Itching is a relatively typical vaginal symptom that many women encounter at various times in their lives. It could be due to mild, moderate, or severe inflammation. However, itching can also occur right after an activity such as sex.
Having an itch after sex is not only uncomfortable, but it also raises the possibility of an underlying health condition. If you’ve ever been in that circumstance and wondered what the after-sex itch is, you’ve come to the right spot. In this post, we will look at the causes of itching after sex and whether it is a sign of an infection.
Itching after sex happens for different reasons, and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have an STI. The reasons why it happens fall into two categories: non-infectious (not caused by germs) and infectious (caused by germs or infections).
Non-Infectious Causes
Allergies: Sometimes, the body reacts to things like lubricants and condoms, especially if they contain latex, or even the soaps and detergents you use to wash your underwear. If you’re allergic to these, your immune system treats them like an invader which causes you to react by itching, swelling in your vagina as well. It’s basically a way for your body to fight against something that it doesn’t like.
Dryness: Vaginal dryness occurs when there is little natural lubrication during sex, resulting in friction. Because of its fragile nature, vaginal tissue is readily inflamed, resulting in itching. The act may be made worse if no extra lubricant was used, or if the lubricant contains latex, which irritates the vagina even more.
Rough Sex: Prolonged or rough intercourse can eventually irritate the vagina’s delicate skin. Itching is then caused by microscopic scratches or rips in the vagina that result from too much pressure or friction.
Chemical Sensitivities: Some people are sensitive to chemicals in things like soap, laundry detergent, or perfume. If you use these on your body or clothes, they can cause irritation, which might cause you to itch. These chemicals also affect the natural balance of your vagina, which causes you to have discomfort, especially after sex.
Infectious Causes
Bacterial Vaginosis, BV: Good and bad bacteria coexist in the vagina, which contributes to its overall health balance. When the good and bad bacteria in the vagina are out of balance, BV happens. The vagina may get itchy as a result, especially after sex. Also, BV comes with a strong smell and a change in the vaginal discharge.
Yeast Infection: The vagina is likewise made up of fungi, but as they say, too much of anything is bad. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of candida fungus in the vagina. This can occur when things like sex disrupt the body’s natural balance. A yeast infection is characterized by severe itching, thick white discharge, and, in some cases, odor.
Trichomoniasis: This is an STI caused by a parasite. This type of STI causes itching in your vagina, as well as foul and yellowish discharge. The itching is caused by the parasite’s irritation of the vagina.
Other STIs: Itching after sex can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections such as genital herpes, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. These infections induce discomfort by irritating the tissues in the vaginal area through bacteria or viruses.
Bottom Line: So Why Does Your Vagina Itch?
Itching occurs when your body reacts to something that irritates the vaginal tissues, such as an allergy, dryness etc. What does the body do? It sends signals to increase blood flow to that area, causing the nerves to itch. Infections worsen irritation by triggering inflammation and upsetting the vagina’s natural balance.
