Itching After Sex: Possible Causes of Infection of the Penis and Vagina

Vaginal itching occurs occasionally and is nothing to worry about. Not enough lubrication or too much friction can cause vaginal itching. If these are the causes, abstaining from masturbation or sex for a few days will probably improve the symptoms, and if the itching persists or you experience other symptoms, it could be a sign of an allergic reaction or infection. .

1. Dryness

A common cause of itching after sex is dryness. This may be due to dry skin inside the vagina. Dry skin can become flaky and itchy, increasing the risk of irritation and friction during sex. Some people have naturally dry skin or have skin problems like eczema. Excessive vaginal washing or using products can also cause dry skin. The most common cause of vaginal dryness is hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menopause and childbirth.

Other causes of vaginal dryness include:

• Not getting aroused during sex

• Certain medications, such as birth control pills and antidepressants

• Irritants, such as perfume and soap

• Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome

• Oophorectomy

In addition to itching, symptoms of vaginal dryness include:

• Pain during penetration (dyspareunia)

• frequent urination

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

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2. Latex allergy

Latex allergy is a reaction to the proteins found in latex. You may experience itching if you come in contact with any product containing latex, including condoms. Latex allergies usually only occur in the area where latex touches the skin. Besides itching, other symptoms may include:

• redness

• Swelling

• hives

• rash

Get emergency care if you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, including:

• blue skin

• difficulty breathing

• swelling of the face or throat

• mental confusion

• Vomit

• fast or abnormal heart rate

• weakness or dizziness

If you are allergic to latex, non-latex condoms are available. Polyurethane and lambskin condoms can be used as alternatives.

3. Semen allergy

Seminal plasma hypersensitivity – commonly known as semen allergy – is a rare allergic reaction to proteins in semen. Semen allergy symptoms can affect any part of the body that comes in contact with ejaculate, including your vagina, anus. Symptoms usually begin within 10 to 30 minutes of exposure to semen.

In addition to itching, semen allergy symptoms include:

• Pain

• Burning

• Swelling

• redness

4. pH imbalance

The exchange of bodily fluids through genital-to-genital and oral-genital contact fosters the growth of bacteria. Bacteria can also be introduced from fingering and from improperly cleaned sex toys.

In addition to itching, unbalanced vaginal pH can cause the following symptoms:

• Changes in the color, texture, or amount of vaginal discharge

• foul or fishy odor

• pain during or after penetration

• pain or burning during urination

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5. Infection

Infection can develop when something disrupts the natural balance of bacteria or fungus in the vagina.

In addition to itching, symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:

• Foul or fishy odor, especially after vaginal sex

• thin, watery or foamy discharge

• brown or green discharge

In addition to itching, symptoms of yeast infection include:

• thick or sticky discharge

• white discharge

• white layer around the vagina

• vaginal discoloration

• burning or pain while urinating

6. Sexually Transmitted Disease 

All STDs begin as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs occur when bacteria, viruses or parasites enter the body. These can be of the following types -

• Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, sometimes called "trich." Trichomonas vaginalis is caused by a single-celled protozoan organism. Symptoms typically develop within 5 to 28 days of infection.

In addition to itching, trich symptoms may include:

• white, brown, yellow, or green discharge

• foamy discharge

• spotting or bleeding between periods

• redness or swelling of the vagina

• frequent urge to urinate

• pain during penetration or urination

• Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. In addition to itching, symptoms of chlamydia may include:

• pain during penetration

• abnormal discharge

• burning sensation during urination

• pain in the lower abdomen

• bleeding between periods

• Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Symptoms of gonorrhea may include:

• watery or green discharge

• pain or burning during urination

• frequent urge to urinate

• bleeding between periods

• pain during penetration

• pain in the lower abdomen

• Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Many people who are infected with genital herpes do not experience symptoms. When symptoms appear, the affected person often begins to experience itching or tingling before one or more blisters appear. The blister may itch and be painful.

Other genital herpes symptoms may include:

• body pain

• Headache

• Fever

• swollen lymph nodes

• Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) such as HPV 6 and HPV 11. Warts may not appear for weeks or months after infection. Genital warts can vary in size and color and may be smooth or bumpy. These can cause itching and other symptoms, such as:

• Burning

• Changes in the color, texture, or amount of vaginal discharge

• bleeding between periods

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Itching or other problems can be cured by making lifestyle changes -

Abstain from masturbation and partner sex until your symptoms improve. Keep the affected area clean and dry completely after washing. Wash with products made for sensitive skin. Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) topical corticosteroid cream, such as hydrocortisone, to externally irritated areas. Take OTC oral antihistamines for relief from severe itching.

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Medical Treatments

It is necessary to treat infections and STDs with medication. Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

• oral, topical, or injectable antibiotics

• topical or oral corticosteroids

• topical wart treatment

• antiviral drug

• antifungal medicine

• Wart removal procedures, such as cryosurgery or surgical laser removal

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Mild itching after sex that lasts only a few days is usually not serious. If your symptoms persist or are severe, consult a healthcare professional. You may have an allergy, infection, or STD that requires treatment.