Are you experiencing a burning sensation in your vagina? This is far from a rare occurrence. The vagina is a biologically active environment that many factors can unbalance. While some women experience occasional vaginal burning in response to minor irritation, others struggle with chronic or recurring symptoms that disrupt their lives.
Is it Normal for Your Vagina to Burn?
Vaginal burning is usually a sign that your sensitive vaginal tissues have been irritated or damaged. While very common, vaginal burning is not normal. If your vaginal burning becomes a chronic concern, you may see multiple doctors in an attempt to find relief. Most doctors, even gynecologists, only look for a few common causes of vaginal burning and may tell you there is no clear cause for your condition. Dr. Fowler at Fowler GYN International recognizes and treats the underlying causes of vaginal burning.
What Causes Vaginal Burning?
If your vagina frequently burns, you likely have developed an imbalance that allows problematic microorganisms to flourish. This condition, called Altered Vaginal Microflora (AVMF), occurs due to changes in the population of lactobacillus bacteria. These “good” bacteria produce lactic acid, keeping the vaginal secretions acidic. Yeast and problem bacteria struggle to reproduce in this acidic environment, keeping their populations low.
If populations of lactobacillus decline, other bacteria or yeast can flourish. They alter the composition of the vaginal secretions, making them irritating to the vaginal tissues and vulva. These conditions make it difficult for lactobacillus levels to return to normal, so your vaginal burning either refuses to go away or returns. Your body needs help to restore its vaginal harmony and balance.
How is Vaginal Burning Diagnosed?
A Vaginal Fluid Analysis is a specialized test, not available to most gynecologists, that assesses several indicators of vaginal health. These factors allow Dr. Fowler to assess what has created the unbalanced conditions in your vagina and how to correct them.
- Presence and type of white blood cells
- Abnormal amount of yeast
- Populations of problem bacteria
- Number and health of squamous cells (food for lactobacillus)
- Size and health of lactobacillus populations
These factors are interconnected, and in a healthy vagina, the population remains stable, adjusting to hormonal and other changes. Testing will reveal the factors that have created the imbalance and guide its treatment.
How is Vaginal Burning Treated?
Fowler GYN International offers over 40 treatment protocols to restore vaginal health and balance. Women who follow their protocol often experience improvements within months, even those who have struggled for years or even decades with vaginal pain and burning. Restoring your vagina to a healthy balance stops the irritation that caused your discomfort.
Take the Next Step
The experts in vaginal health at Fowler GYN International (FGI) Phoenix, AZ specialize in the treatment of vulvovaginal conditions. The team at FGI is led by Dr. R. Stuart Fowler. Dr. Fowler is an Emeritus Mayo Clinic board-certified gynecologist.
You can reach FGI at https://www.fowlergyninternational.com/, or by calling (480) 420-4001.