Why am I itchy after sex?

Feeling itchy anywhere on your body is far from a pleasant sensation. When it’s down below, it can feel particularly alarming. There are several reasons why your vagina may feel itchy after sex, not all of which are a major cause for concern – so don’t panic! Here, we explain the possible reasons for your itch.

If your vagina has felt itchy after sex, you may automatically assume that it is the symptom of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Whilst this is a possibility, there are also many other reasons why you may feel itchy.

Experiencing an occasional itch may not be too much of a worry. However, if your itch is persistently irritating, or presents itself with other symptoms such as vaginal discharge, this could signal a problem that needs to be treated. Whatever the reason, it’s important to get to the bottom of it. So, what can cause an itchy vagina?

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Latex allergy

Latex condoms can cause itchiness in people who have a latex allergy. In addition to itching, other symptoms include redness and swelling. If you do notice an uncomfortable reaction after using a condom during sex, why not try a non-latex alternative?

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

BV is a vaginal infection, common amongst women aged 15-44. Caused by an imbalance in bacteria, BV can produce an itching, burning sensation, and vaginal discharge. Discharge produced due to BV is likely to be:

• Watery and thin
• White-grey in colour
• Strong, unpleasant smelling.

Thrush

Thrush, also known as ‘candidiasis’, is a common yeast infection. Thrush can cause your vagina to feel sore and itchy. It may produce a thick, white vaginal discharge and a burning sensation when urinating or having sex. Find out more about how to distinguish thrush from an STI.

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is usually caused by a decrease in oestrogen production. This can occur for several reasons, including:

• Hormone changes
• Lack of sexual arousal
• Stress or depression
• Medication side-effects
• Health conditions, such as Sjögren syndrome.

Vaginal dryness can lead to friction during sex. If you are experiencing vaginal dryness during intercourse, try a water-based lube for gentle lubrication.

A sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Although many people with an STI do not experience any symptoms, itching can be a sign of an infection. When symptoms are present, they may include:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain when urinating
• Pain when having sex
• Bleeding between periods
• Sores or bumps in or around the vagina
• Unusual vaginal odour.

If you may have been at risk of an STI, having an STI test is always advised. Our Comfort Screen will test you for the STIs which most commonly cause discomfort or itching: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes I/II, Gardnerella, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma and Trichomonas. This urine-only screen is available as a home test kit or you can book an appointment at one of our nationwide clinics.

Speak to us in confidence

If you are worried about your vaginal health, our sexual health advisors are on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our experienced team can help you to choose the right combination of STI tests for you. Contact our advisors by phone or by live chat today.

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Sources

[1] Cosmopolitan: Is it normal to itch after sex?

[2] Healthline: What’s causing my itching after intercourse, and how do I treat it?

[3] Medical News Today: What causes itching after sex?

[4] Healthline: What causes vaginal dryness?

[5] Medical News Today: What is bacterial vaginosis?

[6] NHS: Thrush in men and women

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