Solving Vaginal Burning During Self-Exploration

Hello Aunty Vadge,

I’m a virgin girl and some weeks ago I did fingering in my vagina. But recently when I do fingering it feels like a burning sensation in my vagina, and it doesn’t happen during urination so it’s not a UTI.

Can you tell me why I’m feeling burning whenever I start to do fingering?

From,
Sonam
Age 28
Punjab, India

_________________________

Hey Sonam sweetpea,

First things first, I totally hear you, and I’m sorry you’re feeling this uncomfortable burning sensation. It’s really great that you’re trying to learn about your body and what feels good for you! Now, let’s see if we can figure out this little puzzle together.

There could be a few reasons why you’re feeling a burn when you’re exploring your vagina:

Friction: If you’re not using enough lubrication, the friction caused by your fingers can irritate the sensitive skin inside your vagina, leading to burning or discomfort. Your natural lubrication may vary throughout your cycle, so some days you might need a little extra help from a water-based lube or maybe some coconut oil.
Irritation from products: If you’ve applied anything to your hands that could cause irritation (like soap, hand sanitiser, lotion, etc.) this might be the culprit. Make sure your hands are clean and free of any potential irritants before diving into the cookie jar.
Sensitivity to fingernails: If your nails are long or have rough edges, they might be causing micro-abrasions inside your vagina. Short, smooth nails are the way to go for a comfy exploration, and if you have long nails, wear a latex or non-latex glove to protect yourself.
Infection or inflammation: Although it doesn’t burn when you pee (which is a common urinary tract infection (UTI) symptom), vaginal infections like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis can also cause burning sensations even if you’re a virgin. These don’t require sexual activity to occur.
Overdoing it: if you are not fully turned on and you’re poking around in your vagina, you can do some damage, so maybe give it a rest for a few days to let it heal, and then gently try again another day.

If you’re able to rule out the simple fixes like more lube and smoother fingernails, and you’re still experiencing a burning sensation, then it might be time to have a chat with a healthcare provider. They can help pinpoint the exact cause and get you on the path to feeling better.

Remember, Aunt Vadge is always here to support you, but sometimes you need a little face-to-face with a professional to sort these things out. If you feel like you need to talk to someone about how you’re touching yourself and get some one-on-one advice, book with one of our lovely experts.

Take care of that fabulous self, and don’t let this bump in the road stop you from enjoying your body and all the wonderful things it can do.

Sending soothing vibes,
Aunt Vadge 🌼