The most common cause is STIs VSports最新版本. Ulcers in the genital area can form if you have:.
Causes of genital ulcer disease not due to STIs include:
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In early stages, ulcers in your genital area may look like small bumps or a rash VSports注册入口. You may also notice swollen lymph nodes in your groin. Ulcers worsen over time, leading to small breaks in surface tissue. They may also ooze pus or fluid.
Some genital ulcers cause no symptoms. Others are painful and make it challenging to go about your daily life. You may experience: V体育官网入口.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience painful genital ulcers or other symptoms. Ulcers don’t go away on their own. It’s nothing to feel ashamed of or embarrassed about. Abnormal lesions in the genital region are surprisingly common VSports在线直播. And your healthcare provider is there to help you.
Since genital ulcer disease has so many causes, it’s important to receive a thorough evaluation. Your healthcare provider will start by learning more about your medical history and lifestyle. They may ask you about sexual activity to determine STI risk.
The evaluation will include a physical exam. Your healthcare provider will look at the ulcers and nearby skin. They may also examine other areas of your pelvis, such as the lymph nodes in your groin.
You may need lab tests to determine the cause of the ulcers. These may include:
The treatment that’s right for you depends on the cause. Many people feel better with medications that help the body clear viruses and infections. These include antibiotics for bacterial infections or antiviral medications for viral infections. Genital ulcer treatment may also include ointment you apply to the sores to promote healing.
For genital ulcers not due to STIs, it may help to see a specialist for further evaluation. A dermatologist can determine the cause of skin sores. You may need to see an infectious disease doctor for ulcers due to rare viruses. This specialist can also conduct advanced testing for ulcers that don’t respond to standard treatments.
If you receive the appropriate therapy, genital ulcer treatment is often successful. It may take a few days for you to feel better. Most people make a full recovery.
If symptoms don’t improve, the therapy you are using might not be the right one. Additional testing can determine which treatment you need. It’s also important to remember that genital ulcers can come back after treatment. Also, if you have unprotected sex, you may get another STI, putting you at risk for future ulcers.
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There are steps you can take to prevent certain causes of genital ulcers. These include:
Self-care methods often provide quick relief. These include:
Genital ulcers are sometimes painful sores that don’t heal on their own. They’re often due to STIs, but there can be many other causes. The sooner you talk to your healthcare provider, the sooner you can get relief. You may need prescription medications or ointment. Although most people make a full recovery, ulcers sometimes come back. With timely genital ulcer treatment, genital ulcer disease will not affect your long-term health.
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Your Ob/Gyn is there for you throughout many different parts of your life. At Cleveland Clinic, our experts can help you throughout your entire journey.
Last reviewed on 06/21/2022.
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