Vaginal Burning: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When you feel a burning sensation in your vagina, it’s not just uncomfortable—it’s alarming. This isn’t normal irritation. It’s your body signaling something’s off. vaginal burning, a common symptom caused by infections, chemical irritants, or hormonal shifts. Also known as vulvar burning, it often comes with itching, discharge, or pain during urination or sex. Many assume it’s just a yeast infection, but that’s only one of several possible causes. The truth is, vaginal burning can stem from bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, allergic reactions to soaps or condoms, or even menopause-related dryness. Each needs a different approach.

One of the most frequent triggers is a yeast infection, an overgrowth of Candida fungus that thrives when the vaginal pH gets unbalanced. Also known as candidiasis, it causes thick white discharge and intense burning, especially when peeing. But if your discharge is thin, gray, and smells fishy, it’s more likely bacterial vaginosis, a disruption of healthy vaginal bacteria that leads to inflammation and burning. Also known as BV, it’s not an STI but can be worsened by douching or new sexual partners. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also mimic vaginal burning because the urethra sits right next to the vaginal opening. A UTI often means you feel the burn when you pee, not constantly. And if you’re postmenopausal, declining estrogen can thin vaginal tissues, making them dry, fragile, and prone to burning from friction or even water.

What you do next matters. Self-treating with over-the-counter antifungals might help if it’s yeast—but if you’re wrong, you’re wasting time and letting the real problem grow. Antibiotics won’t fix a yeast infection. And douching? It makes everything worse. The best first step is recognizing patterns: Did the burning start after sex? After using a new soap? After your period? Tracking this helps your provider narrow it down faster. Many women delay seeing a doctor because they’re embarrassed, but these are common, treatable conditions. You don’t need to suffer in silence.

Below, you’ll find real, practical posts that cut through the noise. We cover what medications actually work, how to avoid triggers, and what to do when symptoms don’t go away. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear, evidence-based info to help you feel better—fast.