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What Causes Burning Sensation In The Vagina After Intercourse?
Question: Hi, I am experiencing a burning sensation in one spot around my vagina. It started about 5 days after having protected sex. Not sure if I should be concerned or not?! Or what to do?!
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
There are a few possibilities of what might be causing this.
Most likely, particularly if it is on the area around the vagina, rather than inside, is that there may be a small infection around a hair follicle or in a gland. Hot sitz baths (soak in the tub) and applying a hot wet wash cloth may take care of the problem. The water should be hot but not so hot that there is any chance of burning your skin. Heat can loosen clogged pores, can increase circulation to the area to allow white blood cells to clean up an infection, and can raise the temperature enough to make the skin inhospitable for bacteria to multiply.
Without seeing what it looks like, I am limited, but this is how I would start.
Yeast overgrowth can cause a burning sensation too. Adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to the bath when you soak can minimize that, but I am cautious to recommend the vinegar at this point in case there is a laceration to the area that is causing the burning (in which case the acid content of the vinegar might make it burn worse). An anti yeast cream can be tried too.
If it doesn't go away with these home remedies, then go in to see your doctor or to an urgent care clinic to have it looked at. If you go in to urgent care, make sure to be seen by a doctor rather than a physician's assistant if possible.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
There are a few possibilities of what might be causing this.
Most likely, particularly if it is on the area around the vagina, rather than inside, is that there may be a small infection around a hair follicle or in a gland. Hot sitz baths (soak in the tub) and applying a hot wet wash cloth may take care of the problem. The water should be hot but not so hot that there is any chance of burning your skin. Heat can loosen clogged pores, can increase circulation to the area to allow white blood cells to clean up an infection, and can raise the temperature enough to make the skin inhospitable for bacteria to multiply.
Without seeing what it looks like, I am limited, but this is how I would start.
Yeast overgrowth can cause a burning sensation too. Adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to the bath when you soak can minimize that, but I am cautious to recommend the vinegar at this point in case there is a laceration to the area that is causing the burning (in which case the acid content of the vinegar might make it burn worse). An anti yeast cream can be tried too.
If it doesn't go away with these home remedies, then go in to see your doctor or to an urgent care clinic to have it looked at. If you go in to urgent care, make sure to be seen by a doctor rather than a physician's assistant if possible.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The spot is on the labia minora I believe and I don't think there is an open would because it doesn't sting to urinate. I also looked and i think it is a little discolored darker but doesn't look like a sore.if this helps at all!
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
If the sore area doesn't have any open or abraded area, you can try the apple cider vinegar. If soaking in the tub is a hassle, you can also use a wash cloth and with half hot water and half apple cider vinegar on it and just hold it against the area. Do this a few times a day (such as 3-4). Don't rub it - just hold it there. If that burns (wash it off with water then) you can try an over the counter anti yeast cream. But if it is getting worse or not going away, do go in to see a doctor.
Sorry I didn't see your follow up question until now. Sorry for the delay!
Information
Detailed Answer:
If the sore area doesn't have any open or abraded area, you can try the apple cider vinegar. If soaking in the tub is a hassle, you can also use a wash cloth and with half hot water and half apple cider vinegar on it and just hold it against the area. Do this a few times a day (such as 3-4). Don't rub it - just hold it there. If that burns (wash it off with water then) you can try an over the counter anti yeast cream. But if it is getting worse or not going away, do go in to see a doctor.
Sorry I didn't see your follow up question until now. Sorry for the delay!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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