Irritation and burning of the vulva after sexual intercourse: we tell you everything!

During your last vaginal intercourse, you felt vulvar irritation or a burning sensation inside you . Perhaps this is new, or it's something you experience regularly, or even during all your sexual encounters. Still, you're looking for answers about the causes of these painful sensations and solutions to treat them. This article is intended as a complete guide to vulvar irritation and burning sensations after sex. It will not only help you understand them, but also help you treat and prevent them. Enjoy reading.

What to remember: A vaginal probiotic is a living organism naturally present in the vaginal flora, usually in the form of lactobacilli. Its presence helps counteract bad bacteria and maintain the balance of the vaginal flora. Use soothing gels, lubricants, or consult a doctor if pain persists. Practice good personal hygiene, use lubricants and avoid harsh soaps.

Why do I have irritation or burning after sex?

There are several causes that can lead to this irritation and/or burning sensation in your vulva and vagina during and after sexual intercourse.

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(Too) short foreplay

The phase preceding sexual penetration – aka foreplay – not only increases desire but also gives your body time to prepare for penetration, notably by allowing the Bartholin glands to secrete cyprine, this colorless vaginal discharge that helps lubricate your vagina. If foreplay is (too) quick and penetration comes (too) early in intercourse, natural lubrication doesn't have time to occur and... Ouch. Intercourse causes burning and irritation.

Occasional or chronic dyspareunia

Dyspareunia is a condition that refers to the pain and discomfort that can be felt before, during, and after sexual intercourse. A distinction is made between occasional dyspareunia (occasional pain during a given activity or position) and chronic dyspareunia. Vaginismus, vulvodynia, or vaginal atrophy can cause dyspareunia and burning sensations during intercourse.

Lack of natural or insufficient lubrication

It is also possible that natural lubrication does not work very well for you and that, despite the desire and foreplay, the Bartholin glands do not generate enough cyprine or not enough. Several medical reasons can be at the origin of this condition and, above all, vaginal dryness .

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Friction due to prolonged or vigorous intercourse

Did you have a heated night and long/frequent/rather forceful intercourse? Despite good lubrication, whether natural or not, you may experience irritation and burning. And guess what? Your partner is likely to feel the same way!

Allergic reactions

An allergic reaction —to latex condoms, lubricants, spermicides, or even your menstrual products—may be the cause of the irritation and burning you feel in your vulva and vagina. If you've recently switched to any of these products, you may have the culprit!

Infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Various infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (including chlamydia, HPV, and genital herpes), vaginosis, or vaginal yeast infections, can disrupt the vaginal flora and cause burning sensations during sexual intercourse. These disorders are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as white discharge with different textures and foul-smelling vaginal odors .

Hormonal imbalances

Hormonal imbalances can seriously disrupt the balance of vaginal flora—this is often what happens during menopause, with the drop in estrogen levels. Menopause can lead to pain due to vaginal dryness, for example, infections from harmful bacteria, and other discomforts leading to burning and irritation.

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Is your vulva burning? Life-saving actions

Is your vulva on fire? Here are some solutions to quickly soothe this sensation.

Act according to the causes

The actions you can take to soothe your vulva will depend heavily on the reasons why it has become inflamed. Therefore, the first step is to identify the cause of your pain.

• (Too) short foreplay / friction due to long / numerous intercourse: if this is one of the first times you have this sensation and you recognize your lovemaking in the title of this section, the cause is quite obvious… In this case, nothing very serious. Soothe with a soothing intimate gel. We recommend the intimate gel from Miyé because it can be used externally (on the vulva and labia) and internally, directly in the vagina. It is possible that the area remains painful for a while: favor the use of a water-based lubricant if you want to have more intercourse;

• Occasional dyspareunia: If you experience occasional pain during intercourse, there's no need to worry. Soothe the burning sensation with a soothing intimate gel, such as Miyé's intimate gel , which can be used externally (on the vulva and labia) and internally, directly in the vagina.
• Chronic dyspareunia: Repeated pain during sexual intercourse is not normal. To soothe in the moment, we also recommend Miyé's light and fresh intimate gel , for internal and external use, while it may be worth opting for an oil lubricant for your next intercourse. At the same time, we can only recommend that you consult a doctor to discuss your pain.

