If you experience a painful tingling in the lady parts, it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor. It could be an underlying condition that requires treatment or medication.
Vaginal burning can be caused by a number of things, including a yeast infection, allergies, rough sex and a lack of lubrication.
Yeast Infection
A yeast infection can cause a burning sensation after sex, especially if you are taking antibiotics that disrupt the healthy balance of microorganisms in your body. It’s normal for some yeast to live in the mucous membranes that line the genitals, but when it grows out of control (because of pregnancy or medications, for example), it can make you feel uncomfortable. Yeast infections are also common in women who have a weakened immune system, such as those who are HIV positive or have been on certain medications like steroids, chemotherapy drugs or post-organ transplant medications.
Yeast infections often lead to a whitish-yellowish vaginal discharge that may be watery or chunky and might look a bit like cottage cheese or curdled milk. It can also cause pain during and after sex and peeing can be painful if your urethra is inflamed too. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments and suppositories containing clotrimazole or monistat 3 are available and will typically take 1 to 7 days to work.
Using a good quality lubricant can help ease the burning, as can putting an icepack on the area. But the best thing to do is to see your GP and book in an appointment with a gynecologist or urologist, says Kanani. They will be able to give you a proper diagnosis and prescribe medication if needed.
Allergies
Whether it’s due to friction or irritation from something you’re wearing or using (like a lubricant, condom, tampon or sex toy), certain materials and ingredients can cause pain and burning. If this is a persistent issue, you might be able to pinpoint the culprit and stop it from happening by switching to a different option.
For example, if you have a latex allergy, you might need to switch to a non-latex lubricant or a sheath condom, Dr. Roskin says. You may also be allergic to certain soaps, perfumes or ingredients found in fabric softeners, laundry detergent and other personal care products.
Ob-gyn Alyssa Dweck agrees, saying that if you’re washing your vulva with scented soaps or other harsh ingredients, it can upset the pH balance in your vagina and irritate your skin. You should only use water-based lubricants and wash your vulva with mild, fragrance-free soaps.
Another common cause of burning after sex is bacterial vaginosis, cystitis or a urinary tract infection, all of which can be caused by friction, bacteria and a reduction in hormone levels (from birth control pills, contraceptive rings and/or menopause). In most cases, these are treatable at home, without the need for a doctor’s visit. However, in rare cases, the discomfort may be a sign of vulvar cancer, which should always be checked out by a medical professional.
Friction
It’s no secret that sexual intimacy can cause a whole host of feelings and side effects. But if you experience burning sensations in the penile area or on your vulva after sexual intercourse, it could mean that your symptoms are a lot more serious than you might think.
It can be caused by excessive friction, which can happen when your vagina is irritated and not properly lubricated. This can lead to a burning feeling in your penis or on the inside of your vagina – which is also known as dyspareunia. This is a painful sensation that can affect women and men, as well as people of all ages. It can be triggered by any kind of penetration, including penetrative sex or using a sex toy or tampon.
Another common reason for a burning sensation is if you are allergic to certain condoms or lubes. This is particularly true if you’re allergic to latex. You can avoid this by switching to a different lube or using a condom that doesn’t contain latex.
It can also be a sign of vulvodynia, which is an unexplained pain in the vulva and genitals. This can be triggered by inflammation, stress, infections, or injury to the pelvic floor muscles. If you’re suffering from this, your doctor can help you find a treatment for it.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
If a burning sensation is present during and after sex, it may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can cause pain in the penile area, vulva, or the bladder. If the symptoms are accompanied by pain, itching, or a foul odor, it’s important to visit a doctor or sexual health clinic for treatment.
The most common cause of a UTI is E coli bacteria. However, it can also be caused by other types of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, sexually transmitted infections such as herpes or chlamydia, or even certain medications including antidepressants and contraceptives. Women are at higher risk of getting a UTI than men due to their anatomy; females have shorter urethras, which makes it easier for bacteria from the bowel to enter the bladder and urethra.
If you have a UTI, it’s important to take antibiotics as soon as possible to prevent the infection from becoming more serious or affecting other organs. You can help ease your discomfort by drinking lots of fluids, avoiding irritating substances like latex condoms and lubricants that are made with artificial ingredients, and taking an over-the-counter antihistamine to relieve allergy symptoms. Depending on what causes your pain, your doctor will recommend the best course of action to treat the underlying issue.
