I too get vaginal burn. Initially I thought I had a fistula but that has apparently been ruled out. I was prescribed an estrogen suppository for thin vaginal tissue (post menopausal and lots of steroids previously). It helped hugely although I am noticing some vaginal burn again although not at all to the degree it was before. Not sure why. No infection. No other symptoms. I am hoping someone can shed some light. Or maybe it's just another thing to live with. As I said, with the estrogen it is so much better. I could not have imagined intercourse before I started the estrogen.

I might say yeast but that is usually very itchy and not painful but your privates may not appreciate that barrier cream at all....
The heat could be a culprit too....wear cotton unddies for 'breathing' purposes. Try to not wear unddies at night.
As for the esterogene I was prescribed it but never dared to use it (scared to put anything up there) but I am starting to hear good things from a lot of people about it...So I may just go ahead and try it. Menopause does nasty things to a girl's anatomy.
As for the pain, if it continues I would call my Gyn and have it checked out.
Sharon

Yeah, thinking yeast at this point. Using OTC miconazole for the v-end and Baza antifungal barrier cream for the a-end. Sitz baths w/epsom salts and a drop of oregano oil help, too.

Sharon, other than estrogen cream helping w/pain, have you heard anything else about the safety of it? I too have been prescribed it, but haven't used it for safety concerns.

Thanks.

Regarding the estrogen cream, this is what the gynecologist has told me. The cream is absorbed systemically and should therefore be taken with oral progesterone to counter the unopposed estrogen. There are tablets, however (Vagifem I think they are called) which have very little systemic absorption and are used on a twice weekly maintenance dose. My GP concurs that the tablet form is absorbed mostly by the vaginal tissue.

I am at that age that almost all of my girlfriends are on it...and so far so good...no bad press...but that does not mean that you don't have to read up on the studies and make the decision yourself.
I should try to get on it (or at least use the tube that I have got) if only for my future...they say that as you lose your esterogene things get thinner down there and can start to bleed so it is now reccomended even for those who are not sexually active. But I am in France and everyone is obsessed by sex!
Sharon

Yes. I do occasionally experience itching/irritation on the outside of the vaginal area - this normally happens a few days before my period. I had this even before my UC days, so I don't think it's related. I have spoken to my OBGYN about it, and she said this is a common problem, usually caused by hormones or topical yeast (It's possible to have a yeast infection only on the outer area of the vagina, btw). She suggested an over-the-counter topical antifungal cream for when the itching is particularly bothersome, and also to try not to wear underwear at night. Further, avoid using excess creams and powders, and pat the area dry after showering. Heat and tight fitting pants may also exacerbate the issue.

But I agree - a barrier cream is probably not the best idea in this situation. It may give you temporary relief on contact, but if you do have a surface yeast infection, the barrier cream can actually incubate the yeast, giving it a better environment to grow and thus make things worse.

I've had my jpouch 21 years and still don't know how to handle things at times. Very frustrated.

The vag. end of things seems to be improving. However, the BB is very severe, as in covering a large area and extremely angry looking.

I'm having doubts now as to whether it is fungal, as there is no itching, not too much burning, however, there is pain in the anal area where the seton comes out of, which is not typical for me. Haven't noticed any leakage or draining at that end, which adds to the mystery.

I happen to have an appt. next week with my local gastro's nurse practitioner (their new way of dealing with their patients). Hopefully can get some further advice.

And Jhendrix - I'm going to check out vagifem. Thanks for the tips - all!