After sex many women experience a burning sensation in their vaginal region. Unusual discharge, tender labia, and an itchy vagina may accompany it. This side effect of sex leads many women to actually dread and avoid it at all costs. Consequently, this can put quite a strain on relationships. In this article we will explore the causes of burning after sex and some helpful remedies to relieve this pain and facilitate a normal sex life.

Causes of a burning sensation after sex

The first thing that you will need to do is determine the underlying cause of the burning sensation. Below we have listed the causes, symptoms, and some advice for dealing with the burn.

Sperm allergy

Do you have sex without a condom? Does your vagina burn, itch, and appear quite red and tender? Does the discomfort manifest 10-15 minutes after sex? Does it last for a minimum of a few hours to a maximum of a few days?

If you have answered 'yes' to all of these questions then you probably have an allergy to semen. The best and easiest solution is to start using condoms during sexual intercourse, in order to limit the amount of sperm that enters your vagina. Researchers have also started to desensitize women to sperm with daily allergy injections. This treatment method has been found 95 per cent successful in treating female sperm allergies.

Bacterial vaginosis

This is a medical condition that occurs when there is an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. Is your vagina burning or itchy after sex? Do you have vaginal discharge that is foul smelling and grey-white in color? Are your labia red, tender, or swollen? Does it hurt to urinate?

If you have answered 'yes' to all of these questions then it's highly likely that you have bacterial vaginosis. This condition will require medical attention. The normal treatment plan involves taking oral or topical antibiotics for a specific duration.

Yeast infection

This is a condition frequently caused when new yeast is introduced to the vagina, when there is an increase in normal yeast compared to other normal bacteria, or when there is an injury to the vagina. Are you experiencing a burning or itchy sensation in your vagina? Do you have discharge that is quite thick, and white-grey? Are intercourse and urination painful? Are your labia swollen and tender?

If so, you may have a yeast infection. This condition will require medical treatment. This can be either in the form of an antifungal medication that is applied to the vagina or an oral antifungal medication. Some common products that are used are clotrimazole, terconazole, and fluconazole.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that is found most often in women between the ages of 16 and 35. Do you have discharge that is frothy and yellow-green or gray? Does your vagina itch or burn? Are your inner thighs itchy? Do you have a strong vaginal odor? Is intercourse extremely painful? Are your labia tender or red?

If so you may have trichomoniasis. Antibiotics will be prescribed to treat this disorder. The most common forms of medication prescribed are metronidazole or tinidazole. While treatment is being carried out you should avoid sexual intercourse and alcohol. Alcohol will cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If you have sex before being successfully treated you will spread the disease to your partner.

How to relieve your burning sensation after sex

There are a few effective options to help relieve your horrible burning sensation after sex. Below we have listed some:

Take a shower: After sex, hop into the shower or take a bath with a handheld showerhead and rinse your vagina with cool or warm water. If you think that the burning sensation is caused by a semen allergy, then you can take a deep warm bath and thoroughly wash your vagina. After you have cleaned your vagina, carefully pat the area dry with a soft, clean towel.

Cool down: After you have thoroughly cleaned the area, lie down on a comfortable surface and expose your vagina to the cool air. If the burning is quite severe, you could opt to put an ice pack on your vagina for a short period of time.

Soothing gel: With clean, dry fingers apply aloe vera, a natural soothing product, to your vagina. Do not apply it to the internal areas of the vagina, only the external regions.

Baking soda: Some women have found that applying a baking soda mixture to the vulva stops the burning. Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 cup of cold water and apply it to the vulva using a cloth.

Vaginal burning doesn't have to be a dreaded and expected outcome of sexual intercourse. It doesn't have to ruin your sex life and make you avoid intimate relations with your partner. There are numerous treatment and relief options for you to experiment with. So try some of the aforementioned relief options, and if they don't work for you consult your physician to determine if you have an underlying infection.