WHAT IS CHANCROID?
Chancroid is a sexually-transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi . The main symptom is genital sores that rupture after a few days.
The disease is found primarily in developing and third world countries however there have been examples of the infection from returning holidaymakers.
HOW IS CHANCROID TRANSMITTED?
Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Uncircumcised men are at much higher risk than circumcised men for contracting chancroid from an infected partner.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF CHANCROID?
- The symptoms include a single or multiple painful ulcer(s) with a dirty base. There may also be painful lumps in the groin. These occur
after an incubation period of 1 day to 2 weeks.
WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM COMPLICATIONS OF CHANCROID?
- There are no long term complications of Chancroid. If the infection is not treated quickly, there may be some scar tissue left after treatment of the ulcers.
HOW IS CHANCROID DIAGNOSED?
Diagnosis is made by evaluating the ulcer(s) and presence of swollen lymph nodes, and by obtaining a culture from the base of the ulcers. There are no lab tests for chancroid.
HOW IS CHANCOID TREATED?
It can be treated with appropriate antibiotics.
CAN THE INFECTION RECUR?
- Re-infection can occur at any time if a sexual partner is infected with chlamydia. The only way to prevent infection is to use protective sex (condom).
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WHAT SHOULD I DO?
- If you are worried that you may have chlamydia, contact your doctor or visit your local STD office, details of which can be found on the main page of this website or in the yellow pages.