Genital Ulcers: Chancroid

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine you for genital sores. If you have an open sore on your genitals, your doctor will suspect that you have chancroid, herpes, or syphilis. Your doctor will have to investigate further to determine which illness is responsible for your sores. Your doctor will be more likely to suspect chancroid if you live in or have recently traveled in a region where chancroid is known to occur, if the sore is painful with soft edges, or if you also have swollen and tender lymph nodes.

Laboratory tests can help determine if you have chancroid. Usually a clinical diagnosis is made on the basis of physical symptoms along with various laboratory tests that will rule out syphilis, herpes, and other diseases.

Sometimes fluid from a sore can be examined under a microscope to look for the bacteria that cause chancroid. The fluid should also be examined for the organisms that cause syphilis.

Often no definitive diagnosis can be made. In about one out of four patients with a genital sore, the diagnosis is uncertain despite a complete evaluation. In such cases, many experts recommend treating for chancroid with antibiotics..

Prevention and Screening

Avoid sexual relations with people who have multiple partners, or with people whose sexual health history you do not know.

Avoid having sexual relations while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Using alcohol can impair your judgment and ability to practice safer sexual practices, thus increasing your chances of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease.

In the U.S., chancroid has been associated with prostitution in certain urban areas. Chancroid is also common in some areas of Africa and Asia.

Regular condom use can significantly reduce the transmission of STDs. Use condoms consistently and correctly to reduce the likelihood of disease transmission.

The U.S. government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following:

• Use a new latex condom with each act of intercourse. Do not use condoms made of animal products, as they offer inadequate protection. If you have a latex allergy, consult your doctor for help in choosing a safe condom.
• Handle the condom carefully to avoid damaging it with fingernails, teeth, or other sharp objects.
• Put the condom on after the penis is erect and before any genital contact with your partner.
• Ensure that no air is trapped in the tip of the condom.
• Ensure adequate lubrication during intercourse, possibly requiring use of K-Y Jelly or glycerine. Never use oil-based lubricant such as petroleum jelly, shortening, mineral oil, massage oils, body lotions, or cooking oil. Oil can weaken latex, leading to tears in the condom.
• Hold the condom firmly against the base of the penis during withdrawal. Withdraw while the penis is still erect to prevent slippage.
• Avoid having sex while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as doing so will impair your judgement and ability to practice safe sex.
• Never have intimate relations with someone who has a suspicious sore on or near the genitals. If you have had such contact, or have had a partner who was diagnosed with syphilis, ask your doctor to test and treat you.