A burning sensation near your penis, vagina or butt (anus) is annoying. It can feel painful and warm. Sometimes it happens during urination, sex or defecation. But it can also occur just like that, for no apparent reason.

What can a burning sensation mean?

A burning sensation in your intimate area is a signal from your body. Something is not as it should be there. The cause may be harmless, such as an irritation after shaving. But it can also indicate an infection or an STI.
That's why it's important to take your symptoms seriously. Especially if they persist or recur.

Is it because of an STI?

Yes, you can. Did you have sex without a condom? Then you are more likely to have contracted an STI. Some STIs cause a burning sensation, especially when urinating or having sex.
This is what it can feel like:

• Warm or painful feeling near your genitals or anus
• Burning when urinating or defecating
• Sensitive or sore skin around your intimate area

Possible STIs for a burning sensation

Do you have these symptoms? Then you may have one of the following STIs:

Burning sensation at the vagina or penis with vesicles

• Genital Herpes

Burning sensation around the anus

• Herpes
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea

Burning sensation when urinating

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes
• Trichomonas
• Mycoplasma Genitalum

Sometimes you don't notice much of an STI. Other times the symptoms are obvious and annoying. In doubt? Get tested.

Could it be something else?

A burning sensation does not always have to be due to an STI. Other causes are also possible:

• Sexual contact: Friction may irritate the skin.
• Bladder infection: often causes pain and burning when urinating.
• Fungal infection (such as candida): Common in women.
• Hemorrhoids: Can cause burning around the anus.
• Soap or personal care products: Can irritate the skin. Wash your penis or vagina with water only.
• Shaving or waxing: Can make the skin fragile.

What to do.

Don't stick around with complaints. Contact us. We can investigate what's going on. And if necessary, you'll be given medication to treat the cause.
Sometimes it's an STI, sometimes something else. In either case, it's nice to have clarity quickly.

Red glans: STI or not?

A red glans can also be scaring. It can be caused by an STI such as herpes, but often it is due to something more innocent. Think irritation from friction, fungal infection or a reaction to soap.
Still, the same goes for this: in doubt? Get it checked out.

How do you get an STI?

You get an STI through sex. Especially if you don't use a condom. An STI can be in:

• Semen
• Precum
• Vaginal discharge
• Blood
• Or directly on the skin of your genitals or anus

How do you prevent an STI?

Using a condom reduces your chances of getting an STI, however, it does not fully protect you. And note that some STIs, such as herpes or genital warts, you can also get through skin-to-skin contact, even if you use a condom.

Get tested

Get tested:

• If you have complaints
• If you have had sex with someone who has an STI
• Even if you did use a condom

A test provides clarity. This is how you take good care of yourself and others.