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Published on: 5/6/2025

What Could Cause an Itchy Urethra in Females If It's Not an STD?

An itchy urethra in females that is not caused by an STD might be due to irritation or an allergic reaction from chemicals in products, physical trauma, or other non-infectious conditions.

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Explanation

There are several reasons a female might feel an itch in her urethra even if it isn’t due to an infection from an STD. One possibility is irritation or allergy. Chemicals found in soaps, bubble baths, laundry detergents, or feminine hygiene sprays can sometimes irritate the delicate skin around the urethra. Similarly, products like spermicides or latex condoms may cause an allergic reaction, leading to itching. Another cause could be physical irritation or minor trauma from sexual activity or the use of certain hygiene products. Sometimes, non-infectious inflammation, which doctors call “non-specific urethritis,” might cause discomfort and itching. This means the urethra becomes irritated without any bacteria or viruses causing an infection. It is important to consider any new products or activities that might be linked with the irritation and avoid those that cause the problem. If the itching continues, talking with a healthcare provider is a good idea to explore the cause further and get appropriate care.

(References)

  • Young A, Toncar A, Leslie SW, Wray AA. Urethritis. 2024 Apr 26. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 30725967.

  • Ito S, Hanaoka N, Shimuta K, Seike K, Tsuchiya T, Yasuda M, Yokoi S, Nakano M, Ohnishi M, Deguchi T. Male non-gonococcal urethritis: From microbiological etiologies to demographic and clinical features. Int J Urol. 2016 Apr;23(4):325-31. doi: 10.1111/iju.13044. Epub 2016 Feb 4. PMID: 26845624.

  • Mehta P, Leslie SW, Reddivari AKR. Dysuria. [Updated 2023 Nov 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549918/

  • Marfatia YS, Patel D, Menon DS, Naswa S. Genital contact allergy: A diagnosis missed. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2016 Jan-Jun;37(1):1-6. doi: 10.4103/0253-7184.180286. PMID: 27190404; PMCID: PMC4857673.

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