I have an itchy anus. Could it be an STI?

Yes, but it isn’t the most likely cause. STIs can reach the anus and the skin around it through anal sex, rimming (oral sex on the anus), fingers, sex toys and close skin contact. The lining of the anus is thin and easily damaged, which can make it easier for some infections to get in.

An STI is more likely if the itching comes with:

• sores, blisters or lumps around your anus
• pain, bleeding or discharge from your bottom
• pain when you poo

If you’ve had anal sex without a condom with a new partner, it’s worth getting tested even if you have no other symptoms.

Herpes

Herpes can cause tingling, burning or itching, followed by small blisters that burst to leave painful sores around the genitals, anus or bottom. It spreads through skin contact, including from a cold sore during rimming. The type best known for cold sores, HSV-1, is now the most common cause of genital Herpes in the UK.

Anal warts

Anal warts are small, rough lumps around the anus caused by HPV. They usually cause no symptoms, but they can sometimes itch, bleed or feel sore.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea in the bottom often causes no symptoms, but it can cause pain, discomfort, itching or discharge from the anus.

Chlamydia and LGV

Chlamydia in the bottom usually causes no symptoms, but it can cause pain, bleeding or discharge. LGV, a type of Chlamydia seen mainly in gay and bisexual men, can cause pain, bleeding and discharge from the bottom.

Syphilis

The first sign of Syphilis is usually a small sore that doesn’t hurt. It can appear around the anus, so it’s easy to miss.

Pubic lice and scabies

Pubic lice and scabies both spread through close body contact, including sex, and cause itching. The itch from scabies is often worse at night and can affect the groin and bottom. Read more in “Are pubic lice an STI?”

Most itchy bottoms aren’t caused by an STI. Common causes include:

• traces of poo staying on the skin around the anus, which dermatologists say causes up to 9 in 10 cases
• threadworms, especially in children, which cause itching that’s worse at night
• piles (haemorrhoids), which can cause bright red blood when you poo
• sweating, for example in hot weather
• diarrhoea or leaking poo
• a fungal infection
• skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
• irritation from scented soaps, bubble bath or too much wiping with wet wipes
• side effects of some medicines and creams

Rarely, an itchy bottom can be a sign of diabetes or anal cancer, so get it checked if it doesn’t go away.

These steps can help ease an itchy bottom:

• Gently wash and dry your anus after you poo and before bed.
• Wash with water only, or use unscented soap, and pat yourself dry rather than rubbing.
• Wear loose cotton underwear, and avoid clothing and bedding that make you overheat.
• Try not to scratch. If you can’t stop, keep your nails short and wear cotton gloves at night.
• Avoid perfumes, powders and bath products near your anus.
• Eat plenty of fibre and don’t strain on the toilet.

A pharmacist can recommend a cream to ease the itching.

See a doctor if:

• the itching doesn’t go away or keeps coming back
• you have pain in your bottom
• you have blood in your poo, which might look dark red or black
• you’re bleeding or leaking liquid from your bottom
• you’ve noticed a change in your bowel habits
• you’re itchy on other parts of your body too
• you notice a change around your anus that isn’t usual for you

A urine test or vaginal swab only checks your genitals. If you’ve had anal sex, you’ll also need a swab from your bottom to test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, which you can usually take yourself.

Herpes is tested with a swab from a sore, Syphilis with a swab or a blood test, HIV with a blood test, and warts are usually diagnosed by looking at them. Read more in “How do I know if I have an anal Gonorrhoea infection?”

Better2Know offers:

• Blemish Screen: if you have a sore, blister, lump or rash, it tests a swab for Herpes 1, Herpes 2, HPV and Syphilis, with results in 5 days.
• Herpes Simplex Type 1 and 2 (Swab): tests a swab from a sore for Herpes 1 and Herpes 2, with results in 5 days. You can book it at one of our clinics or order it as a home test kit.
• Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea (Rectal Swab): a swab from your bottom for anyone who has had anal sex, from 14 days after sex, with results in 2 days. You can book it at one of our clinics or order it as a home test kit.
• Confidence Screen: the Full Screen plus throat and anal swabs for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, with results in 5 days. It is designed for gay and bisexual men, and you can also order a Confidence Screen home test.

Not sure which test you need? Our Patient Care Team is available 24/7 on 020 7099 0955.

Can you get an STI in your bottom without anal sex?

Yes. Some STIs, like Herpes and warts, spread through skin contact, so they can reach the skin around the anus through rimming, fingers, sex toys or close genital contact.

Why is my bottom itchy at night?

Itching that’s worse at night is a common sign of threadworms, especially if you have children at home. The itch from scabies is also often worse at night.

Is an itchy bottom after anal sex a sign of an STI?

Not always. An allergy to something in condoms or lubricants can make the skin around the anus itchy. But if the itching doesn’t settle, or you notice sores, discharge or bleeding, get tested. Read more in “Is unprotected anal sex dangerous?”

An itchy anus is usually caused by something simple, like threadworms, piles or irritated skin. But some STIs, including Herpes, anal warts and Gonorrhoea, can cause itching too, and many infections in the bottom cause no symptoms at all.

If you notice sores, blisters or lumps, or you’ve had anal sex without a condom with a new partner, get tested. Book a Blemish Screen at a clinic near you. Our Patient Care Team is available 24/7 on 020 7099 0955.

Not in the UK? Choose your country from the selector at the top of the page for local tests and prices.

This article originally appeared on 14 July 2023 and was last updated on 30 September 2026.

Medical review. This article was medically reviewed by Dr Steve Chapman, Doctor with a wealth of clinical experience in the field of STIs, on 4 August 2025. It is general information and not a substitute for personal medical advice.

Sources

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13. NHS, Syphilis, reviewed 17 March 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/syphilis/
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