Vaginal burning: causes. A symptom of what disease can be a burning sensation in the vagina?

Almost every woman has probably experienced itching in the intimate area. Clinical manifestations of symptoms include inflammation of the vulva and vagina, often accompanied by discharge from the genital tract. This often leads to serious discomfort, disrupts the natural flow of life, and undermines self-confidence.

From a medical point of view, the appearance of vaginal itching can be associated with various factors: from improper care of the intimate area to serious diseases. In this article we will look at this problem in detail, understand the causes of its occurrence, methods of its treatment and prevention.

Having pain in your vagina?

If you have unpleasant, painful sensations in the vagina, diagnosing yourself, let alone taking measures, prescribing treatment is very dangerous. You need to urgently undergo examination by a gynecologist. Often, all sorts of folk remedies will not only not improve the situation, but will even worsen it .

Only a doctor can carry out the necessary tests and, based on them, make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Before being examined by a doctor, you should not douche, use suppositories or other medications. After using them, the test results will be incorrect and it will be difficult to choose the right treatment.

Diagnosing the appearance of the disease

If the disease occurs, you must visit a consultation with a urologist. He will write out a referral for various tests and, using the method of exclusion, will identify the cause that caused the discomfort. To clarify the preliminary diagnosis, the following conclusions are required:

• urologist (collecting anamnesis and examining the patient);
• therapist;
• gynecologist;
• by changes in blood and urine tests (an increase in the level of leukocytes and the presence of protein bodies will indicate an inflammatory process in the body);
• An ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder will give a conclusion about the presence of changes;
• cytology will detect possible tumors;
• if necessary, consultation with a specialist on suspected venereological infections;

Additionally, consultations with a nephrologist, oncologist, pulmonologist, ENT specialist, etc. may be required.

Causes of pain, itching, burning in the vagina

There are three groups of reasons

that cause discomfort in the vagina:

• Gynecological diseases;
• Non-gynecological diseases;
• External and internal factors;

Inflammation of the mucous membrane is caused by the development of pathogenic microflora in the genitals, which causes itching in the vagina. The most common infections include gardnerellosis, candidiasis (thrush), etc. This condition is called bacterial vaginosis, and it often becomes a consequence of intestinal dysbiosis.

Pain, itching, burning may be symptoms of an STI

(sexually transmitted infections):

• chlamydia (yellowish discharge with a fishy odor);
• trichomoniasis (excessive foamy greenish discharge);
• genital herpes, etc.

Itching in the vagina can be caused by allergies, for example to contraceptives or sanitary pads. Lack of genital hygiene, tight underwear, and unnecessary douching disrupt the balance of vaginal microflora and cause itching.

External factors

that can cause itching:

• overheating or hypothermia;
• mechanical impact (friction against laundry);
• mechanical damage to the mucous membrane (for example, during rough sexual intercourse);
• emotional stress;
• stress, feeling of fear.

In any case, whatever the reason, if you have these symptoms, you should consult a gynecologist.

Vaginal burning in girls

Vaginal burning in a girl, if it is accompanied by itching, redness of the vulva, as well as pain when urinating, may indicate poor hygiene of the intimate area or irritation by chemical agents (for example, contained in soap, bubble bath, etc.).

You should also pay attention to vaginal discharge, which is usually foul-smelling, and intermenstrual spots may indicate the presence of a foreign body in the vagina, such as part of a tampon.

Burning, itching, vaginal discharge, as well as redness, swelling of the intimate area and pain when urinating are alarming symptoms. They may indicate a fungal infection (curdled discharge) or a staph or streptococcal infection (yellow discharge).

ONLINE REGISTRATION at the DIANA clinic

You can sign up by calling the toll-free phone number 8-800-707-15-60 or filling out the contact form. In this case, we will contact you ourselves.

If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter

How is a gynecologist examined?

At the Alan Clinic medical center, gynecological examinations are performed in comfortable conditions, using disposable sterile instruments. The initial appointment takes 40 minutes.

The initial examination by a gynecologist includes a standard gynecological examination, including:

• conversation with a doctor
• smear of vaginal discharge to determine the degree of purity

Depending on the clinical symptoms and complaints, the gynecologist may prescribe additional examination methods.

• scraping from the cervix for oncocytology
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs
• extended colposcopy
• study for tumor markers CA-125, CA-15-3

What causes burning and itching without discharge?

Such signs are usually associated with inflammation in the female genital organ, for example, cystitis. But the lack of vaginal discharge is alarming. So it's not the infection that's to blame. So what?

To determine the cause of the disorder, several smears are taken from women: the vaginal epithelium, endometrial cells of the body and cervix and cervical canal.

Itching and burning in the vagina, not accompanied by discharge, most often occur due to allergic reactions, parasites, menopause and poor hygiene. Serious systemic and oncological diseases also affect women's health.

