What Are the Causes of Vaginal Burning?

Vaginal burning is a very uncomfortable condition that affects women all over the world. Determining the specific cause of vaginal burning is important because successful treatment depends on eliminating the cause of the burning entirely. Causes of vaginal burning include sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal infections and vaginal irritation from the chemicals contained in soaps, detergents and hygiene products.

Trichomoniasis

According to physicians at the University of Maryland Medical Center, trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a parasite. This parasite is known as Trichomonas vaginalis and is passed through intercourse or genital contact with someone who has the infection. Vaginal burning is one of the symptoms of trichomoniasis, along with painful intercourse, vaginal discharge, vaginal odor and vulvar itching.

Gonorrhea

Physicians from McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois define gonorrhea as a sexually transmitted disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea can cause vaginal burning as well as irregular bleeding, painful urination and vaginal discharge. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to more serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Approximately 700,000 new cases of gonorrhea are diagnosed each year.

Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections are another cause of vaginal burning, according to physicians from the department of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA Health System. These infections are caused by the fungus known as Candida albicans and can cause other symptoms including a thick discharge, vulvar inflammation, labial itching and pain during intercourse. Vaginal yeast infections are usually treated with over-the-counter creams or suppositories or prescription antifungal medications.

Viral Vaginitis

Viral vaginitis is caused by several different types of viruses. According to physicians from the University of Virginia Health System, the herpes simplex virus and the human papillomavirus (HPV) are common causes of viral vaginitis. Herpes causes vaginal burning and sores on the vulva and in the vagina. HPV causes warts to grow on the vagina, rectum and vulva and can also cause vaginal burning and irritation.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Professionals from the Centers for Disease control define bacterial vaginosis as a condition that results from an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This bacteria causes an imbalance in the amounts of bacteria that normally grow in the vagina. In addition to vaginal burning, bacterial vaginosis can cause vaginal discharge, odor and itching.

Chlamydia

According to health professionals from Brown University, chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection. The disease is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and can cause infection in the vagina, cervix, penis, urethra, anus or eye. In women, chlamydia can cause vaginal burning as well as pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, vaginal itching, nausea and fever. This infection can be transmitted from person-to-person through any form of sexual intercourse.

Noninfectious Vaginitis

Medical professionals from the University of Maryland Medical Center define noninfectious vaginitis as any type of vaginal irritation that is not caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Many causes of noninfectious vaginitis are caused by irritation from medications or chemicals in soap and other hygiene products. Atrophic vaginitis is caused by the decrease in hormones that accompanies removal of the ovaries, menopause or radiation therapy. Both forms of noninfectious vaginitis can cause vaginal burning and other symptoms.