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Genital sores - male

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Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Sores or ulcers on the male genitals

Considerations:

Sores or lesions on the male genitalia may have many causes. Often, the lesions of most concern are those seen with sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). 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:

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

• Review Date: 11/2/2005
• Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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