What Causes Vaginal Burning?

Because vaginal burning can cause a great deal of discomfort, finding a cause is important. This condition can be caused by bacterial infections, viruses, fungal infections, hormonal changes and chemical irritations. Once a cause for vaginal burning has been determined, treatment can be given to eliminate the cause of the burning and alleviate the discomfort.

Bacterial Infections

According to medical professionals from the Cleveland Clinic, several types of bacterial infection can cause vaginal burning. These infections include chlamydia and bacterial vaginosis. Physicians from Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center identify chlamydia as a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacteria that can cause infections of the genitals, eyes and respiratory system. Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that results from the overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. In addition to vaginal burning, it can cause vaginal discharge and odor.

Viruses

Some viruses can cause vaginal burning and other vaginal discomfort. Physicians from the Cleveland Clinic indicate that HPV and herpes can both cause vaginal burning and related symptoms. Herpes, known as the herpes simplex virus, causes sores to develop on the genitals. These sores are usually visible, but may be inside the vagina and only visible during a pelvic exam. HPV, known as human papillomavirus, causes cauliflower-like warts to grow on the genitals. These warts are not always visible and detection of the virus may require a pap smear.

Fungal Infections

Infections caused by fungus can cause vaginal burning and related symptoms. One of the most common fungal infections to cause vaginal burning is a vaginal yeast infection. According to physicians from New York University's Langone Medical Center, the most common cause of a vaginal yeast infection is Candida albicans. This fungus can grow in the vagina when the vaginal pH becomes unbalanced or when good bacteria that keep yeast in check are eliminated through the use of antibiotics. In addition to vaginal burning, yeast infections can cause itching, discharge and vaginal odor.

Hormonal Changes

According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, hormonal changes can cause vaginal burning. Hormonal changes that occur just before or just after the monthly menstrual period can decrease the acidity of the vagina, allowing overgrowth of bacteria that can cause infections. During menopause, the production of estrogen decreases, which can allow tearing in the vaginal tissues. Tears or cracks in the tissue provide opportunities for bacteria and yeast to grow, resulting in infections that can cause vaginal burning.

Chemical Irritation

Information from the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library indicates that irritation by chemicals can cause vaginal irritation and burning. These chemicals can be found in spermicides, feminine deodorant products, soaps, laundry detergents, bubble bath and certain types of undergarments. In cases of chemical irritation, avoiding further contact with irritants is usually enough to prevent recurrence of the vaginal burning. If the irritation has caused cracks or tears in the skin, treatment for infection may be necessary.