontpassiton/womens-health-guide/stds/genital-herpes.asp
Marfatia YS, et al. (2016). Genital contact allergy: A diagnosis missed.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4857673/
Sexual health. (n.d.).https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife/changes-in-the-vagina-and-vulva
Symptoms: Menopause. (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/
Urinary tract infections (UTIs). (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
World Health Organziation. (2024). Over 1 in 5 adults worldwide has a genital herpes infection – WHO [Press release].https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who

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Medically reviewed by Priya Patel, MD — Written by Tom Seymour — Updated on April 24, 2025

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