Outer part of your vagina (vulva).
Penis.
Skin near these areas.
How do ulcers form?
Ulcers often form due to viruses, bacteria and germs that irritate the genitals’ sensitive tissue. The body responds by releasing special cells that worsen the irritation. This causes small sores to develop. Once you have an ulcer, ongoing bacteria exposure makes it difficult for the ulcer to heal.
2. Who is more likely to experience genital ulcer disease?
Anyone can get genital ulcers. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) raise your risk of experiencing genital ulcers.
What causes genital ulcers?
The most common cause is STIs. Ulcers in the genital area can form if you have:
Chancroid, which is a bacterial disease that causes open sores.
Chlamydia.
Genital herpes.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Syphilis.
Noninfectious ulcers like aphthous ulcers (like canker sores) or Behçet's disease.
What causes nonsexually acquired genital ulceration?
Causes of genital ulcer disease not due to STIs include:
Viruses
Cytomegalovirus, which causes viral hepatitis, encephalitis and more.
Epstein-Barr, which causes mononucleosis (mono).
Influenza A, which causes the flu.
Paratyphoid, which causes typhoid fever.
Varicella zoster, which causes chickenpox and shingles.
Bacteria
Group A Streptococcus.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Certain medical conditions, especially ones that cause long-term inflammation
Behçet's disease.
Bullous pemphigoid.
Contact dermatitis.
Crohn's disease.
Cyclic neutropenia.
Erosive lichen planus.
Pemphigus.
Vaginal yeast infections.
Vulvar cancer.
Trauma
Sexual injury, when aggressive sex or foreign objects (like sex toys) break surface tissue.
Chemical burns due to a reaction to lotion, hair removal cream or skincare products.
Constant rubbing, such as undergarments that are too tight.
3. What do genital ulcers look like?
In early stages, ulcers in your genital area may look like small bumps or a rash. You may also notice swollen lymph nodes in your groin. Ulcers worsen over time, leading to small breaks in surface tissue. They may also ooze pus or fluid.
4. What do ulcers in the genital area feel like?
Some genital ulcers cause no symptoms. Others are painful and make it challenging to go about your daily life. You may experience:
Burning sensation.
Fever.
Itchy genitals.
Painful urination or sexual intercourse.
Vaginal discharge that may smell bad.
When should I see a healthcare provider about genital ulcer disease?
Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience painful genital ulcers or other symptoms. Ulcers don’t go away on their own. It’s nothing to feel ashamed of or embarrassed about. Abnormal lesions in the genital region are surprisingly common. And your healthcare provider is there to help you.