Sign of skin or mucous membrane irritation

The inner part of the female genital organ is lined with mucous membrane - thin and delicate, like the skin covering the intimate area. Their irritants can be:

1. Synthetic and tight underwear
   . Cheap synthetics rub the perineum, do not absorb sweat, and do not allow air to pass through. The situation is usually aggravated by a smaller size than necessary.

2. Chemical substances
   . The vaginal mucosa often comes into contact with creams, contraceptives, soap, gel, scented pads, daily diapers or toilet paper. Also, there may be residues of washing powder and conditioner on your underwear, which provoke an allergic reaction.
3. Sperm
   . It causes allergies in 12% of women. After sexual intercourse without contraceptives, they feel severe itching and slight redness.
4. Depilation
   . If you use a razor with a dull blade, shave against the hair growth, without lathering the skin and with excessive force, then a rash will likely appear on the skin in the intimate area.

As a result of the influence of all factors, the mucous membrane of the labia and vagina becomes hyperemic, swollen and flabby, and begins to itch and burn.

Symptoms of parasite infestation

The combination of itching and burning can signal a serious “living” pathology outside and inside the vaginal walls - parasites. Women can settle in the intimate area:

1. Pubic lice
   . The disease is considered a sexually transmitted disease because it is transmitted from one partner to another during sex. You can also become infected by sharing hygiene items or clothing. The shroud louse settles in the scalp of the pubis and anus. Feeds on the blood of its owner. The size of the insect does not exceed 1.5 mm, but the bites are very itchy. Scratching causes bluish spots and a pustular rash to appear.

2. Opisthorchis
   . During opisthorchiasis, the liver and gastrointestinal tract are affected. Severe itching occurs. The whole body itches, including the vagina.

3. Pinworms
   . Small roundworms make their presence known at night. Having settled in the intestines, they come out at night and crawl into the vagina, eventually causing vulvovaginitis.

The internal structure of the female genital organs contributes to the development of parasitic diseases. Parasites introduce infections into the vagina, form swelling, and irritate it with toxins.

Does itching foreshadow menopause?

During menopause, women experience a decline in their reproductive system. Some women have a hard time with this: physical and mental factors begin to bother them.

The cause of the changes is estrogen: the female body produces insufficient amounts with age.

In addition to constant dryness and itching in the intimate area, painful sensations appear when urinating and during sexual intercourse, hot flashes, redness of the face, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, migraines, dizziness, weight gain. On the eve of menopause, a woman becomes distracted and forgetful.

The effect of sexually transmitted infections

Irritation and discomfort can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Some infectious diseases occur without discharge. These are

:

1. Genital herpes
   . In addition to herpes in the mouth or nose, it occurs in women in the area of ​​the labia minora and labia majora, pustular blisters appear. Then they move on to the mucous membranes, causing unbearable pain. The rash itches and hurts, the mucous membrane swells.

2. Gonorrhea
   . The latent course of the disease is characterized by the absence of discharge, but sharp pain during urination and itching of the perineum appear.

Other genital infections from the vagina are characterized by discharge of a purulent secretion with a “fishy” odor.

List of systemic diseases

Gynecological disorders can be caused by diseases not related to gynecology. After all, any organism is a general system, all organs interact with each other. So burning and itching in the female genital organs can be caused by:

1. Diabetes mellitus
   . High sugar levels create favorable conditions for fungal activity. Most often, Candida fungi are activated in the vagina, leaving a curd-like white discharge on the labia and underwear. At the initial stage, they are not yet noticeable, although a sweetish smell can already be felt. Another reason is hidden in the drugs used to treat the disease - they can cause allergies.

2. Pathologies of the thyroid gland
   . The condition of the vulva is affected by excess hormones. Therefore, itching is a concern during pregnancy, before childbirth, menstruation and adolescence.

After diagnosis, they begin to treat not the symptoms, but the disease itself.

A sign of cancer?

Dryness, burning and itching can be a symptom of deadly diseases. One of them is kraurosis of the vulva. This is not cancer yet, but already a precancerous condition.

Vaginal kraurosis most often occurs in women during menopause.

Its essence lies in the atrophy of the woman’s external genitalia (vulva), narrowing of the entrance to the vagina. The labia majora gradually lose hair and volume, smoothing out and becoming flat. Patients complain of dryness and itching in the perineum.

Other causes of the disorder

Vaginal itching with burning may occur due to:

1. Hyperkeratosis
   . This is a disease that has a genetic predisposition and is characterized by severe dryness and flaking of the skin. When it worsens, the skin becomes like fish scales. Pathology does not bypass the mucous membrane of the intimate area.

2. Stress
   . The healthy environment in the vagina can be destroyed under the influence of depression, anxiety and stressful situations.

3. Hygiene violations
   . Irregular washing, changing underwear, tampons or pads. With uncleanliness, the genitals are gradually colonized by bad bacteria, which crowd out the good ones.
   Read also:  Can a child get chickenpox a second time? Pediatrician says

If hyperkeratosis is quite rare, then the last two points are ubiquitous. Negligence in intimate hygiene can lead to serious inflammation.

