Vaginal burning can be a discomforting and embarrassing experience that can affect women of all ages. It often feels like a hot or stinging pain in the vaginal area. Various reasons, including irritants, hormonal changes, and underlying medical conditions can cause vaginal burning. It is important to remember that vaginal burning is a common issue with treatable causes. So, if you want to know how to reduce vaginal burning, you must understand the causes and symptoms of vaginal burning. If you want to try some natural remedies for vaginal burning, here are some that you can try.

What is vaginal burning?

Vaginal burning is a sensation of discomfort, irritation, or pain in or around the vaginal area. This burning feeling can vary in intensity, ranging from mild to severe, and may be constant or occur intermittently. It often feels like a stinging, raw, or hot sensation and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, unusual discharge, or pain during urination or sexual activity. Vaginal burning can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, irritants, hormonal changes, or skin conditions. The severity and duration of the burning can vary depending on the underlying cause. Also, in medical terms, it is referred to as vaginitis, it is a common condition characterised by inflammation of the vagina, often resulting in symptoms such as itching, burning, discomfort, and abnormal discharge, as found in a study published in the StatsPearl.

Grey vaginal discharge may be a sign of an infection. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Causes of vaginal burning

Vaginal burning can be caused by various factors, ranging from infections to irritants. Here are some common causes:

1. Bacterial vaginosis

According to a 2023 study published in the StatsPearl, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal ailment caused by a bacterial imbalance in the vagina. Women with BV may have pink, yellow, or grey vaginal discharge with a fishy odour before their periods. Other possible symptoms include itching, burning during urination, and vaginal discomfort.

2. Yeast infections

Vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is a fungal infection mostly caused by Candida albicans, as found in a 2023 study published in StatsPearl. Symptoms include vaginal burning, grey or white discharge, and intense itching of the vagina and vulva. Candida albicans is a yeast that is usually present in the vagina in modest amounts but can overgrow and cause an infection.

3. Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the bladder and its related structures. They primarily affect the lower urinary system, specifically the bladder and its associated parts. UTI symptoms commonly include vaginal burning, itching, discomfort, fever, and nausea, as found in a 2023 study published in the StatsPearl.

4. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), formerly known as sexually transmitted diseases, are the transmission of an organism between sexual partners by various routes of sexual contact, such as oral, anal, or vaginal, as found in a study published in the StatsPearl. Infections such as herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis can cause burning, sores, and abnormal discharge.

5. Menopause

Menopause is a phase in a woman's life cycle characterised by the end of her reproductive years. During this time, the ovaries stop producing oestrogen, and the menstrual cycle ends, as found in a study published in the StatsPearl. During menopause, women may experience itching, burning, urinating frequently, and urinary infections.

Symptoms of vaginal burning

“The primary symptom of vaginal burning is a sensation of heat, stinging, or rawness in or around the vaginal area. This burning sensation can be accompanied by various other symptoms, which can help identify the underlying cause,” says gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr Meenakshi Sauhta. Here are the common symptoms associated with vaginal burning:

• Persistent or intermittent itching in the vaginal or vulvar area, often accompanying the burning sensation.
• Inflammation of the vaginal or vulvar tissues leads to visible redness and sometimes swelling.
• Changes in the colour, consistency, or odour of vaginal discharge. This may include thick, white discharge is often associated with yeast infections, thin, greyish discharge with a fishy odour which is common in bacterial vaginosis, and green or yellow discharge which may indicate a sexually transmitted infection.
• A burning or stinging sensation when urinating or dysuria, which may be related to urinary tract infections, STIs, or irritation of the vaginal tissues.
• Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, which may be due to vaginal dryness, infections, or inflammation.
• Sores, blisters, or ulcers in the vaginal or vulvar area, associated with herpes or other STIs.
• Vaginal dryness, particularly in postmenopausal women, can contribute to a burning sensation and discomfort.
• A persistent feeling of discomfort or irritation in the vaginal area, which may worsen with certain activities.
• Changes in vaginal odour, which may be associated with infections like bacterial vaginosis.
• Unusual bleeding or spotting, not related to menstruation, may accompany vaginal burning, especially in cases of infections or hormonal. changes.Tenderness or soreness in the vaginal or vulvar area, sometimes making daily activities uncomfortable.

Home remedies for vaginal burning

Here are some easy and effective home remedies for vaginal burning.

1. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral features that make it an effective treatment for vaginal burning and itching, as found in a study published in the American Society for Microbiology.

How to use: Using your fingertips, apply 2-3 drops of tea tree oil on the outer surface of your vagina. This will assist in eliminating any yeast.

2. Coconut oil

“Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and can provide moisture, helping to soothe irritation and prevent infections,” says the expert.

How to use: Apply a small amount of organic, extra virgin coconut oil to the external vaginal area. It can also be used as a natural lubricant during intercourse if dryness is a cause of burning.

Coconut oil can help combat symptoms of vaginal burning. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock.

3. Cold compress

“A cold compress can reduce inflammation, numb the area, and provide temporary relief from burning and itching,” suggests the expert.

How to use: Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth or use a cold pack. Apply it to the affected area for 5-10 minutes at a time. Repeat as needed, ensuring not to apply the ice directly to the skin.

4. Basil leaves

Basil leaves contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, as found in a study published in the Foods Journal, making it effective for treating vaginal burning.

How to use: Get fresh basil leaves and boil them in water. Pour the liquid into a container and let it cool down. Now, rinse your vagina with the mixture.

5. Eat probiotic-rich food

According to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, probiotics found in yoghurt and other fermented foods like kimchi and kombucha can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut and urinary tract which causes vaginal burning and pain. Include probiotic-rich items in your diet, or consider taking a probiotic supplement.

Things to keep in mind!

• Consult your healthcare practitioner: Before attempting any home remedies, particularly those requiring insertion into the vagina, contact a healthcare expert.
• Potential risks: Certain remedies may cause discomfort or allergic responses. If you encounter any harmful effects, discontinue usage.
• Not a substitute for medical care: Home remedies can help with symptoms, but they are not a substitute for medical therapy, particularly for persistent or severe cases of vaginal burning.

If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking qualified medical guidance is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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