You may feel a little embarrassed to talk about certain discomforts that occur in the genital area. However, it is very important to be aware of such things. Today we are going to talk about a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called `(Chancroid)` (pronounced "chancroid"). This is a very contagious disease.
What is `(Chancroid)`? Why does it occur?
Simply put, `(Chancroid)` is a condition that occurs when a bacterium called `(Haemophilus ducreyi)` (pronounced "Haemophilus ducreyi") enters our body. Since it is a sexually transmitted disease (STI), it is mainly spread through unprotected sex. Sometimes, the fluid (like pus) that comes out of these sores can also be transmitted if it comes into contact with a skin wound on a healthy person.
Chancroid is not very common in Sri Lanka. Even when compared to other countries in the world, it is said that the number of reports of this disease is decreasing. However, if you travel to some areas where this disease is common (for example, some African countries, the Caribbean islands, some parts of Southwest Asia), then you are also more likely to develop it.
There is another name for this, which is ``Soft Chancre`` (pronounced "soft chancre").
What are the symptoms of Chancroid?
You can start to experience symptoms within three to seven days after being exposed to the bacteria (H. ducreyi).
The first sign you see is a small, painful, raised blister on your genitals. This will develop into a soft, irregular-edged lesion or genital ulcer within a day. This lesion is the main symptom of chancroid.
In addition, you may also experience symptoms like:
- Bleeding from wounds.
- The skin of the lesions changes color (turning red, purple, brown, or black) and becomes shiny .
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area. These feel like tender, painful lumps.
- Pus or infected fluid draining from wounds.
- Painful urination (dysuria) .
- Feeling pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) .
- The lesions connect to each other and spread into a large lesion area .
Imagine how uncomfortable it would be to experience symptoms like this. That's why it's important to seek medical advice quickly.
What do Chancroid lesions look like? Where do they occur?
These ``chancroid'' lesions can come in various sizes. They can usually range from about 1/8 of an inch to about 2 inches (3-5 millimeters) in size.
If you are a man , these lesions are commonly seen:
- For those who have a foreskin, that skin.
- On the glans penis.
- At the lower edge of the glans penis (corona of glans penis).
- Around the opening (meatus) of the penis where urine comes out.
- On the penile shaft.
- On the testicles (scrotum).
If you are a woman , ``Chancroid`` sores are usually seen:
- In the labia majora or labia minora.
- On the inner side of the thighs.
- The area between the anus and the vagina (perineum).
What are the risk factors for developing Chancroid?
Anyone who has unprotected sex can get chancroid. However, uncircumcised men have been found to be at a slightly higher risk of developing it. Women can sometimes have the infection without showing any symptoms.
This is very rare in countries like America and Europe. However, as mentioned earlier, it is still seen in some parts of the world (Africa, the Caribbean, Southwest Asia).
What are the possible complications of Chancroid?
If you have chancroid, you are at higher risk of transmitting HIV and getting HIV . So it is very important to take care of this.
If you don't get proper treatment, you may develop further complications, such as:
- Soft tissue infections (e.g., suppurative lymphadenitis - swollen lymph nodes in the groin that fill with pus).
- The formation of a tunnel or hole (fistula) between some organs.
- Tissue death (necrosis) in the genital area.
Hearing these things may sound scary, but remember, these serious conditions can be prevented if you get treatment at the right time .
How does a doctor diagnose this as `(Chancroid)`?
In fact, it can sometimes be challenging for a doctor to accurately diagnose chancroid, as there are other diseases that cause genital ulcers (genital ulcer disease (GUD)). A special nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is needed to detect the DNA of the bacterium H. ducreyi. However, this test is not yet approved by the FDA for H. ducreyi.
Because of the difficulty of these tests, a doctor will first check to see if you have other conditions that have similar symptoms. That is:
- Syphilis
- Herpes `(Herpes simplex virus - HSV)`
- Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
After confirming that you do not have these diseases, you can:
- If you have one or more painful sores in the genital area,
- If the groin area is swollen and painful,
- If tests confirm that there are no infections with herpes and `(Treponema pallidum)` (which causes another disease called `yaws`),
The doctor may suspect ``(Chancroid)''.
Can Chancroid be cured?
Yes, absolutely! Chancroid is a disease that can be completely cured with antibiotics . A doctor may prescribe you one of the following antibiotics:
- `Azithromycin`
- `Ceftriaxone`
- `Ciprofloxacin`
- `Erythromycin`
Also, sometimes doctors may recommend a procedure called ``therapeutic fine needle aspiration'' to remove pus from swollen lymph nodes.
Will Chancroid get better without treatment?
Yes, sometimes, even if left untreated, `(Chancroid)` sores can heal on their own within a month or two. However, even then, if you don't get treatment, the risk of developing the aforementioned complications is much higher. Therefore, it is wise to see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms and get treatment.
How long does it take to heal?
If you get proper treatment, you should feel better within a week or two , and the sores will start to heal. However, if you have a more severe case of chancroid, you may develop scars where the sores were.
If your symptoms do not improve after treatment, your doctor may recommend further testing. You may also have another infection.
When should I see a doctor?
If you notice any kind of sore, lump, pain, itching, or anything unusual in your genital area , be sure to see a doctor right away . Also, if you are sexually active, especially if you have traveled to areas where diseases like `(Chancroid)` are common, it is a good idea to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at least once a year .
When you see a doctor, you can ask questions like these:
- If I don't have `(Chancroid)`, what other condition could it be?
- How do I prevent Chancroid?
- Can this `(Chancroid)` cause any problems in the future?
- How often should I get tested for STIs?
- Do my sexual partners need to be tested too?
- Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Can you get rid of Chancroid?
Yes, absolutely! You can do these things to reduce the development and spread of `(Chancroid)`:
- Abstaining from sex or practicing safe sex . This means using a condom every time (during oral, vaginal, or anal sex). Use the condom to cover the infected area.
- Having sex only with a single, uninfected partner .
- If pus or fluid is draining from an infected area, be careful not to let it touch your skin or someone else's .
- Get tested for STIs at least once a year , including before having sex with someone new.
Remember, don't be shy about talking about these things. Your health is the most important thing.
What should I expect if I develop `(Chancroid)`?
With proper treatment, your condition will improve. There is nothing to worry about. If left untreated, the wounds will probably heal, but there is a higher risk of complications such as soft tissue infections.
If a doctor determines that you have chancroid, it is very important to inform anyone you had sex with in the 10 days before symptoms appeared . This way, they can also be tested and treated if necessary, to prevent further spread of the disease.
Finally, take-home message
Okay, so, I hope you have gained a better understanding of `(Chancroid)` from what we have discussed.
- Chancroid is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria.
- The main symptom is painful, tender sores in the genital area .
- This can be completely cured with antibiotics .
- If left untreated , the risk of HIV increases and other serious complications can occur.
- If you notice any unusual sores or pain in the genital area, don't be shy and see a doctor immediately .
- Safe sex practices and regular STI testing can protect against these types of diseases.
- If you develop chancroid, inform your sexual partners and have them tested as well .
Sexual health is an important part of our overall health. Therefore, being aware of these things and acting responsibly will benefit you and your loved ones.
` Chancroid, sexually transmitted diseases, STI, Haemophilus ducreyi, genital ulcers, safe sex, Soft Chancre
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