Have you ever felt a tingling or intense stinging inside or around your vagina while urinating? That is a common sign of vaginal burning, a condition that can hinder your daily activities and sexual life.
If you're experiencing it, understanding what causes vaginal burning and how to treat it can help you find relief and protect your sexual health.
What is vaginal burning?
Vaginal burning is a painful or stinging sensation inside or around the vagina and vulva (the external part of your genitals). Some people experience the sensation continuously, while others experience it occasionally. The intensity might also vary, from a moderate discomfort to a serious burn. Some common triggers are:
Urination:
You may feel a burning sensation during or after peeing
Sexual intercourse:
Irritation or friction during intercourse can increase the pain
Physical activity:
Risk factors such as over-exercising or tight clothing can contribute to discomfort
If vaginal burning doesn’t go away, it could point to an underlying issue. Understanding what’s causing it can help you manage it effectively.
Common causes of vaginal burning
Vaginal burning can happen due to various causes, from daily routine to complications related to gynaecology and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Seeking medical advice promptly and knowing the exact cause can help your doctor decide the most appropriate treatment for you. Below are some common causes of vaginal burning:
| Cause | Root cause | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
Irritation | Harsh soaps, scented menstrual products (pads, tampons, or vaginal sprays), tight underwear, and shaving or waxing in the pubic area | Burning or itching in or around the vagina and vulva, redness or swelling, and no vaginal discharge |
Imbalance of vaginal bacteria | Burning feeling (typically after intercourse or peeing), thin grey or white discharge, and a strong fishy smell that worsens after an intercourse | |
Candida fungus overgrowth | Intense vaginal itching and burning, redness and swelling, thick white discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse or urination | |
Infection in the bladder or urethra
| Burning only when urinating, frequent urge to pee with only small amounts each time, cloudy or bloody urine, and pressure in the pelvic area | |
Trichomonas vaginalis parasite, commonly spread through sexual intercourse | Burning or itching in the vaginal area, greenish-yellow frothy discharge, pungent urine smell, and painful urination or intercourse
| |
Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria | Burning sensation during urination, abnormal discharge (yellow, white, or green), pelvic pain, and in severe cases, pelvic inflammatory disease | |
Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria | Mild burning when urinating, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, and sometimes no symptoms | |
Genital herpes | Herpes simplex virus (HSV) | Tingling or burning sores, painful blisters or ulcers on vulva or vagina, itching and painful urination |
Oestrogen levels drop, leading to thinner, drier vaginal tissue. | Vaginal irritation, burning and dryness, pain during intercourse, and more frequent Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs) | |
Genital contact allergies | Reaction to latex, lubricants, spermicides, or hygiene products | Burning, itching, rash, or redness without infection |
If you notice any of the mentioned symptoms above, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our obstetricians and gynaecologists (O&G) specialists can help figure out the root cause of your vaginal burning and suggest the most suitable treatment for you.
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How to treat vaginal burning
The treatment for vaginal burning can vary depending on what caused it. Below is a table showing the appropriate treatment for each cause:
| Cause | Treatments |
|---|---|
| Irritation | Stop using irritants, switch to fragrance-free products, wear cotton underwear, and avoid scratching or rubbing the inflamed area. |
| BV | Treat with prescribed oral or vaginal antibiotics. It can also recur, so repeat treatment may be necessary. |
| Yeast infection | Use antifungal creams, suppositories, or oral tablets like clotrimazole or fluconazole. |
| UTI | Take prescribed antibiotics, drink plenty of fluids, and maintain healthy intimate hygiene. |
| Trichomoniasis | Oral antibiotics such as metronidazole or tinidazole are commonly prescribed. |
| Gonorrhoea | Antibiotics can be given as an injection or taken by mouth. |
| Chlamydia | Antibiotics like azithromycin or doxycycline can help reduce symptoms and stop the infection from spreading. |
| Genital herpes | There’s no cure for genital herpes yet, but antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir can help reduce outbreaks. |
| Menopause | Use vaginal oestrogen creams, lubricants, or moisturisers as prescribed by your doctor. |
| Genital contact allergies | Stay away from allergens and switch to hypoallergenic or latex-free products. |
It is important to never diagnose STIs on your own; instead, you should look for professional guidance. Testing is the only way you can properly identify the infection, receive the correct treatment, and prevent potential transmission to yourself and your partner.
What can I do to prevent vaginal burning?
Prevention is always better than the cure, but it often requires significant lifestyle changes to lower your risk of infection. Here are some preventive measures you can take to help protect your sexual and overall health:
Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps
Avoid washing or rinsing your vagina (douches), perfumed vaginal sprays, and strong detergents
Wear cotton underpants; avoid tight pants for long periods
Practice safe sex, such as using condoms or undergoing a regular STI testing
Stay hydrated and urinate after sex to reduce UTI risk
During menopause, consider vaginal moisturisers or oestrogen therapy with a doctor's guidance
FAQ
Is vaginal burning a cause for concern?
Yes, especially if it persists, worsens, or is connected to discharge, sores, or pain. While mild irritation can result from temporary factors like tight clothing, harsh soaps, or shaving, persistent burning may point to an underlying infection such as a yeast infection, BV, UTI, or an STI.
Can STIs cause vaginal burning?
Yes. Several STIs can cause vaginal burning or irritation, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HSV, and trichomoniasis. These infections may also cause abnormal discharge, pain during urination or sexual intercourse, itching, or visible sores around the vulva or vagina. Because many STIs show mild or no symptoms at all, vaginal burning may be the only noticeable sign.
If you are sexually active and experience vaginal burning, it’s important to get STI screening, even if symptoms seem minor.
Should I see a doctor for vaginal burning?
Yes, if you have these symptoms:
Fever
Strange discharge
Blisters
Pelvic pain
It’s also recommended that you seek medical help if these symptoms persist or worsen.
Can I treat vaginal burning at home?
You can ease mild irritation by avoiding irritants and using gentle care. However, you will need proper medication to treat complicated infections such as BV, yeast, STIs, and UTIs.
Does vaginal burning mean I have an STD?
Not always. Burning can happen due to a UTI, menopause, a yeast infection, or skin irritation from harsh products. The only way to know for sure is to get tested by a healthcare professional.
Is it normal to have burning only during urination?
It’s not normal to feel burning only during urination, as this often indicates an infection. The most common causes are UTIs or STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or trichomoniasis. It’s best to see a doctor for proper testing and treatment to prevent the infection from worsening.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Specialists (Women's Health)
Thomson Women's Clinic (TWC)
- Novena:
6592 6686 (Call), 8611 8986 (WA) - Bukit Batok:
6569 0668 (Call), 8686 3525 (WA) - Choa Chu Kang: 6893 1227
- Jurong: 6262 8588
- Katong (female doctor):
6970 2272 (Call), 8611 9020 (WA) - Punggol: 6243 6843
- Sembawang: 6753 5228
- Sengkang: 6388 8125
- Serangoon (female doctor): 6382 3313
- Tampines: 6857 6266
- Tiong Bahru: 6276 1525