Why am I itchy after sex?

This blog originally appeared on 15/01/2021. Last updated 07/03/2025.

Feeling itchy anywhere on your body is never pleasant, and when it happens down below, it can be particularly concerning.

If you’ve experienced vaginal itching after sex, you might immediately think it’s due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). While this is a possibility, there can be many other causes.

So, what can cause an itchy vagina? Let’s explore some potential reasons.

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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. It is, without a doubt, the most common cause of vulval or vaginal redness and itching. Most women with itching and redness will try to treat themselves for thrush first before deciding to get tested for STIs. This is not a bad idea, as these fungal infections are so much more common.

Find out more about how to distinguish thrush from an STI.

STIs

Vaginal itching may be sign of an STI, but as it is such a common symptoms, it is much more likely to be due to something more innocent.

If itching persists and doesn’t respond to normal hygiene measures, it may be an idea to consider some of the following infections.

Itching caused by STIs can also be accompanied by other STI symptoms, including:

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

Here are the two most common STIs that can cause vaginal itching.

Trichomonas

Trichomonas, sometimes casually called “trich”, is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Although it’s almost exclusive transmitted in vaginal sex, you can also get it through non-sexual means, like sharing bathwater.

Trichomonas can cause vaginal itching due to the inflammation and irritation it triggers in the vaginal tissues. Other symptoms might include unusual discharge, a fishy odour, and discomfort during urination or sex.

Gardnerella

Gardnerella, is the bacteria that causes “bacterial vaginosis” (Gardnerella vaginalis). Although it is also almost exclusively transmitted in vaginal sex, but is mostly a problem in women, not men.

It commonly produces an unusual discharge, an unpleasant odour, vulval and vaginal itching a redness. and discomfort during urination or sex.

Here are the other STIs that can cause vaginal itching.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It often affects the cervix in women and the urethra in men, but it can also infect the rectum and throat.

Chlamydia can cause a range of symptoms, but when it produces changes in vaginal secretions, they can cause vaginal itching. This itching occurs because the infection leads to inflammation and irritation of the vaginal tissues. Other symptoms might include unusual discharge, pain during urination, and discomfort during sex.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Like Chlamydia, it can infect the genital tract, rectum, and throat.

Gonorrhoea can cause vaginal itching due to the inflammation and irritation it triggers in the vaginal tissues. Other symptoms may include unusual discharge, painful urination, and discomfort during sex.

Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma, specifically Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen), is another bacterium that can infect the genital tract, urethra, and rectum.

Mycoplasma can cause vaginal itching due to the inflammation and irritation it triggers in the vaginal tissues. Other symptoms might include unusual discharge, pain during urination, and discomfort during sex.

Herpes

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which includes HSV-1 and HSV-2. It can affect the genital area, mouth, and other parts of the body.

Herpes can cause vaginal itching when in its early phase, prior to a full blown attack, because it leads to inflammation and irritation in the affected areas. You might also notice that you go on to develop painful sores, blisters, and discomfort when you pee.

Vaginal dryness and irritation

Vaginal dryness can often cause an itching sensation after sex. This itching sensation is often caused by unlubricated friction.

The initial dryness can be caused by:

Skin conditions like eczema
Over washing or using certain feminine hygiene productsproducts – this is an extremely common cause of vaginal itching, because itching is the kind of symptom that makes you think you need to increase hygiene, when actually you may be damaging the natural barriers in the vagina
Changes in oestrogen levels, like those caused during menopause and childbirth
Lack of arousal during sex
Stress or depression
Medication side-effects, including from birth-control pills and anti-depressants
Health conditions, such as Sjögren syndrome and diabetes
Irritants, such as perfume and certain kinds of soap

If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness during intercourse, try a water-based lube for gentle lubrication.

Semen allergy

Seminal plasma hypersensitivity, also known as semen allergy, is a rare allergic reaction to proteins found in semen.

You might experience an allergic reaction with one partner but not another, or it could suddenly appear after years of being with the same partner.

Symptoms can affect any area that comes into contact with semen, such as the vulva, vagina, anus, and mouth.

Typically, symptoms start within 10 to 30 minutes after exposure and can resemble those of vaginitis or certain STDs. These symptoms usually persist even when sex has finished.

In addition to itching, symptoms of a semen allergy include:

Pain
Burning
Swelling
Redness

If you suspect you have a semen allergy, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

Latex allergy

Latex condoms can cause itchiness, redness, and swelling in people who have a latex allergy.

If you do notice an uncomfortable reaction after using a condom during sex, why not try a non-latex alternative?

Jock itch

Jock itch, also known as tinea cruris, can sometimes cause itching around your vaginal area. It’s similar to athlete’s foot, which is often contracted through sharing towels or undergarments, but in this case, it focuses on the groin area.

This type of itching usually occurs around the thighs and crotch. So, if your irritation is more localised inside your vagina, it’s probably not jock itch.

However, if you notice any redness or irritation around these areas that doesn’t go away, it’s worth getting it checked out.

Final thoughts

If you’re 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.