Do I Have Genital Sores?

Do you have blisters, bumps, lesions or ulcers on your genitals or inside them (around or in the vagina in women, and on the penis, scrotum or urethra in men)?

Do you have small red or fleshy bumps or blisters that can change their appearance over time (they can become larger or crusty)?

Do you have an abnormal discharge from your penis or vagina (increased or foul-smelling)?

Do you have bumps that bleed easily?

Do you have itching, burning or pain in your genital area?

Do you have swelling in your genital area?

Do you have pain during intercourse?

Do you have pain or burning with urination?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have genital sores. Genital sores are blisters, bumps, lesions or ulcers that can be found on or inside the genitals. They can be itchy, tender, and painful. Sometimes, they can produce a discharge. However, genital sores do not have to cause any symptoms. Genital sores are most often the result of sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes and syphilis. Also, they can be caused by skin disorders such as psoriasis or eczema, an allergic reaction, insect bites, or some other non-sexually transmitted infections. Genital sores are a symptom of some underlying disease and should not be left untreated.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have genital sores. Genital sores refer to various lesions (blisters, bumps, ulcers) that can appear on or inside your genitals. In women, genital sores can occur anywhere around or in the vagina, while in men genital sores can be found on the penis, scrotum or urethra. They can vary in size. Genital sores may appear singly or in clusters and may be red or skin-colored, hard or filled with fluid. They are most often caused by sexually transmitted diseases, and can occur only once or recur several times in a lifetime. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.