- Utilizing scented soaps round (or inside) your vulva
- Not altering out of sweaty garments proper after a exercise
- Douching
- Not sporting safety throughout intercourse
Artificial materials like nylon or rayon can entice moisture and warmth, which can enhance your threat of a yeast an infection or BV. “We all the time advocate breathable cotton underwear,” Dr. De-Lin says.
When to see a physician: Seeing a physician is one of the simplest ways to find out when you have both an infection. Yeast overgrowth can typically be eradicated with one dose of an oral pill referred to as fluconazole (Diflucan). For BV, at the very least one spherical of antibiotics is normally required, which might both come within the type of a gel that you just insert into your vagina or as a tablet you are taking by mouth.
2. STIs
“There are a variety of sexually transmitted infections that may trigger burning, with the commonest ones being chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis,” Dr. De-Lin says. All of those are handed via sexual activity and might result in adjustments in vaginal discharge and odor, she explains—which might have a number of overlap with yeast an infection and BV signs, making it troublesome to know what’s happening with out a take a look at. It’s not all the time the case, however typically, STIs trigger a burning sensation throughout intercourse, or while you urinate.
When to see a physician: For those who’re experiencing burning, a physician will typically advocate doing an STI panel, which checks for these three Dr. De-Lin mentions. Therapies usually contain antibiotics, however within the case of herpes or HIV, anti-virals are wanted.
Irritants
Fragrances, whether or not in your favourite tub bomb, physique wash, laundry detergent, or a scented panty liner, can irritate the pores and skin round your vulva, inflicting a fiery sensation down there (and never the good type), which might make you suppose you could have a vaginal an infection.
3. Scents
Identical to different areas of the physique can react to issues like fragrances or detergents, so can the vulva, Dr. De-Lin explains. And the pores and skin round your vagina tends to be additional delicate.
Essentially the most generalized recommendation is to not use something with a perfume to wash your vagina (the interior half) or your vulva (the exterior elements), Dr. De-Lin says. This can assist cut back the prospect of growing contact dermatitis, which manifests as a rash or swelling—generally known as vaginitis—after coming into contact with one thing you’re delicate or allergic to.
When to see a physician: For those who’ve stopped utilizing all scented merchandise and also you’ve additionally swapped out your nylon underwear for cotton ones, however you’re nonetheless experiencing burning, one thing else could also be happening. Contemplate speaking to your physician about different potential causes of vaginal burning, reminiscent of infections and pelvic ground dysfunction (extra on that under).
Pores and skin circumstances
Contact dermatitis isn’t the one pores and skin subject that may trigger burning down there.
4. Lichen sclerosus
One lesser-known situation is lichen sclerosus, an inflammatory pores and skin dysfunction that may present up as skinny, white, wrinkly patches across the vulva. It may possibly trigger intense itching, ache, and a burning sensation. “Lichen sclerosus, which is believed to be an autoimmune inflammatory situation, can have an effect on the vagina and the vulvar space,” says Dr. Benjamin Brucker, MD, a urogynecologist at NYU Langone Well being in Manhattan. It may possibly additionally crop up round your anus.
