Experiencing a burning sensation during sexual intercourse is a form of pain medically known as dyspareunia. This discomfort, which can range from mild stinging to intense heat, affects many people at some point in their lives. The symptom should not be ignored, as it signals an underlying issue needs attention. The causes are varied, involving mechanical issues, biological infections, or systemic physical changes. Understanding these reasons is the first step toward finding relief and ensuring sexual activity can be comfortable again.
Understanding the Sensation: Friction and Lubrication
The most immediate cause of a burning sensation during sex is often insufficient natural lubrication, which increases friction between tissues. The vagina relies on transudate fluid, produced when blood flow increases during arousal, to reduce abrasive contact during penetration. When this fluid is lacking, the mechanical rubbing of intercourse can cause microscopic abrasions or micro-tears in the delicate vaginal and vulvar skin. These tiny injuries then manifest as a stinging or raw, burning feeling, sometimes not fully noticeable until after the activity has concluded.
Situational factors frequently contribute to a lack of lubrication, such as insufficient foreplay or feelings of anxiety and stress that inhibit the body’s natural arousal response. Certain common medications can also inadvertently lead to dryness by affecting the body’s moisture regulation. Antihistamines, which dry up mucous membranes to relieve allergy symptoms, or some antidepressants and hormonal contraceptives, can decrease the production of natural vaginal fluid.
Addressing this surface-level friction can often be achieved by incorporating external lubrication. Using a high-quality, water-based or silicone-based personal lubricant provides an immediate, slick barrier that mimics natural moisture and significantly reduces abrasive forces. If the burning sensation is mild and resolves quickly with the use of an external lubricant, the cause is typically mechanical and situational. If burning persists even with adequate lubrication, the root cause is likely deeper.
Inflammatory Causes: Infections and Irritants
When the burning sensation is accompanied by other symptoms, the cause often shifts from simple friction to inflammation driven by biological agents or chemical exposure. Infections create an environment where the tissue is already swollen and hypersensitive, making even gentle contact painful. A common culprit is a yeast infection (candidiasis), an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. This condition causes inflammation, leading to distinct burning, itching, and often a thick, cottage cheese-like discharge.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another frequent infection resulting from an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. BV commonly causes a burning sensation, especially after sex, which may be accompanied by a thin, greyish discharge and a noticeable “fishy” odor. Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) also cause inflammation that results in burning. Conditions like herpes, which creates painful sores, or trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection, can cause significant irritation during or after intercourse.
The skin around the genitals can also react to chemical exposure, a condition known as contact dermatitis, leading to localized burning and irritation. This hypersensitivity reaction is triggered by irritants found in common personal care and sexual products. Fragrances in soaps, laundry detergents, or bubble baths can irritate the delicate vulvar skin, as can the chemicals in certain spermicides. Some people may also develop a sensitivity to latex condoms, where the natural rubber proteins cause an allergic reaction upon contact.
Deeper Causes: Hormonal Shifts and Tissue Changes
Beyond immediate friction or transient infections, persistent burning can stem from systemic changes affecting the structural integrity of the genital tissues. A significant driver is the fluctuation or decline of estrogen levels, common in several life stages. Estrogen maintains the thickness, elasticity, and natural moisture of the vaginal lining. When levels drop, the vaginal walls become thinner, drier, and less pliable, a condition known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).
This thinning and drying makes the tissue more fragile and susceptible to inflammation and burning with minimal friction. While most frequently associated with menopause, GSM can also affect women who are breastfeeding or postpartum due to naturally low estrogen levels. Certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapies for breast cancer, also induce a similar drop in estrogen that compromises tissue health.
Other chronic physiological issues can also contribute to a burning sensation. Structural or muscular conditions, such as vaginismus, involve the involuntary tightening or spasm of the pelvic floor muscles around the vaginal opening. This muscle tension makes penetration physically difficult and can lead to a burning or tearing sensation from intense pressure. Less commonly, chronic skin disorders like lichen sclerosus can affect the vulvar skin, causing white patches, scarring, and a raw feeling exacerbated by the friction of intercourse.
Steps to Take When Burning Persists
If you experience a burning sensation during sex that is recurrent or does not resolve with the simple use of personal lubricant, it is prudent to seek professional guidance. A healthcare provider, such as a gynecologist or primary care physician, can accurately diagnose the underlying cause. Attempting to self-treat can sometimes mask a condition or lead to inappropriate treatment that complicates the issue, especially in the case of infections.
It is particularly important to schedule an appointment if the burning is accompanied by other symptoms. These include unusual or foul-smelling discharge, unexpected bleeding, or pain during urination. These signs often point toward an infection or a systemic issue that requires specific medical intervention. You should also seek evaluation if the pain has become severe, interferes with intimacy, or has persisted for several weeks despite conservative measures.