Gynecologists in Kazan use the following methods of treating gynecological diseases:

• Drug treatment . Prescribed in accordance with test results.
• Local treatment . Sanitation of the vagina followed by application of a tampon with a medicinal drug, incl. Ultrasonic sanitation with the Gineton apparatus.
• Physiotherapy . Modern Androgyn and Mustang equipment is used, which are successfully used in the complex treatment of inflammatory diseases, hormonal disorders, as well as recovery in the postoperative period.
• Pharmacopuncture . Introduction to acupuncture points of medicinal substances that are indicated for various diseases (inflammatory, hormonal disorders, etc.).
• Ozone therapy
  . Intravaginal and intravenous administration of drugs enriched with ozone contributes to the development of a powerful antioxidant effect, which can successfully cure inflammatory diseases, improve the immune system and reactive capabilities of the body.
• Hirudotherapy . Widely used in the treatment of diseases such as endometriosis of the uterus and ovaries, inflammatory diseases, hormonal dysfunctions, infertility, etc.

How to treat?

The vagina is burning. What to do? This problem worries many women. It is worth understanding it in more detail. If a specialist detects the development of sexually transmitted infections in a woman, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, and it is important to treat both partners, since it is difficult to identify an infection in a man. When identifying vaginal dysbiosis in a woman, it is important to use local treatments and drugs that stimulate the immune system.

It is important to use local products that include beneficial microorganisms. They contain special bacteria, which are the most important component of the vaginal microflora of a healthy woman. How do they help? And are they effective? Bacteria enter a humid environment, come to life, and multiply. The balance of beneficial bacteria is restored. Good microflora has protective properties against the development of harmful bacteria, thus preventing thrush and other fungal diseases.

Thanks to this, on the one hand, the treatment of a bacterial disease is ensured, on the other hand, preventive measures are taken for the development of thrush.

Important: if it burns in the vaginal area, treatment must be started immediately. The disease may later acquire a chronic form, which is difficult to cure.

Symptoms of STIs: itching after sex, video

Urologist-dermatovenereologist, doctor of the highest category, Evgeniy Aleksandrovich Volokhov talks about itching after sexual intercourse. Source – Clinic Private Practice

Literature:
Sources:

1. MODERN PRINCIPLES OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS. Evseev A.A. // Bulletin of reproductive health. – 2009. – June. – pp. 20-25.
2. FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF TREATING BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS. Gabdullina L.R., Vorobyova E.P. // Bulletin of modern clinical medicine. – 2012. – No. 1. – pp. 40-42.
3. Vulvovaginal candidiasis: etiology, diagnosis, treatment. Kisina V.I. // Doctor. 2009. - 1. - pp. 13–15.
4. Vulvovaginal candidiasis: a look at the problem. Tikhomirov A.L., Oleinik Ch.G. // Gynecology. - 2005. - 1. - pp. 29–34.
5. Chronic recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: principles of diagnosis and treatment options. Bayramova G.R. // Obstetrics and gynecology. - 2008. - 6. - pp. 64–66.
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/itching-after-sex
7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322483.php
8. https://medicalj-center.info/diseases/gynecology/why-torturing-itching-after-sexual-intercourse.html

Therapeutic tampons

There is another well-known method - using tampons with tea tree oil, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. Be sure to dilute with warm boiled water to avoid burns to the mucous membrane. This method helps reduce inflammation while destroying bacteria that cause itching and burning. You can lubricate the vagina with honey if you are not allergic.

Reason number 3 – allergies

Women who are prone to all sorts of allergic reactions may experience itching after sex when using various moisturizers, lubricants and barrier contraceptives (condoms). As a rule, irritation occurs due to a specific component: fragrance, disinfectant, latex. In this case, it is recommended to choose a neutral contraceptive that will not cause such symptoms, as well as use special restorative agents to quickly eliminate discomfort. The role of such a product can be the intimate gel lubricant Ginocomfort, developed by specialists of the pharmaceutical company VERTEX and having the appropriate documents and certificates.

One of the reasons for itching after sex may be skin irritation

Preventive actions

To prevent the disease, so that it does not return and cannot in any way ruin the life of a healthy woman, it is important to observe prevention.

Experts recommend to their patients the simplest methods available to everyone as prevention. They must be observed daily, taking into account the nature of the diseases.

Many women do not think about the consequences of developing the disease and ignore advice, which does not end very well for them. After severe pain has subsided, girls often forget about taking preventive measures.

It is necessary to follow a few simple recommendations that will help avoid unpleasant symptoms:

• use dry soap less often; special intimate hygiene products containing an acidic environment are best;
• replace condoms with another contraception, use them as needed;
• use vaginal lubricants less often, and it is best to abandon them for a while;
• Instead of synthetic panties, it is best to wear cotton underwear;
• do not engage in special diets; a woman’s diet must contain all the necessary microelements;
• It is recommended to introduce fermented milk products into the diet and reduce sugar;
• for the first time, refuse to have sex;
• Do not use panty liners; it is better to avoid them during treatment.