What STDs Cause Itching and Burning?

If you’ve ever felt like your vulva or vagina was on fire, you know how uncomfortable and concerning it can be. While many things can cause these symptoms — like yeast infections, UTIs, or even skin irritation — certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also known to cause itching and burning. 

Understanding which STDs may lead to these symptoms can help you know when to seek medical care and testing. Below, we’ll walk through the most common STDs linked to itching and burning.

Common STDs that cause itching and burning

Most of us assume that symptoms like itching, burning, or unusual discharge would make STDs easy to spot. The reality is a little more complicated. Most STDs are actually asymptomatic, which means they don’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular testing is so important, even if you feel perfectly healthy. In fact, some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can remain “silent” for months or even years.

That said, itching and burning are two of the most common STI symptoms. These symptoms may overlap with other vaginal or urinary conditions — like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), or even vaginal dryness — so it’s not always easy to tell what’s going on without proper testing. Understanding which infections are most likely to cause these sensations can help you know when it’s time to get checked and how to start finding relief.

Because many STIs share similar symptoms, it’s impossible to know what’s causing discomfort just by how it feels. The only way to be certain is through testing. Evvy’s at-home Vaginal Health Test + STD Test provides a safe, convenient, and confidential way to screen for the most common sexually transmitted infections at once, helping you get accurate results and access treatment if needed.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Many people who contract chlamydia don't notice any symptoms, which is why it often goes undiagnosed. Even in the absence of obvious signs, the infection can still cause damage to the reproductive system if left untreated. In people with symptoms, chlamydia can irritate the urethra and vaginal tissue, leading to discomfort during urination and sex.

Key symptoms of chlamydia include:

• Vaginal itching and burning
• Unusual vaginal discharge that is white, yellow, or foul-smelling
• Pus in your urine
• A frequent urge to pee
• Painful urination
• Painful sex
• Pain or tenderness in the lower belly
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Painful periods.

If untreated, chlamydia can lead to more serious health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause chronic pelvic pain, scarring of the fallopian tubes, and even fertility issues. In rare cases, untreated chlamydia can also spread to other parts of the body, leading to reactive arthritis or eye infections. Because symptoms can be mild or easily mistaken for other conditions like yeast infections or urinary tract infections, testing is critical to catch the infection early.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Like chlamydia, it often doesn’t cause obvious symptoms, which means many people can carry the infection without realizing it. Common symptoms of gonorrhea include:

• Vaginal or anal itching and irritation
• Green or yellow vaginal discharge
• Burning during urination or sexual activity
• Pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen
• Vaginal bleeding between periods.

Genital herpes

Herpes is a viral STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), most often HSV-2, though HSV-1 can also infect the genital area. One of the hallmark features of genital herpes is that it often starts with subtle warning signs — itching, burning, or tingling in the genital region — before any visible sores appear. These sensations, sometimes called “prodromal symptoms,” can signal that an outbreak is about to occur, allowing individuals to take precautions to reduce transmission.

Key symptoms of genital herpes include:

• Itching, burning, or tingling in the genital area
• Small, painful sores in or around the vagina, vulva, or anus
• Sores that crust over and heal over time
• Flu-like symptoms may occur during the first outbreak, including fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis (often called “trich”) is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It's one of the leading causes of genital itching and burning, and it can affect anyone sexually active, though many people don't realize they're infected because symptoms can be mild or even absent. When symptoms do show up, they often involve both irritation and changes in vaginal discharge.

Trichomoniasis can make the vaginal environment more sensitive and uncomfortable. The parasite causes inflammation in the vaginal and urethral tissues, which leads to itching, irritation, and a burning sensation, particularly during urination or sexual activity.

Common symptoms of trichomoniasis include:

• Itching or irritation inside and/or around the vulva and vagina
• Green, gray, frothy, or thin discharge with a foul or fishy smell
• Pain or burning when urinating
• A frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Pain during sexual activity.

Mycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium) is a type of sexually transmitted bacterium. While it’s less well-known than chlamydia or gonorrhea, it’s on the rise — and can still lead to significant discomfort and reproductive health issues if left untreated. Like many STIs, M. genitalium often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why testing is essential for anyone who may have been exposed.

When symptoms do occur, they are often similar to those of other STIs. In people with vaginas, M. genitalium can cause:

• Itching in and around the vagina
• Unusual discharge 
• Pelvic pain
• Bleeding between periods and/or after sex
• Pain during sex or while peeing.

Genital warts

Genital warts are caused by certain “low-risk” strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as small, flesh-colored or pink growths on or around the genitals, anus, or inner thighs. They may be raised or flat, single or clustered, and sometimes so tiny that they’re hard to see.

Although genital warts are often painless, they can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Many people experience itching, irritation, or a feeling of pressure, especially if the warts are in areas that rub against clothing or skin. In some cases, there may also be a mild burning feeling, which can be mistaken for other vaginal or skin conditions. The discomfort tends to worsen if the warts become larger, multiply, or are irritated during sex or exercise.

Pubic lice

Though not technically classified as a sexually transmitted infection, pubic lice (often called “crabs”) are most commonly spread through close sexual contact. These tiny parasites attach to coarse body hair (most often in the genital region, but sometimes on the thighs, chest, or armpits) and feed on small amounts of blood. Their bites can trigger an allergic reaction that leads to intense itching and irritation, which is often worse at night. The most common symptoms include severe itching, red or irritated skin from scratching, and in some cases, the presence of tiny lice or their eggs (nits) clinging to pubic hair. 

When to see a healthcare provider

If you’re experiencing itching, burning, or discomfort in the genital area — especially when it’s accompanied by unusual discharge, sores, or pain — it’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider. While these symptoms can sometimes be caused by sexually transmitted infections, they can also result from other common vaginal conditions. Early testing and accurate diagnosis are essential because treatment varies depending on the cause.

Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test + STD Test provides a convenient and private way to screen for four of the most common STIs — chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium — as well as vaginal infections like yeast infections and BV that can contribute to itching and burning. If you test positive and are eligible, Evvy can also help connect you to treatment options, making it easier to address the infection quickly and safely.

FAQ

What kind of STD itches and burns?

Several STDs can cause itching and burning in the genital area. Trichomoniasis, for example, often leads to vaginal or penile itching, irritation, and a burning sensation when you pee. Genital herpes can also cause itching or tingling before painful blisters appear. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are more likely to cause burning with urination than itching, though some people report irritation or discomfort. Because itching and burning can also be caused by non-STD issues such as yeast infections, BV, or vaginal dryness, self-diagnosis is unreliable. Using Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test + STD Test makes it easy to check for infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis safely and discreetly, providing clear results and guidance for next steps.

Can chlamydia feel itchy?

Chlamydia doesn’t usually cause itching, but it can sometimes create irritation that feels similar. The most common signs are a burning when you pee, or abnormal discharge. Inflammation in the cervix, urethra, or rectum can also create discomfort or mild itching. Since chlamydia is often asymptomatic, many people don’t notice anything at all, which increases the risk of complications. If you’re experiencing itching (or any unusual genital discomfort) the only way to know for sure is testing. Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test + STD Test screens for chlamydia along with other common infections, offering a safe and confidential way to confirm your status.

How to tell if you're burning from an STD?

Burning in the genital area can indicate several STDs, but it may also result from non-STD conditions like yeast infections, BV, UTIs, or vaginal dryness. Burning during urination is a hallmark of chlamydia and gonorrhea, while herpes-related burning tends to be localized to areas with blisters. Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, self-diagnosis is unreliable. If burning persists or is accompanied by discharge, sores, or pelvic pain, it’s important to get tested. Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test + STD Test provides a convenient, at-home option to check for multiple infections at once, giving clear results and supporting timely treatment if needed.