Does Chlamydia Make You Itch? STDs and Itching

Does Chlamydia Make You Itch? STDs and Itching

Itching is one of the most common STD symptoms for both men and women. Indeed, itching can manifest in a number of areas on the body and result from a variety of STDs. So, to address the titular question: does chlamydia make you itch? The short answer is yes, it can. However, just because you’ve experienced some kind of genital itching, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have chlamydia –– or an STD at all. Here’s everything you need to know about STDs and itching:

STDs that Cause Itching

Basically all STDs can contribute to some form of itching. (Herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV.) STDs may produce bumps, sores, rashes, or lesions on the genitals or other parts of the body (most often the mouth, lips, and/or anus). Naturally, these pustules can be itchy. In addition, many STDs cause discomfort during urination or sexual activity. One might describe this sensation as burning, stinging, or, yes, itching. This itching may or may not be accompanied by discharge from the penis or vagina. Note here that just because you don’t notice any such discharge, you could still have an STD. In fact, most of the time STDs are asymptomatic. If you even suspect you might have an STD, you should get tested ASAP.

Other Causes of Genital Itching

Itching is a broad symptom that applies to a host of medical issues –– including, but not limited to –– STDs. Again, it’s often important to distinguish the type of itch you feel. Itching in response to bumps or rashes on or around the genitals may stem from conditions like jock itch, genital warts, pubic lice, or scabies. Similarly, vaginal itching could indicate a number of issues like a yeast infection, a urinary tract infection (UTI), or even menopause. Dysuria (pain during urination) also applies to a myriad of potential maladies.

What to do if You’re Itching Down There

It’s understandable for those suffering from genital itching to immediately want to find a solution to their problem. However, it’s important that you first determine what the cause of the itch is before you begin to apply any ointments, lotions, creams, or medication. That’s because it’s easy to misidentify an STD for something like a yeast infection, UTI, or jock itch. What’s more, even if an over-the-counter treatment makes the itch to “go away,” the STD may continue to exist in your system. The only way to know for sure if you’re STD-free is to get tested.