Genital sores are typically slow-healing ulcers and lesions originating from the genital area. More specifically, they can occur in the vagina’s outer part, or the vulva, the anus, and in the case of males, the penis. The lesions may also appear on the skin that’s near these areas.
Typically, these vaginal sores develop because of irritation to the genitalia’s sensitive tissue caused by bacteria, viruses, and germs; the body responds to the irritation by releasing specific cells that can worsen the discomfort, causing small sores and ulcers to develop, and if the ongoing exposure to germs, viruses, and bacteria isn’t resolved, the lesions and sores will be challenging to heal. Still, with the help of experts in the area of obstetrics and gynecology in South Miami, Florida, patients can get help to get rid of these sores.
In this article, our expert team comprehensively lists the most prominent symptoms, such as painful sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge. Also, the article will discuss potential treatment options.
Symptoms and Causes of Genital Sores
The most common cause behind these lesions are sexually transmitted diseases, such as:
- Genital herpes
- Chlamydia
- Chancroid
- HIV
- Syphilis
If acquired nonsexually, the main culprit behind these lesions will usually be:
Viruses
In the case of a viral infection, the most common causes are:
- Paratyphoid (typhoid fever)
- Epstein-Barr virus causing mononucleosis (mono)
- Varicella zoster (shingles, chickenpox)
- Cytomegalovirus (encephalitis, viral hepatitis)
- Influenza A, causing the flu
Bacteria
As mentioned above, several bacterial infections may also lead to the formation of lesions in the genital area:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Group A Streptococcus
Trauma to the area
In some instances, injury to the area may also lead to the development of genital sores, including the following:
- Adverse reactions to skincare products, lotion, or hair removal creams
- Wearing too-thigh undergarments that cause constant rubbing
- A result of a sexual injury when foreign objects or aggressive sex leads to breaks on the surface tissue
Other medical conditions
Specific medical conditions that cause long-term inflammation may also lead to the development of vaginal ulcers. They are usually the following:
- Chron’s disease
- Contact dermatitis
- Behcet’s disease
- Bullous pemphigoid
- Vulvar cancer
- Pemphigus
- Erosie lichen planus
- Cyclic neutropenia
- Vaginal yeast infections
To make matters even more complicated, there are some cases when genital sores cause no evident symptoms. In contrast, others can cause significant pain and make the patient’s everyday life and sex life challenging. That said, you may experience the following:
- Fever
- Burning sensation
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Painful urination
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Genital Sores vs. Vulvar Dysplasia
Some people may think that vulvar dysplasia and genital sores are the same. To be precise, vulvar dysplasia is a precancerous disease that produces ulcerations and lesions as symptoms. This condition starts in the skin of the vulva as the cells go over abnormal changes.
How Do Ulcers Look Like?
These ulcers are small rashes, lesions, or bumps in their earliest stages. As time progresses, the ulcers may even lead to tiny breaks in the skin’s surface tissue, oozing fluid, or pus. The nearby lymph nodes may become swollen in the groin area.
Diagnosing These Lesions
It’s always advisable to talk to your provider if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially if the genital sores have been persistent. You might feel embarrassed and ashamed about it but remember – these lesions are surprisingly widespread.
When establishing a proper diagnosis, keep in mind that a thorough evaluation is paramount, as genital ulcers have various causes.
That said, your provider will start by examining your medical history and asking a few questions regarding your lifestyle and sexual activity, mainly to determine any risks of sexually transmitted infections.
Naturally, the evaluation will also include a physical exam, i.e., your provider will take a look at the nearby skin and the lesions and sores themselves. To be thorough, they might also examine the lymph nodes in the groin.
Furthermore, in some cases, providers may recommend further lab testing to determine the exact cause of these genital sores. These tests may include the following:
- Blood tests
- Biopsy
- Urinalysis
Treating Vaginal Sores
Typically, the best treatment option will depend on the exact cause of the formation of these lesions. For the most part, most patients will feel relief and get better after taking meds that address bacterial and viral infections, such as antibiotics or antiviral medications.
In other cases, ulcers may heal faster if special ointments are applied to the affected area.
When the ulcers aren’t caused by sexually transmitted diseases, providers will often recommend talking to a specialist who may conduct further evaluation. For instance, dermatologists may help determine the exact cause of the skin lesions. Infectious disease specialists may help diagnose rare viral infections that lead to the formation of sores.
How Can Genital Sores Be Prevented?
Fortunately, there are several effective steps one can take to prevent genital ulcers or at least certain causes of the issue. These include the following:
- Steering clear from wearing tight underwear or pants
- Limiting the number of sexual partners; intimacy should be limited to one partner, and the same should apply to their case
- Using condoms or dental dams every time during intercourse
- Monitoring ongoing conditions that can lead to the formation of genital lesions
- Keeping the genital area clean by washing it daily with mild soap
- Avoiding harsh skin products
After Treatment
After receiving the right therapy, patients may see their symptoms dissipating within a few days, and in most cases, they fully recover.
In those rare cases when the discomfort and other symptoms fail to improve, doctors may recommend a different therapy, determined with the help of additional testing.
Lastly, it’s also essential to keep in mind that genital sores may recur, even after treatment, especially if you have unprotected sex in the future.
Home Remedies
Before visiting the doctor’s office, there are a few effective self-care methods that may help you bring relief, which include:
- Warm compresses can help with itching and pain. Just soak a towel in warm water and wring it out before applying it to the affected area.
- Cool compresses with cool water can help with swelling.
- Sitz bath may ease general discomfort. Just fill a bathtub with water to the point where it converses your hips while sitting. Soak in the water a few times daily for about 15-30 minutes.
Getting Assistance from Experts
Genital sores can be painful to the point that they can’t heal effectively on their own. They are often a result of a sexually transmitted infection, but there may be various underlying causes behind them. The sooner you reach out to a provider to discuss your symptoms, the faster you will find relief. Fortunately, simple prescription medications are enough to solve the issue in most cases. The key is to get a thorough diagnosis and timely treatment.
As such, reach out to us today if you suspect that you might have genital ulcers to find quick relief and ensure your long-term health.