The good news? Most causes are common and usually treatable. Below, we’ll explain why vaginal burning can happen, simple ways to soothe it and when it’s a good idea to reach out to a healthcare professional.
What can cause a burning vagina?
A burning sensation, whether inside the vagina or on the vulva, can have several causes. Paying attention to other symptoms – like changes in discharge, smell, itching, pain when peeing or new sores – can help you work out what’s going on. Don’t worry if you’re unsure – a pharmacist, sexual health clinic or GP can help guide you.
Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina
Vaginitis is a general term for inflammation (soreness and swelling) in and around the vagina. It can cause burning, soreness, discomfort, itching and changes in vaginal discharge.
Vaginitis has lots of possible triggers, including vaginal yeast infections, irritation from products or hormonal changes such as those that can occur after menopause. Many people experience vaginal inflammation – knowing what’s happening is the first step to feeling better.
Thrush (vaginal yeast infection)
Thrush happens when Candida (a yeast that normally lives harmlessly in the vagina of some women) overgrows. Typical symptoms include itching, irritation, soreness or burning during sex, and a thick, white, cottage cheese‑like discharge.
Thrush is very common, and while that doesn't make it any less frustrating, it’s usually treatable. If thrush keeps coming back, talking to your doctor can help you find the right treatment and get relief.
Irritation or contact dermatitis
Your intimate area is sensitive, so occasional irritation can crop up – often because of everyday products or habits. If you’re sensitive to certain items, they can trigger burning, itching or a change in discharge.
Things like panty liners, soap, bubble baths, shower gels, talcum powder, feminine hygiene wipes, vaginal sprays and douches, laundry detergents and fabric softeners can all set off irritation. With a little detective work and the right care, most irritations can be resolved promptly, and you can get back to feeling comfortable.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like genital herpes can cause vaginal burning, including burning when you pee, often alongside other symptoms.
Other signs may include itching, swelling and soreness in or around your vagina, discharge that isn’t usual for you, painful blisters or sores, and pain when peeing or during sex, depending on the STI.
If an STI is a possibility, visit a sexual health clinic for testing and treatment. Many sexual health clinics offer walk-in services, where you don’t need an appointment.
Menopause‑related vaginal dryness
Hormonal changes can also cause irritation, vaginal dryness and other shifts in intimate health.
Vaginal dryness is common at any age, but it’s particularly frequent after menopause – affecting over half of post-menopausal women aged 51 to 60.
Falling oestrogen levels around and after menopause can thin and dry the vaginal and vulval tissues. This can lead to discomfort, a dry and itchy vagina, burning, soreness and pain during sex. While these changes are normal, they can be managed with the right care so you can continue to enjoy intimacy and comfort at any stage of life.
Vulvodynia (vulval pain)
Vulvodynia means long‑lasting vulval pain with no clear cause. There’s usually no change to the way your vulva looks, but you may experience discomfort or pain. It can feel like burning, throbbing, stabbing or soreness, and symptoms may be constant or triggered by touch, tight clothing or sex.
If you notice persistent or recurring burning, pain or discomfort in your vulva, speak to your GP. They’ll discuss your symptoms, may ask to examine your vulva and vagina to rule out other conditions, and can refer you to a specialist if needed.
Vulvodynia can have a big effect on your daily life, but there are treatments that can help. Care usually focuses on ruling out other causes and managing the pain.
Treating and preventing a burning vagina
Once the cause is understood, vaginal burning is usually treatable.
As there are lots of possible causes, it’s best to get medical help if you’re worried. See a GP if:
- You have symptoms for the first time
- You’ve had vaginitis before, but the symptoms are bothering you a lot, are different to usual or aren’t getting better
- You have vaginal discharge that’s unusual for you
- You notice symptoms after having sex with a new partner
- You have other symptoms like feeling hot and shivery or pelvic pain (pain in your lower tummy)
The Canestest® Self-Test for Vaginal Infections can help to diagnose the cause of your symptoms. The test may indicate whether there is a cause that can be self-treated. In case of any doubts, consult your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Here are common ways to treat the underlying cause of a burning vagina:
- Vaginitis – treatment depends on the cause, but avoiding irritants, washing around your vagina with water and wearing loose cotton underwear can help ease symptoms.
- Thrush – over‑the‑counter antifungals (creams, pessaries and combination treatments) are commonly used to treat thrush symptoms and the cause. Some combined treatments, such as Canesten® Thrush Combi Internal & External Creams, are formulated to target both the cause and symptoms of thrush (only suitable for women who have had thrush previously diagnosed by a doctor). A pharmacist can advise the best option for you. If thrush keeps coming back, see your doctor.
- Irritation – switching to plain water for washing, skipping hot baths, choosing fragrance‑free products and breathable cotton underwear, and avoiding triggers usually helps. A cooling, fragrance‑free gel, such as Canescool® Soothing Cream Gel, can help care for your sensitive intimate area.
- Menopause‑related dryness – vaginal moisturisers, lubricants and other treatments can help ease discomfort and help you enjoy sex again. Products like CanesMeno® Hydration & Comfort Gel, a non-hormonal moisturising gel, can help provide fast, long-lasting relief from vaginal dryness, burning and itching. Vaginal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) preparations are available from your pharmacist, which may also help.
- STIs – STIs are usually treated with antibiotics.
- Vulvodynia – your doctor may suggest local anaesthetic gels, pelvic floor exercises, pain‑modifying medicines and psychological support such as cognitive behavioural therapy.
Preventing vaginal burning
There are small things you can do at home that may help prevent and ease discomfort:
- Wash around your vagina with water and dry thoroughly
- Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear
- Use pads instead of tampons during your period
- Experiment with different positions during sex, and use condoms and lubricant
A burning vagina is common, and in most cases, it’s treatable. Spotting any accompanying signs – like changes in discharge or burning when you pee – can help point you in the right direction.
Use Canestest® to test before you treat, reach out to your pharmacist for fast, friendly advice and see your GP or sexual health clinic if symptoms are severe, recurrent or you’re unsure what’s causing them.
Most importantly, remember: you’ve got this – and we’re here to help you feel comfortable and confident with your intimate health.
