Q: Of late, I have noticed that the tip of my penis and my testicles have been itching. It often creates an awkward situation at work and at home when I have to find discreet ways to scratch my itch. After a bath, I usually powder it and keep it dry. I have also tried some over-the-top anti-itching creams to relieve the itch but it keeps coming back. I am sexually active and have multiple partners. But I wear protection whenever I have penetrative sex. I want to know if it is normal or a sign of STD. Please help. I am a 29-year-old from Bangalore.

Ans: To answer your question, penis itch can be a sign of sexually transmitted infection or STD. If you have been using protection every time you have penetrative sex, the chances of you suffering from an STD are slim. However, if you indulge in non-penetrative sexual activities like oral sex without protection, you could contract a genital infection. Can I Get STD From Oral Sex? How to Stay Safe.

Here are some causes of penis and testicles itch:

  • Itching around the penile area can be caused by genital herpes, which is also accompanied by pain.

  • Candida or yeast infection can be a cause of penis itch, especially on the tip. This condition causes redness, burning and a white discharge along with the itch.

  • Dermatitis is a skin inflammation caused by allergy to a certain thing. It could be your soap, the fabric of your underwear, fragrances or the talc you apply on your crotch. If your penis and scrotum have tiny red bumps, it could be dermatitis.

  • Scabies can be another cause of penis itch. It’s caused by skin mites that burrow into the skin’s surface. It can cause an intense itch and need immediate medical attention.

  • Ingrown hair on your scrotum can cause testicle itch. Check for any kind of bumps or rashes around your pubic region.

  • Inflammation of the urethra or urethritis is another cause of intense penile itch. It is caused due to faulty hygiene. If your itch is accompanied by frequent urination or blood in urine or semen, it could be urethritis.

  • Pubic lice on the groin can cause itch. The lice attach to the hair and skin in the pubic region and cause an intense itch.

  • Jock itch is another condition where the groin area starts itching. It’s a fungal infection that affects the inner thighs, genitals and buttocks. The signs of jock itch include red ring-shaped rashes.

How to Treat Itchy Penis and Testicles

To treat itchy penis and testicles, the right diagnosis should be made. Over the counter creams and powders won’t address the problem sufficiently. Only an expert can help.

Meanwhile, you can relieve the itch to a certain degree by keeping your groin area dry, maintaining hygiene and wearing loose boxers. Sometimes, a cold compress in the region can give you temporary relief.

If your penis itch is accompanied by a discharge or pain, it warrants immediate medical attention.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 07, 2019 12:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).