What else are you noticing?
Other symptoms can give useful clues about what may be causing the itching.
Itching with vaginal discharge
Itching together with unusual discharge can happen with yeast infections, BV or some STIs.
Itching with burning
Burning when passing urine or irritated skin may point to infection or inflammation.
Itching with sores or blisters
Sores, blisters or ulcers together with itching should be assessed, especially after sexual contact.
Red, swollen or sore skin
Redness and swelling may happen with irritation, allergies, yeast infection or other skin conditions.
Itching after sweating
Sweat and moisture can irritate the skin, especially in hot weather or with tight clothing.
Itching after shaving
Shaving can irritate the skin and may lead to small cuts, razor bumps or ingrown hairs.
What could be causing the itching?
Genital itching has many possible causes. It is not automatically an STI.
Irritation
Soaps, scented products, detergents, lubricants and other products can irritate sensitive skin.
Sweat and heat
Heat, sweat and moisture can make the genital area itchy, especially when clothing is tight.
Yeast infection
Yeast infections commonly cause itching, redness, soreness and sometimes thick white discharge.
Skin conditions
Eczema, dermatitis and other skin conditions can affect the genital area.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea can cause genital irritation, discharge and burning when passing urine.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia may cause genital discomfort, discharge or burning, although many people have no symptoms.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis can cause itching, irritation and unusual discharge.
Genital herpes
Herpes can cause itching or tingling, followed by blisters or sores.
When should you get checked?
New or persistent itching is worth paying attention to, especially when other symptoms are present.
Consider testing if...
✓ The itching started after unprotected sex
✓ You have unusual discharge
✓ You have sores or blisters
✓ You have burning when passing urine
✓ Your partner has an STI
Get medical advice if...
✓ The itching keeps coming back
✓ It does not improve
✓ You have swelling or broken skin
✓ You have significant redness or pain
✓ You are not sure what is causing it
Seek urgent care if...
✓ You have severe swelling
✓ Severe pain develops
✓ You have fever
✓ There is pus or significant discharge
✓ Symptoms are getting worse quickly
What should you do now?
Try to avoid making the irritation worse while you work out the cause.
Avoid repeated self-treatment
Avoid repeatedly using creams, antibiotics or other medicines without knowing what is causing the itching. Also avoid scented soaps, washes and other products that may irritate the area further.
How SRHN can help
You don't have to figure out the cause on your own.
Discuss the itching privately
Tell us where it itches, how long it has been happening and what other symptoms you have.
Get testing guidance
Find out whether STI testing or another medical assessment may be appropriate.
Review your results
Already had an STI or infection test? Get help understanding your result.
Get treatment support
Get guidance on treatment and what to do if symptoms continue.
Common questions about itching in the private part
Quick answers to questions people commonly ask.
What causes itching in the private part?
Itching can be caused by irritation from soaps or products, sweating, tight clothing, shaving, yeast infections, skin conditions or sexually transmitted infections. The cause is not always obvious from itching alone.
Could itching in the private part be an STI?
Yes. Some STIs can cause genital itching, especially when there is also discharge, burning when passing urine, sores or pain. Testing may be needed to know the cause.
Could it be a yeast infection?
Yes. Yeast infections commonly cause itching, redness, soreness and sometimes thick white discharge. They are common and usually treatable.
Can shaving cause itching in the private part?
Yes. Shaving can irritate the skin, cause small cuts or lead to razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Can sweating cause itching around the private part?
Yes. Sweat and moisture can irritate the skin, particularly in hot weather or when tight clothing traps moisture.
When should I get tested for an STI?
Consider STI testing if the itching started after unprotected sex, you have discharge or sores, you have burning when passing urine, you have a new sexual partner, or your partner has an STI.
Should I use a cream for itching?
It is better to know the likely cause before repeatedly using creams or medicines. Different causes need different treatment, and the wrong product can sometimes make irritation worse.
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Seek urgent care if you develop severe swelling, severe pain, fever, pus or significant discharge, or symptoms that are getting worse quickly.