Vaginal Itching After Sex: Causes and Solutions

Sex is supposed to be a fun, pleasurable experience for you and your sexual partner (or partners). But this likely isn’t the case if you’re constantly battling vaginal itching and soreness afterward.

Luckily, there are several common (and easily fixable) causes of vaginal itching and discomfort.

Discover why you may experience vaginal itching after sex, from infections to potential allergies and more. Then, learn how you can soothe and prevent vaginal itching with accessible and actionable solutions, courtesy of Everlywell.

What Causes Vaginal Itching After Sex?

Several types of conditions can cause the vagina to itch, both in general and after sex.

Note that vaginal itching can encompass the vagina (the internal canal connecting to the cervix), as well as the vulva. The vulva is the external area that surrounds the urethral and vaginal openings. It includes the labia majora, labia minora, and the clitoris. [1]

At Everlywell, we always suggest consulting with a clinician about any health issues you may have, especially itchy ones. After reading this article, you can consider scheduling an in-person appointment with your personal provider or opt for a convenient virtual care visit with Everlywell.

In the meantime, however, let’s explore the specifics of some of the itchiest, most prevalent vulvar and vaginal conditions you could be facing.

Yeast Infections

Yeast, a type of fungus, grows naturally in small amounts around the vagina; it’s part of the larger ecosystem of organisms that help maintain vaginal health. [2] Sometimes, however, certain factors can prompt more yeast to grow than is normal, which can lead to an infection. [2]

Vaginal yeast infections commonly cause [2]:

• Vaginal itching or burning
• Abnormal vaginal discharge (often odorless, white, thick and chunky with a “cottage cheese” appearance)
• Red, inflamed skin with a whitish coating on the vagina and labia
• Pain during sex and/or when urinating

Most women and people with vaginas will develop a yeast infection at least once: about 75% do. [2] It’s possible, then, that a yeast infection could be the root of vaginal itching.

Yeast infections are often caused by high estrogen; if you’re pregnant (which increases your estrogen levels), or if you’re taking birth control that contains estrogen, you’re more susceptible to infection. [2]

Other factors that can increase your risk include [2]:

• Certain medications, such as antibiotics, steroids, and cancer treatments. Learn more in our guide: Do antibiotics cause yeast infections?
• Immunocompromising conditions (i.e., diabetes and human immunodeficiency virus ((HIV))
• Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing that holds on to moisture and creates the ideal environment for yeast to grow (such as polyester or nylon workout clothing)

If you have a vaginal yeast infection, your vagina may itch or hurt more after an activity like penetrative sex since it can further irritate an already-tender genital area. If you believe you have a yeast infection, it’s essential to seek care quickly to avoid passing the infection to others through sexual contact. [2]

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

The terms “sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)” and “ sexually transmitted infections (STIs)” are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually slightly different. STIs are the initial infection. If left untreated, an STI can become an STD. [3]

STIs are any forms of infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic) that are spread via sex. Some of the most common STIs include [3]:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis
• Syphilis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Genital herpes

Many STIs can cause vaginal itching, in addition to vaginal pain and/or pain during sex or urination. As with yeast infections, penetrative sex may exacerbate STI symptoms and vaginal itching; and without treatment, you risk passing potential infections to your sexual partners, too. [4]

Fortunately, many STIs are either curable or treatable. [4]

It’s important to recognize, however, that STIs don’t always cause detectable symptoms; the only way to know you have one is by testing. [4] In fact, regular STI screening is an essential part of safe sex, but it’s especially important if you start having sex with someone new or you have multiple sex partners.

Condom Allergies and Other Genital Irritants

Infections aren’t the only culprits of vaginal itching after sex. Another possibility is an allergic reaction.

Condoms are one of the most widely used contraceptives, but they’re often made from latex, which people can easily develop a sensitivity to. In fact, many people have full-blown latex allergies. [5] Additionally, women and people with vaginas are more likely to react negatively to latex because the latex proteins can more easily enter the body. [5]

Allergic reactions to latex vary in severity; symptoms can include [5]:

• Itching
• Hives
• Coughing and sneezing
• Difficulty breathing

Note that you can become more sensitive to latex over time and with repeated use, so it’s difficult to know if or when it’ll cause vaginal itchiness. [5]

It’s also possible that something else on the condom is irritating the vaginal area. Certain dyes, perfumes, and flavorings can all potentially lead to an uncomfortable reaction. Spermicide, which is often coated on condoms to prevent pregnancy, can also cause soreness and itching. [6]

Other genital irritants include [6]:

• Scented soaps, bubble baths, and deodorants
• Vaginal “hygiene” sprays and perfumes
• Menstrual pads and tampons, especially scented ones
• Certain glycerin-based or flavored lubricants
• Douches
• Dyed and synthetic underwear

If you’re unsure whether you’re sensitive or allergic to any of these products, or if there may be a variety of products potentially causing skin irritation, you can receive a patch test from your healthcare provider to pinpoint the exact cause of your vaginal itching. [6]

Solutions to Vaginal Itching After Sex

Combatting vaginal itching may require a combination of solutions, including regular infection screening, medication, and lifestyle changes. Before trying any of the methods listed below, be sure to see a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and care plan. Once you know the cause of vaginal itching, you can take action.

