What can a genital sore mean?
A genital sore can appear as an open wound, blister, ulcer, crack, or crusting on the skin. The cause can be simple irritation, or it can be sexually transmitted infections.
What are the possible causes?
Genital herpes, syphilis, trauma, friction, fungal infections, bacterial infections, dermatological diseases, or allergic reactions can cause genital sores.
Why should you not wait?
Some infections are easier to manage with early diagnosis and treatment. A sore can be painful or painless; being painless does not mean it is insignificant.
When to see a doctor
Prompt medical evaluation is recommended if accompanied by the following symptoms: painful blisters, painless firm sore, swelling in the groin, fever, sore after unprotected sexual contact, recurrent genital sores.
Tests used for diagnosis
- STI tests
- Physical examination
- Urinalysis
Frequently asked questions
Is a genital sore still important if it's painless?
Yes. In some sexually transmitted infections, the sore can be painless. Therefore, evaluation is needed even without pain.
Can genital herpes cause sores?
Yes. Genital herpes can manifest as blisters, burning, pain, or open sores. If symptoms are present, testing and evaluation may be necessary.
