Itching around the vagina, vulva, penis or groin can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. It may be caused by irritation, a yeast infection, a skin condition or an STI. Find out what may be causing the itching, when you should get tested and when treatment may be needed.
Other symptoms can give useful clues about what may be causing the itching.
Itching together with unusual discharge can happen with yeast infections, BV or some STIs.
Burning when passing urine or irritated skin may point to infection or inflammation.
Sores, blisters or ulcers together with itching should be assessed, especially after sexual contact.
Redness and swelling may happen with irritation, allergies, yeast infection or other skin conditions.
Sweat and moisture can irritate the skin, especially in hot weather or with tight clothing.
Shaving can irritate the skin and may lead to small cuts, razor bumps or ingrown hairs.
Genital itching has many possible causes. It is not automatically an STI.
Soaps, scented products, detergents, lubricants and other products can irritate sensitive skin.
Heat, sweat and moisture can make the genital area itchy, especially when clothing is tight.
Yeast infections commonly cause itching, redness, soreness and sometimes thick white discharge.
Eczema, dermatitis and other skin conditions can affect the genital area.
Gonorrhea can cause genital irritation, discharge and burning when passing urine.
Chlamydia may cause genital discomfort, discharge or burning, although many people have no symptoms.
Trichomoniasis can cause itching, irritation and unusual discharge.
Herpes can cause itching or tingling, followed by blisters or sores.
New or persistent itching is worth paying attention to, especially when other symptoms are present.
✓ 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
✓ 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
✓ You have severe swelling
✓ Severe pain develops
✓ You have fever
✓ There is pus or significant discharge
✓ Symptoms are getting worse quickly
Try to avoid making the irritation worse while you work out the cause.
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.
You don't have to figure out the cause on your own.
Tell us where it itches, how long it has been happening and what other symptoms you have.
Find out whether STI testing or another medical assessment may be appropriate.
Already had an STI or infection test? Get help understanding your result.
Get guidance on treatment and what to do if symptoms continue.
Quick answers to questions people commonly ask.
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.
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.
Yes. Yeast infections commonly cause itching, redness, soreness and sometimes thick white discharge. They are common and usually treatable.
Yes. Shaving can irritate the skin, cause small cuts or lead to razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Yes. Sweat and moisture can irritate the skin, particularly in hot weather or when tight clothing traps moisture.
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.
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.
Seek urgent care if you develop severe swelling, severe pain, fever, pus or significant discharge, or symptoms that are getting worse quickly.
Don't keep guessing at the cause. Talk privately with a clinician and get guidance on what to do next.
SRHN is developed by Vaedoc, a Nigerian digital health company building accessible healthcare services for Nigerians. We provide confidential sexual and reproductive health support for STI symptoms, testing, treatment, contraception and sexual wellbeing through an affordable online platform available across Nigeria.