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.
1. How are ulcers in the genital area diagnosed?
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:
Biopsy.
Blood test.
Urinalysis.
2. What does genital ulcer treatment look like?
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.
3. How can I prevent genital ulcers?
There are steps you can take to prevent certain causes of genital ulcers. These include:
Avoid tight-fitting pants or underwear.
Limit intimacy to one person. That person should only be intimate with you as well.
Practice safe sex by using a condom or dental dam every time.
Stay on top of therapies for ongoing conditions that can lead to genital ulcers.
Wash your genital area daily with mild soap.
4. Can other therapies help me stay comfortable while the ulcers heal?
Self-care methods often provide quick relief. These include:
Warm compress for pain or itching: Soak a hand towel in warm water. Wring it out before applying to your skin with gentle pressure.
Cool compress for swelling: This treatment is like a warm compress but with cool water.
Sitz bath for general discomfort: Fill a bathtub with enough water that it covers your hips when you sit in it. Warm but not hot water may feel best. Soak a few times a day for at least 15-30 minutes.