What STD causes itching?

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

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which has two forms: HSV-1 and HSV-2.[8] Many people do not know they are infected until signs and symptoms appear.[8,9]

Symptoms

• Itching or tingling in the genital area, often before blisters develop
• Blisters on or near the genitals, buttocks, or rectum that are painful and may ooze
• Burning sensation during urination
• Fever, body aches, or swollen glands, particularly during the first outbreak

Treatment

There is no cure for genital herpes. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir can help manage outbreaks, reduce their frequency and severity, and lower the risk of passing the virus to partners.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most commonly reported bacterial STDs in the United States, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.[10,11] It most often affects the cervix in women and the urethra in men. Left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Many people with chlamydia have no symptoms at all, which is why regular testing is important.

Symptoms

• Itching or irritation in or around the genitals
• Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
• Burning or pain during urination
• Bleeding between periods or after sex (in women)
• Swollen or tender testicles (in men)

Treatment

Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics. Healthcare providers commonly prescribe doxycycline or azithromycin, depending on the patient's individual circumstances.[10,11]

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae that can affect the genitals, rectum, and throat.[10,11] Many women experience no symptoms, making testing especially important for anyone who may have been exposed.

Symptoms

• Genital and anal itching with a burning sensation
• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain or burning during urination or intercourse
• Anal discharge, soreness, or bleeding if the rectum is infected
• Throat itchiness if the infection is pharyngeal

Treatment

Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, gonorrhea treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics. Since gonorrhea and chlamydia frequently co-occur, providers often treat both infections simultaneously.[10-13]

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasitic infection with Trichomonas vaginalis.[8,14] Like many STDs, it can be present without any noticeable symptoms.

Symptoms

• Itching, burning, or soreness around the vagina (in women)
• Unusual vaginal discharge that may be yellow-green, gray, or have an odor
• Itching or irritation inside the penis (in men)
• Burning after urination or ejaculation
• Pain during sex

Treatment

Trichomoniasis is one of the most treatable STDs and is curable with prescription medication, typically an oral antiparasitic such as metronidazole or tinidazole.[15] After completing treatment, reinfection is still possible — an estimated 1 in 5 people are reinfected within three months.[14]

HPV infection

HPV is the most common STD in the United States, caused by a family of viruses known as human papillomavirus.[8,16,17] Most HPV infections have no signs or symptoms, though certain strains can cause genital warts, which may itch or cause discomfort in the anal or genital area.

Symptoms

• Itchiness or discomfort in the genital area
• Small or clustered warts near the genitals, anus, or upper thighs (if wart-causing strains are present)
• Warts that may be flat or raised and vary in size
• Most HPV infections cause no symptoms at all

Treatment

There is no cure for HPV itself. In most cases, the infection clears on its own.[16,17] If HPV symptoms such as genital warts do develop, treatment options include topical medications, cryotherapy, laser therapy, or surgical removal to address the warts. HPV infection that does not resolve can also lead to cervical cancer, making regular screening important.

STDs are not the only infections or diseases that cause itching.[18] Other conditions to consider include eczema, yeast infections, or allergies to products like 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, or consider at-home lab testing options.

Regular STD testing is one of the most important steps you can take for your sexual health — especially if you are sexually active with multiple partners, have had unprotected sex, or have been notified that a partner has tested positive. Early detection makes treatment more straightforward and helps prevent the infection from spreading to others or causing longer-term complications.

Everlywell makes it easy to take control of your sexual health from home. Our at-home STD test check for a range of common infections — including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis — with a simple sample collection you can do on your own schedule. Results are reviewed by a physician-approved process, and you receive them securely online.

If you're experiencing symptoms or think you may have been exposed to an STD, you don't have to wait for an in-person appointment. You can schedule an STD treatment online visit to speak with a licensed healthcare provider about your symptoms, review your results, and discuss next steps — all from the comfort of your home.