MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Genital sores

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Genital sores - male

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Considerations Common Causes	Home Care Call your health care provider if What to expect at your health care provider's office

Alternative names

Sores or ulcers on the male genitals

Definition Return to top

A male genital sore is any sore or lesion that appears on the male genitalia.

Considerations Return to top

Sores or lesions on the male genitalia may have many causes. Often, the lesions of most concern are those seen with sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum are all associated with ulcers on the genitals.

Other lesions in this area may be caused by venereal warts, molluscum contagiosum, as well as non-sexually transmitted diseases. All cases should be promptly evaluated by a medical professional.

Itching, painful urination, drainage from the penis or pain at the site of the sore may accompany genital lesions. These lesions can be singular or multiple, and they may also be present elsewhere on the body (such as the mouth and throat).

Common Causes Return to top

Genital herpes simplex
Syphilis, primary and syphilis, secondary
Chancroid
Granuloma inguinale
Lymphogranuloma venereum
Viral skin infections (including genital warts)
Molluscum contagiosum
Allergic reactions
Behcet's disease

Home Care Return to top

Avoid self treatment before seeing a doctor. It can mask symptoms and make diagnosis more difficult. Refrain from sexual contact until you undergo medical evaluation.

Call your health care provider if Return to top

There are any unexplained genital lesions.
If new lesions appear in other parts of your body.

What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

Type of lesion
- Open areas (ulcer)
- Blisters
- Pustule
- Papule
- Nodule
Other descriptors
- Is the lesion painful?
- Does it itch?
- What color is the lesion?
- Does the border look distinct (sharp) or blurry?
Time pattern
- When did you first notice the lesion?
- How long have you had it?
- Have you ever had a similar lesion in the past?
Distribution
- Single versus multiple lesions
Location
- Exactly where on the genitals is the lesion located?
- Are there other lesions elsewhere on the body?
Other
- Is there drainage from the penis?
- Is there painful urination?
- What are your sexual habits?
- Is there painful sexual intercourse?
- Any fevers, chills or enlarged lymph nodes?

The physical examination will include detailed examination of the genitals and pelvis, skin, lymph nodes, mouth, and throat.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Blood tests such as CBC or blood differential
Culture or biopsy (see skin or mucosal biopsy culture) of the lesion(s)

INTERVENTION:
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and may include antiviral medicines, antibiotics or other agents. Your doctor may ask you to avoid sexual activity or use a condom for a period of time depending on the diagnosis.

Update Date: 1/16/2004

Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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