- Using scented soaps around (or inside) your vulva
- Not changing out of sweaty clothes right after a workout
- Douching
- Not wearing protection during sex
Synthetic fabrics like nylon or rayon can trap moisture and heat, which may increase your risk of a yeast infection or BV. “We always recommend breathable cotton underwear,” Dr. De-Lin says.
When to see a doctor: Seeing a doctor is the best way to determine if you have either infection. Yeast overgrowth can often be eradicated with one dose of an oral tablet called fluconazole (Diflucan). For BV, at least one round of antibiotics is usually required, which can either come in the form of a gel that you insert into your vagina or as a pill you take by mouth.
2. STIs
“There are a number of sexually transmitted infections that can cause burning, with the most common ones being chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis,” Dr. De-Lin says. All of these are passed through sexual intercourse and can lead to changes in vaginal discharge and odor, she explains—which can have a lot of overlap with yeast infection and BV symptoms, making it difficult to know what’s going on without a test. It’s not always the case, but often, STIs cause a burning sensation during sex, or when you urinate.
When to see a doctor: If you’re experiencing burning, a doctor will often recommend doing an STI panel, which tests for those three Dr. De-Lin mentions. Treatments typically involve antibiotics, but in the case of herpes or HIV, anti-virals are needed.
Irritants
Fragrances, whether in your favorite bath bomb, body wash, laundry detergent, or a scented panty liner, can irritate the skin around your vulva, causing a fiery sensation down there (and not the good kind), which can make you think you have a vaginal infection.
3. Scents
Just like other areas of the body can react to things like fragrances or detergents, so can the vulva, Dr. De-Lin explains. And the skin around your vagina tends to be extra sensitive.
The most generalized advice is to not use anything with a fragrance to wash your vagina (the internal part) or your vulva (the external parts), Dr. De-Lin says. This can help reduce the chance of developing contact dermatitis, which manifests as a rash or swelling—known as vaginitis—after coming into contact with something you’re sensitive or allergic to.
When to see a doctor: If you’ve stopped using all scented products and you’ve also swapped out your nylon undies for cotton ones, but you’re still experiencing burning, something else may be going on. Consider talking to your doctor about other potential causes of vaginal burning, such as infections and pelvic floor dysfunction (more on that below).
Skin conditions
Contact dermatitis isn’t the only skin issue that can cause burning down there.
4. Lichen sclerosus
One lesser-known condition is lichen sclerosus, an inflammatory skin disorder that can show up as thin, white, wrinkly patches around the vulva. It can cause intense itching, pain, and a burning sensation. “Lichen sclerosus, which is believed to be an autoimmune inflammatory condition, can affect the vagina and the vulvar area,” says Dr. Benjamin Brucker, MD, a urogynecologist at NYU Langone Health in Manhattan. It can also crop up around your anus.
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