Feels Like Fire: What Causes That Burning Sensation During Sex?

In books, movies, and TV shows, consensual sex is often portrayed as a passionate encounter with no hiccups — and no pain, except the Fifty Shades of Grey kind, maybe. But sex in real life can sometimes hurt for decidedly non-sexy reasons.

The 2023 update on ‘dyspareunia’ (painful sex) showed that nearly 10-28% of the adult population experienced some kind of pain during sex. Burning during sex is a form of discomfort during sexual intercourse. 

Vestibulodynia, also known as vulvodynia, is a condition when the vaginal nerve endings become hypersensitive and cause pain or burning at the vaginal opening during intercourse. It can happen for multiple reasons. Feeling the burn during sex is common, transient and treatable, provided you do not shy away from talking about it.

The factors contributing to burning sensations can be divided into two parts:

• Burning during intercourse
• Burning after sex

Here’s a breakdown of all the reasons why you may be experiencing a burning sensation during sex.

A potential drop in libido reduces vaginal and penial lubricating secretions. This increases friction soon after penetration, causing excessive burning. Vaginal dryness can be caused by a plethora of reasons, such as low oestrogen levels between menstrual cycles. The same changes occur in menopause. Post Delivery, the vagina may fail to lubricate soon enough and cause burning, especially during breastfeeding.

Other factors that inhibit vaginal secretions include:

• Smoking
• Poor mental health
• Anxiety/depression due to a past traumatic sexual experience
• Overuse of scented intimate hygiene products
• Exposure to swimming pools with chlorine
• Taking meds for common colds and allergies that dry up mucus 
• Underlying diabetes, ongoing chemotherapy/radiotherapy or Sjogren’s syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that involves the drying up of body secretions).

Fissures or cracks in the vagina from a previous sexual act are usually superficial and self-healing. However, they may need medical help if persistent.

Yeast infections and bacterial infections of the vagina, urinary tract infections (UTI), and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) begin with a burning sensation during sex. Infections are a very common cause of irritation during or after intercourse. Treating the infection will provide relief.

With vaginismus, the taut muscles of the pelvis may prevent lubrication and lead to uncomfortable penetration. This tightening may result in a stinging or burning sensation during intercourse.

The after-intercourse burning sensation could be just micro tears and abrasions on the inside walls of the vagina due to penetration, or it could mean more.

Douching or vigorously flushing your intimate parts with body washes, soaps, or other store-bought intimate washes alters the general acidic pH of the vagina, irritating the skin — leading to vaginal burning after intercourse. The vagina is a unique, self-disinfecting body part. You could just wipe yourself with a tissue or take a quick shower after sex, and that’s it!

Experiencing itching or any irritation after intercourse using a condom might indicate a latex allergy. In some rare cases, women may have a semen allergy that may cause discomfort.  If you experience itching, burning, redness, or even swelling in and around the vagina after sex, make sure to see a doctor soon.

Yes, post-coital burning in men may signify an underlying cause. Some of these are:

1. Prostatitis is a condition in which the prostate gland is inflamed. This is a small gland located at the base of the penis and responsible for secreting fluid that transports semen. Prostatitis will present as painful ejaculation, burning and irritation after intercourse, and difficulty urinating.
2. Minor injuries to the sensitive skin of the penis,  over-rubbing, vigorous penetrations, etc., also cause burning during sex.

If it is just a couple of episodes and the burning is mild and transient, then there’s no need to worry.  The irritation after intercourse will soon get better before the next time. 

If genital discomfort during sex has been ruining intimacy in the bedroom for a while, the best move will be to consult a doctor. Women may reach out to their gynaecologist, while men may consult a urologist. 

The doctor will first examine you to check for infections or abrasions, determine the root cause of the burning during sex, and then plan treatment accordingly. Treatments for burning during sex may include medications, topical creams, specific pelvis exercises, and behavioural counselling. 

Sex is meant to be a pleasurable experience and not a secret ordeal. Burning during sex or any uncomfortable sexual experiences, when left unaddressed, can end up pushing you to avoid intimacy altogether. It's vital to pay attention to any type of genital discomfort during sex early on so that there are no roadblocks to your love life.

Stinging and burning sensations after sex may have many reasons, like hormonal imbalances (oestrogen dips) in the menstrual cycle, PCOS and menopause, vaginal dryness, tight pelvic floor muscles, vaginal abrasions, infections, or inadvertent washing of the intimate parts. Males may experience burning after sex due to penile injuries or prostate inflammations.

If the burning during sex has happened multiple times, then you should visit a doctor and get yourself examined. Typically, the course of treatment includes prescription drugs, topical creams, targeted pelvic exercises, and behavioural counselling. 

Pinching or stinging during intercourse hurts and can be brought on by a variety of conditions, including vaginal abrasions, tight pelvic muscles, and vaginal infections.  

You may experience this if you have a semen allergy. While having a semen allergy is rare, consulting a doctor is vital if you undergo any burning sensation, itchiness, redness, or swelling in and around the vagina after having intercourse. 

Genital herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea are some common STIs that have a burning sensation during sex as one of their symptoms.