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Overview
Vulvodynia is long-term pain without a clear cause.
Yeast, herpes, and skin conditions can cause burning.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todaySores or blisters with fever.
See a doctor soonOngoing burning or pain.
Causes
Causes include infections, irritants, skin conditions, and vulvodynia.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause burning or pain at the vulva or vaginal opening. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Vulvar pain (vulvodynia or vaginismus)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
Burning, stinging, or pain at the vulva or vaginal opening that lasts, especially with sex or inserting a tampon, without an infection.
What you can do at home
- Use cotton underwear.
- Avoid scented products.
Medicines
Depends on cause.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Pain pattern
The exam
A pelvic exam.
Tests
- Swab tests
Prevention
Avoid irritants.
- Use gentle products
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.