What STD causes itching?

Written on March 7, 2023 by Sendra Yang, PharmD, MBA. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of contents

• Causes of STDs
• STD symptoms
• Itching in STDs
• 5 STDs that cause itching
• Other conditions that cause itching
• At-home lab testing and telehealth
• Related content

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), continue to rise and be a public health concern [1,2]. In 2021, there were 2.5 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in the United States [2]. Chlamydia remains a common STD, with an estimated 1.6 million cases in 2021, followed by gonorrhea, with close to 700,000 cases reported in the same year.

Causes of STDs

Various organisms cause STDs, for example, bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These are passed from one infected person to another, predominately through sexual contact [3,4]. The type of STD you have depends on the organism you are infected with.

STD symptoms

STDs have a wide range of signs and symptoms [4,5]. It is common for someone to have no symptoms and for an STD to go unrecognized until they experience complications or their partner gets diagnosed [4-6]. Signs and symptoms may appear within a few days after exposure, or it may even take years before any apparent issues arise, depending on the organism causing the STD. Some of the signs and symptoms of STDs may include [1,4-6]:

• Sores or bumps on the genitals, oral, or rectal areas
• Painful, burning urination
• Unusual, odorous discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Painful sex
• Sore and swollen lymph nodes
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• A rash over the trunk, hands, or feet
• Itchy genitals or anus

Itching in STDs

Itching is terribly annoying, especially in the genital or anus areas. The sensation of itching on your body is a complex interaction between the skin and the nervous system [7]. At the site of the irritation, the underlying cause of STDs may trigger an inflammatory response leading to chemicals like histamines being released [3,4,7]. The release of inflammatory mediators produces redness, swelling, and nerve irritation, causing you to feel an itching sensation [7]. You naturally reflex to scratching the irritated skin to soothe the itch. Excessive scratching can break the skin and further exacerbate inflammation on the affected skin area. If you experience symptoms of skin irritation or itching and suspect an STD infection, it is imperative that you reach out to your healthcare provider for appropriate recommendations on testing, management, and treatment [4].

5 STDs that cause itching

Some STDs that can irritate the skin and cause itching are genital herpes, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection [8]:

• Genital herpes is caused by a viral infection of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) [8]. Most people will not know they are infected until signs and symptoms show [8,9]. The infected genital area will itch and blister. The blistering can be extremely painful. Medications are available to manage the outbreaks and symptoms of genital herpes, but there is no cure.
• Gonorrhea and chlamydia are both caused by bacterial infections [8]. Gonorrhea is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium, while chlamydia is caused by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis [10,11]. Both STDs can cause painful intercourse, discharge, and genital and anal itching with a burning sensation [10-13]. Gonorrhea infection of the throat can also cause itchiness in the throat. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are treatable with antibiotics.
• Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasitic infection with Trichomonas vaginalis [8,14]. The disease can cause burning, painful discharge, and itching. Men often experience itching inside the penis, and women experience soreness and itching around the vagina [14]. Trichomoniasis is one of the most treatable STDs and can be curable with prescription medication [15]. After you complete treatment, you can still get reinfection; it is estimated that 1 in 5 people get reinfected within three months of treatment [14].
• HPV infection is the most common STD in the United States, and it is caused by a family of viruses known as the human papillomavirus [8,16,17]. HPV infection typically has no signs or symptoms, but itchiness and discomfort in the genital area can occur. In the majority of cases, HPV infection can go away on its own. However, if it does not, HPV infection can cause genital warts and cervical cancer [16,17].

Other conditions that cause itching

STDs are not the only infections or diseases that cause itching [18]. Other conditions to consider if you are experiencing genital itching are eczema, yeast infections, or allergies to products (soaps or detergents). The only way to know if your itchiness is due to an STD is to get tested. You can contact your healthcare provider to see what tests are available for you, or you can consider at-home lab testing options.

At-home lab testing and telehealth

With Everlywell, at-home STD lab tests are available to help you stay on top of your status for STDs. You can also schedule an appointment for STD treatment online to virtually see a licensed healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms if you think you may have been exposed or have any questions about your sexual health.

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References

1. Sexually transmitted diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published January 31, 2023. Accessed March 3, 2023.
2. Preliminary 2021 STD surveillance data. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published September 1, 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023.
3. Sexually transmitted diseases. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. URL. Accessed March 3, 2023.
4. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Mayo Clinic. URL. Published September 21, 2021. Accessed March 3, 2023.
5. Markle W, Conti T, Kad M. Sexually transmitted diseases. Prim Care. 2013;40(3):557-87. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2013.05.001. URL.
6. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). NHS choices. URL. Accessed March 3, 2023.
7. What makes us itch? American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. URL. Accessed March 3, 2023.
8. Common STD symptoms. Mayo Clinic. URL. Published May 5, 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023.
9. Detailed STD Facts - genital herpes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published July 22, 2021. Accessed March 3, 2023.
10. Detailed STD facts - gonorrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published December 1, 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023.
11. Detailed STD Facts - Chlamydia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published April 12, 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023.
12. Chlamydia: Causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. Cleveland Clinic. URL. Accessed March 3, 2023.
13. Gonorrhea: Causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. Cleveland Clinic. URL. Accessed March 3, 2023.
14. Std Facts - Trichomoniasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published April 25, 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023.
15. CDC - Trichomoniasis treatment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published March 1, 2023. Accessed March 3, 2023.
16. Std Facts - Human papillomavirus (HPV). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published April 12, 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023.
17. HPV and cancer. National Cancer Institute. URL. Accessed March 3, 2023.
18. Itchy genitals: Causes, types & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. URL. Accessed March 3, 2023.