• Lack or absence of natural lubrication: If you regularly experience pain after intercourse, even after foreplay, it's possible that your natural lubrication is a little out of whack. To soothe in the moment, we also recommend Miyé's light and fresh intimate gel , for internal and external use. For your next intercourse, consider using an oil-based lubricant for greater glide. Afterwards, we recommend consulting your doctor or gynecologist.

• Allergic reactions: Have you just changed brands of condoms/lubricants/massage oil/menstrual products? The burning sensation you're experiencing may be due to this change and an allergic reaction. Allergies to menstrual products are common. In this case, do not apply anything to your vulva: you risk further sensitizing the bruised area. Stop using the offending product and consider consulting your doctor about this.
• Infections and sexually transmitted infections: If the burning and irritation are accompanied by white, textured (grainy, thick, greenish, etc.) and smelly discharge, you may have contracted an infection. Consult your doctor before applying anything to your vulva anduse condoms if you wish to continue having sex.

• Hormonal imbalance: If you're pregnant or going through menopause, chances are your hormones are playing tricks on you. You can clean your vulva with an intimate cleanser , apply an intimate gel to your vulva to limit the burning sensation, and consider using an oil-based lubricant for your next sexual encounter. You may also want to consult a doctor about this, especially if you're going through menopause: vaginal dryness affects nearly 50% of women during this time.

Do you want to prevent this irritation and burning sensation in the vulva as much as possible? The first step in prevention is to adopt impeccable intimate hygiene. To do this, discover our selection of favorite intimate hygiene products .

Gestures that are always effective

Whatever the reason your vulva is irritated after sex, here are some things you can do to soothe it.

Clean with water

Cleaning your intimate area with water is never a bad idea. After sex, it helps flush out any remaining semen and cum that can dry out and irritate your vulva. Use a gentle stream of water to avoid irritating your vulva, and don't (ever!) douche, as this can further upset your vaginal flora.

Wear loose-fitting underwear made of cotton or linen.

When it comes to underwear, opt for panties instead of a thong or a tanga to avoid chafing your irritated vulva. When it comes to materials, natural cotton and linen are our favorites. Linen has the particularity of being thermoregulating, absorbent, and hypoallergenic.

Wear loose clothing

As for your clothing, we recommend wearing fairly loose pants with no seams in the crotch. This will again prevent unpleasant friction that could amplify your burning sensation.

How to prevent vulvar irritation and burning?

Given the many causes that can lead to these feelings of irritation and burning in the vulva, it's impossible to prevent these situations 100%, as you might expect. That being said, there are several habits you can adopt to take care of your vulva on a daily basis and protect it as best as possible.

Wash your vulva with water or suitable products

Washing daily is the first step you can take to care for your vulva. You can wash with clean water or use a pH-neutral intimate soap when you want extra freshness.

Stop using “classic” soaps

Don't clean your vulva with "conventional" soaps: you'll do more harm than good by doing so. Shower gels and solid soap bars, except those labeled for intimate hygiene, have a pH that's too high and are too harsh. They risk upsetting your vaginal flora.

Stop douching

Directing the water jet specifically inside your vagina is not good for your vaginal flora. The inside of the vagina is naturally cleansed by vaginal discharge; you don't need to clean it under any circumstances. You only risk upsetting your vaginal flora.

Moisturize your vulva

Moisturizing your vulva , whether daily or after sex, is a habit you can adopt over the long term. To do this, use suitable products. We particularly recommend Baûbo intimate vulva balm . Made with beeswax, coconut, and avocado, it is particularly rich and will envelop your vulva in a comforting and soothing environment.

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Adopt a lubricant

A lubricant can facilitate vaginal penetration and will be your ally if you suffer from chronic vaginal dryness. There are several types – water-based, oil-based, with CBD to increase sensations… It's up to you to choose the type of lubricant that suits you best , depending on your sensations and constraints.

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