It can be irritating, frustrating, and downright maddening to get an itch down there. Especially after you just had amazing sex. There are a multitude of reasons why your vagina may be itchy after sex. Most of them are harmless and can be easily remedied and prevented. Also bear in mind that though it can be uncomfortable, it is not unusual. The most probable reason why this is happening is a lack of lubrication during sex and dryness around the vagina. If you wait a few days and avoid sex it’ll most likely go away on its own. If it doesn’t, then it’s time to contact your doctor. In the meantime, here are a few possible reasons why your vagina is probably itchy after sex;
Dryness
Itching after sex is most frequently brought on by dryness. Either vaginal dryness or having dry skin on your vulva. Itching and flaking are common. The dryness might make it more likely for you to chafe during sex, especially if there is too much friction. Some people have dry skin naturally, although it can occasionally be caused by overwashing and/or using scented soaps.
Causes
- Hormonal changes
- Not being turned on enough during sex (meaning you don’t get wet enough)
- Some medications (eg birth control pills)
- Scented soaps
Symptoms
- Itching
- Flaking on the vulva
- Vaginal soreness
- You’re peeing ALL the time
- Constant UTI’s
- You feel every time you engage in intercourse
Treatment
- Use a Vaginal moisturizer
- More foreplay before intercourse
- Use lube during intercourse
- Surgical Ovary removal
- Health conditions like diabetes
Vaginal Infections
Vaginal infections could cause itching that could be aggravated after sexual intercourse. Bacteria or fungi, such as yeast, could be the cause of this infection. A PH level imbalance brought on by sexual activity may also encourage the growth of bacteria in the vagina. Additionally, it is possible to have an STI that is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Causes
- Douching ( Increases vaginal PH)
- Sexual intercourse without a condom
- Antibiotics could kill good bacteria your vulva needs
Symptoms
- Itching
- Pain and/or burning while peeing
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese
- Painful intercourse
- Fever
- An awful or fishy smell
- You bleed or spot between your periods
Treatment
- Antifungal medication
- Pessaries
- Creams and ointments
Sperm allergy
An allergic reaction to sperm proteins is known as sperm allergy, seminal plasma hypersensitivity, or semen allergy. It usually affects women. Any part of the body that the sperm touches can develop symptoms. This applies to the face, vulva, skin, and so on. The majority of symptoms manifest between 10 and 30 minutes after contact.
Causes
- Contact with sperm
Symptoms
- Itching
- Swelling
- Pain
- Burning sensation
- Redness
- Anaphylaxis (severe cases)
Treatment
- Doctors could prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector
- You could develop a tolerance to it by having a doctor place some diluted semen into your vagina and then gradually increase the amount.
- Use condoms while having sex and symptoms should alleviate, if it doesn’t, contact your doctor.
Latex allergy
The proteins in latex are the cause of a latex allergy. A reaction would often occur after using a latex-containing lubricant or having intercourse with a latex condom.
Causes
- Sex with latex condoms or lubes.
Symptoms
- Itching
- Watery eyes
- Redness
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Scratchy throat
- Rash
- Coughing and wheezing
- Trouble breathing
- Anaphylaxis (severe cases)
Treatment
- Use latex-free condoms and lubricant and the symptoms should alleviate. If it doesn’t contact your doctor.
Preventions
- Foreplay is your best friend
- Use lube while having sex
- Stop using scented soaps to wash your vagina. You’re fine with warm water. The vagina is self-cleaning.
- Wash the vagina regularly and keep it dry.
- Use clean bathrooms
- Stop douching, you don’t need to.
- Use a condom while having sex
- Use any other condom but a latex condom while having sex.
- There are lubricants that don’t have latex in them. Find them. Use them instead.
- Regularly see your doctor.
Even after reading this article, you can never be completely certain why this could be happening to you if you’re not a medical professional. According to nurse practitioner Ebony Midcalf, MSPH, MSN, WHNP-BC, “Many of the reasons for vaginal itching have identical symptoms and are therefore difficult to self-diagnose.” For this reason, if the symptoms persist despite taking preventative measures and administering first aid, you should ALWAYS call your doctor.
For more answers to questions surrounding the vagina, check out the rest of our articles on vaginal health