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Genital sores - male

• Overview
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

Sores or ulcers on the male genitals

Home Care:

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:

• 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:

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
• Description
  • Is the lesion painful?
  • Does it itch?
  • What color is the lesion?
  • Does the border look 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

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.

• 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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