Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 5/6/2025

What Are the Causes of Itching in the Urinary Tract for Females?

Itching in the urinary tract for females can be caused by infections, irritants, and some long-lasting inflammation. Identifying the exact cause is important to help decide the right treatment.

answer background

Explanation

There are several reasons why a female might feel itching in the urinary tract. One common cause is a urinary tract infection (UTI). These infections usually happen when bacteria, like Escherichia coli, get into the urinary tract and make it irritated. Infections in the vagina, such as yeast infections, can also spread irritation to nearby parts of the urinary system. Sometimes, the irritation comes from chemicals found in soaps, bubble baths, or other personal care products. These chemicals can make the sensitive skin around the genital and urinary areas feel itchy or inflamed. Additionally, there are some cases where the bladder might have a condition called interstitial cystitis, which is a long-lasting inflammation that can also cause discomfort and itchiness. Other factors like allergies or irritation from some hygiene products can play a role too. It is important for a person experiencing these symptoms to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and get proper care.

(References)

  • Updated 2023 May 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482435/
  • Ojha S, Vishwakarma PK, Mishra S, Tripathi SM. Impact of Urinary Tract and Vaginal Infections on the Physical and Emotional Well-being of Women. Infect Disord Drug Targets. 2025;25(1):e310524230589. doi: 10.2174/0118715265286164240508064714. PMID: 38831576.

  • Raef HS, Elmariah SB. Vulvar Pruritus: A Review of Clinical Associations, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Management. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 Apr 7;8:649402. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.649402. PMID: 33898486; PMCID: PMC8058221.

  • Zhou Y, Zhou Z, Zheng L, Gong Z, Li Y, Jin Y, Huang Y, Chi M. Urinary Tract Infections Caused by Uropathogenic _Escherichia coli_: Mechanisms of Infection and Treatment Options. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jun 23;24(13):10537. doi: 10.3390/ijms241310537. PMID: 37445714; PMCID: PMC10341809.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Itchy urethra

Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?

AI Symptom Check

Try our AI-based symptom checker

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, you can get a free AI-powered report on possible causes


Tips to try:

  • Provide specific, detailed info about all symptoms you have.
  • Give accurate information about yourself including current conditions.
  • Answer all follow-up questions

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.