While most STDs have no apparent signs and are difficult to diagnose without a good STD test there are a few that might cause genital sores. Seeing an unattractive sore or bulge can understandably make you scared, but if you know what to look for, you’ll be more prepared to deal with the problem if it arises. STD sores can take on a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and are not always indicative of a particular STD. Nevertheless, some blisters, pimples, and sores, including those in the vaginal region, are not caused by STDs and are therefore not cause for concern. To alleviate your concerns, it’s always ideal to get tested and acquire correct results.
Table of Contents
STD Sores Types
STD sores generally manifest as vaginal sores, penile sores, or mouth sores. While they are frequently uncomfortable, they are frequently misdiagnosed as ingrown hairs, acne, or other disorders.
STD Vaginal Sores
Vaginal sores can be an indication of an STD, however this is not always the case. That is, vaginal sores do not necessarily indicate an STD, and STDs do not always indicate vaginal sores. We’ll go into some of the specific STDs and their accompanying sores in a moment, but it is crucial to note that many lumps or blemishes on or around the vagina are not indicators of an STD. And, in many cases, they are not cause for considerable concern. Eczema, cysts, ingrown hairs, vulvovaginitis, an infected scratch, yeast infections, and a variety of other easily curable disorders can all cause sores on or around the vagina. If you see a sudden irregularity on or around your vagina, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and, if necessary, a proper treatment program.
STD Sores in the Penile
STDs spread through skin-to-skin contact are known to create lumps, ulcers, blisters, rashes, or other unpleasant blemishes on or near the penis. In a moment, we’ll discuss these types of events and what they mean. But first, it’s crucial to understand that not every penile sore or blemish is caused by an STD, and many are of no consequence at all. While it’s natural to be concerned when you see a strange aberration, bumps surrounding the penis might be caused by any of the following: irritated hair follicles, acne, psoriasis, lichen sclerosus, or other mild disorders. If you notice a penile pain, bump, rash, or anything out of the ordinary, visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis and, if necessary, an effective treatment program.
Sores in the Mouth Caused by STDs
Mouth sores can be caused by a sexually transmitted viral infection—as a result of the body’s immune system reaction—but they are not always a reliable sign of infection. While painful patches in or around the mouth may be caused by an STD, they can also be caused by lip biting, burns, or eating acidic foods like citrus fruits or sour candies. Oral sores caused by an STD usually occur on or around the lips, although they can also appear inside the mouth. The only sure way to diagnose an oral STD, like painful spots on or around the vagina or penis, is to be tested.
Sores Caused by STDs
Syphilis, herpes, and HPV are the three most common STDs that produce STD sores. Each of these three sexually transmitted illnesses causes its own sort of sore, which is occasionally possible to detect if you look attentively, but it is more often necessary to seek the expert diagnosis of a medical professional. Each of the aforementioned STDs is very contagious, so avoid sexual activity if you have a sore that could be caused by a virus or illness.
Keep in mind that, while all three of these STDs can create visible blemishes and sores, they are usually asymptomatic. This means that people may carry the infection undetected and potentially transfer it on to sexual partners. The only definite way to tell if you have syphilis, herpes, HPV, or any other sexually transmitted disease is to use the services of a trustworthy STD testing company.
Sores from Syphilis
In both men and women, the first visible indication of syphilis is one or more tiny sores or chancres near the mouth or vaginal region (depending on where the germs entered the body). Syphilis sores often occur three weeks after exposure. These sores are generally hard and spherical, are not painful, and can be easily neglected depending on their particular location on the body. If syphilis is not discovered and treated, it can progress to secondary syphilis, which can cause more visible skin rashes in the infected area (s). Because chancres and rashes are highly contagious and spread through sexual activity, it’s recommended to avoid sexual contact until the infection has been treated and resolved completely. Syphilis sores usually heal on their own in three to six weeks, but even if they do, the body is not clear of the infection unless it is treated with prescription medication.
(NOTE: While syphilis is typically asymptomatic, the absence of a sore does not mean your body is clear of the infection. The only way to know for certain if you have syphilis is to get tested.)
