Last updated: 05-07-2023
Sex is all about pleasure. But some people can feel vaginal burning or irritation after sex or when doing other things with their partners. This can be worrying. So, why does this happen? There are several reasons. Some are not serious, but others are issues that you need to talk to your doctor about. This blog post looks at several causes of vaginal discomfort and what you can do to get relief.
Common symptoms of vaginal burning after sex
A burning feeling after sex can make you uneasy and worried. You may even have other symptoms, such as:
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Itching
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Redness
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Swelling
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Pain during sex
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Strange discharge
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A bad smell
If you have any of these symptoms and they persist or get worse, make sure to talk to your doctor.
Causes of vaginal burning after sex
If you don’t know why you feel burning, look at these possible reasons.
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Chafing: Not being wet enough during sex can irritate you down there.
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Allergic reactions: Some people can be allergic to condoms, lube or other products. These can make them feel a burning sensation.
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Infections: Yeast infections and other kinds of infections can make the vagina inflamed or irritate it.
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STIs: If you have an STI, such as chlamydia, you may feel burning sensations after sex.
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Vaginitis: When your vagina is inflamed because of hormone changes or other irritants, you can feel a burning sensation after sex.
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Vulvodynia: This is a condition that causes pain that affects the vulva. It can also lead to burning sensations during or after sex.
Treatments for post-sex vaginal discomfort
There are several things you can do to treat your discomfort, based on what’s causing it.
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Use lube: Use a water-based lube during sex to stop chafing and inflammation.
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Manage your allergy: If you know what you’re allergic to, try to stay away from it. You might want to use a latex-free condom or a gentle lube to help.
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Check for and treat infections: Check with your doctor if you think you have an infection. They can give you medicine for it.
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Check for and treat STIs: If it’s an STI, a doctor will give you the right medicine to treat it.
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Consider HRT: If hormone changes are the cause of the pain in your vagina, HRT may be of help.
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Treat your pain: Talk to your doctor to find a treatment plan that will help your pain.
You should talk to a doctor or an expert at Click Pharmacy if you keep feeling pain after sex. They can help you find out the cause and fix the problem.
Natural ways to treat vaginal discomfort
There are some natural ways to lessen burning sensations after sex. But remember, always talk to a doctor if the burning doesn’t go away or gets worse.
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Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your vagina healthy.
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Use a cold compress: Put a cold cloth where you feel the burn to help you feel less uncomfortable.
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Use aloe vera: Use pure aloe vera gel to calm your skin. Test a small spot first to check for any allergies.
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Wear loose clothing: Wear loose, comfy clothes and cotton underwear to soothe your skin and help it heal.
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Take probiotics: Eat foods with probiotics or take vitamins to keep your vagina healthy and balanced.
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Avoid irritants: Stay away from harsh soaps, strong-smelling products or cleansing washes. They can make you feel worse.
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Try relaxation techniques: Try to stay relaxed by meditating or doing some deep breathing or yoga.
If burning after sex doesn’t go away or is bad, see a doctor.
Tips for stopping burning sensations during sex
To avoid feeling discomfort during sex, try these tips.
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Use lube: Try a water- or silicone-based lube to make sex feel smoother and stop chafing.
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Spend time on foreplay: Foreplay will help you to be more ready for sex by increasing your natural lubrication.
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Use hypoallergenic products: Use gentle condoms and lube and pads without scent to avoid allergic reactions.
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Stay clean: Wash your parts with gentle, unscented soap and water. Don’t use cleansing washes. They can upset your natural pH balance.
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Wear breathable underwear: Choose comfy underwear made of a natural material that lets air in and helps avoid sweat. This makes it less likely you will get a yeast or bacterial infection.
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Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water to keep your body healthy and improve your natural lubrication.
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Stay safe: Use condoms to protect against STIs that cause burning during sex.
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Get checked regularly: See a doctor to find and treat issues that may make sex uncomfortable for you.
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Talk with your partner: If something hurts or feels off, talk about it with your partner. Try new positions or find ways to make sex easier for both of you.
If you still feel a burning sensation after trying these tips, see a doctor to find out what’s going on and how to fix it.
Signs you should see a doctor
A little discomfort after sex is not normally serious, but some signs may mean you should see a doctor. Check in with a doctor if you have any of the issues below:
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Persistent or worsening symptoms: If the burning doesn’t go away or gets worse after trying over-the-counter treatments, it’s time to go to a doctor.
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Severe pain or discomfort: If you feel a lot of pain during or after sex, there may be something wrong that needs checking.
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Unusual discharge: If your discharge is a different colour, or has a different texture or smell, you may have an infection.
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Bleeding: If you bleed or see spotting after sex and don’t know why, you should see a doctor.
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Fever: If you have a fever and a burning sensation, you may have a bad infection that needs treatment.
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Signs of infection: If you feel itchy or notice redness, inflammation or a bad smell, you may well have an infection.
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Suspected STI: If you think you or your partner may have an STI, get medical advice. You should also get tested right away.
Always take care of your health. If you’re worried about burning sensations after sex or have other problems, don’t wait – see a doctor right away.