Practicing Proper Hygiene

Oftentimes, you can solve vaginal itching with a few simple lifestyle changes—and it all starts with proper hygiene. While the market is filled with multitudes of “feminine hygiene” products, it’s important to note that some do more harm than good.

Vaginal cleaning products, such as douches, for example, can irritate your skin and kill off beneficial bacteria that balance your vagina’s natural pH level. An imbalance can increase your risk of infection, which can lead to more conditions that cause vaginal itching—not a good cycle to start. [2]

What’s more, douching and other vaginal cleaning routines are entirely unnecessary to your vaginal hygiene. Your vagina cleans itself; if your vaginal health is normal, you don’t need to do anything more than gently wash your vulva with warm water and unscented soap. [7]

If you’re wondering how to improve vaginal health, following these simple hygiene practices can make a significant difference [7]:

• Use unscented products, including soaps, menstrual pads, and laundry detergents
• Avoid vaginal deodorants and perfumes
• Wear breathable underwear made of natural fibers (such as cotton), and change them daily
• Change out of wet or sweaty clothes after swimming or exercising

STI Screening

The only way to be certain that an STI is causing vaginal itching is by taking an STI test.

If you want secure, reliable access to STI screening, try the at-home STD Test for Women from Everlywell. With this test, you can find out whether you have been exposed to any of the following common STIs:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Hepatitis C

The test kit is sent straight to you in unassuming packaging for the utmost discretion. Collect your sample from the comfort of your home, mail it to our network of CLIA-certified labs, and receive physician-reviewed results online in just a few days. You can trust us to protect your information, the same as any provider.

Depending on your results, we’ll connect you with a licensed clinician who can guide you toward a plan of action and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.

Preventive Measures

Once you’ve soothed and treated your genital itching, you can safeguard yourself from recurring discomfort with simple lifestyle adjustments.

For instance, if your vaginal itching is linked to a sexually transmitted infection, you can help prevent another infection by using contraceptives during sex. Contraceptive barrier methods that are proven to reduce the spread of STIs include [5, 8]:

• Condoms
• Female condoms (inserted into the vagina rather than worn on the penis)
• Dental dams (only to prevent STIs; dental dams do not prevent pregnancy)

If you discover that you’re allergic to common intimacy products such as latex condoms and dental dams, all you have to do is stop using them—but not altogether, of course. Here are two equally effective, itch-free condom material alternatives you can try the next time you have sex [5]:

• Polyurethane – A thin plastic
• Polyisoprene – A synthetic (and extra stretchy) rubber

Additionally, make sure to avoid vaginal irritants in general and implement the sexual hygiene best practices mentioned above.

Everlywell: Access to Quality Care, From Anywhere

Genital itching relief begins with a visit to a healthcare provider. If you’re nervous to speak about your condition in person, consider scheduling an online women’s health appointment through Everlywell.

We partner with caring and experienced clinicians who can review your symptoms and offer you next steps, including at-home, mail-in STI screening or prescriptions, where necessary. Our calls are quick, secure, affordable, and, most importantly, accessible from anywhere.

Don’t wait to address your vaginal itch. Take control of your health and wellness by reaching out to Everlywell today.

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References

1. Nguyen JD, Duong H. Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis: female external genitalia. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. Published July 25, 2023. Accessed June 3, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
2. Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush). National Library of Medicine. Last reviewed April 4, 2022. Accessed May 15, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
3. “About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published March 25, 2024. Accessed May 16, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
4. Sexually Transmitted Infections. National Library of Medicine. Last reviewed April 20, 2024. Accessed May 16, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
5. Have a Latex Allergy? Here Are 4 Safe Non-Latex Condom Options. Cleveland Clinic. Published October 14, 2020. Accessed May 16, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
6. Genital contact allergy: A diagnosis missed. National Library of Medicine. Published 2016. Accessed May 16, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
7. Vulvitis. Cleveland Clinic. Last reviewed June 21, 2022. Accessed May 15, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
8. Professional CCM. Condoms. Cleveland Clinic. Last reviewed September 15, 2022. Accessed June 3, 2024. Medical Citation URL.