Topic: Chancroid
Description
Chancroid is a sexually transmissible infection (STI). It is caused by a bacterium (Haemophilus ducreyi) which causes ulcers of the genitals.
You get chancroid by sexual contact with a person who has ulcers or sores due to this disease.
Chancroid is rare in Australia. In some tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world, chancroid is the most common cause of genital ulcers. It is common in south-east Asia, India and parts of Africa. In Australia, it occurs only in people who have travelled or lived in these areas and have become infected there.
Symptoms
After infection, an ulcer develops. In men, this most commonly occurs near the tip of the penis. In women, it most commonly occurs at the entrance of the vagina. The ulcer tends to be irregular in shape and often has raw red edges which bleed easily. Ulcers are often painful, especially in men.
There may be more than one ulcer. Sometimes there are several ulcers which join together as they grow. The lymph nodes in the groin may become large and painful.
Treatment
Scrapings from the ulcer can be tested for chancroid. There are other causes of genital ulcers and swollen lymph glands, so other tests would be done at the same time.
Chancroid is treated with antibiotics. To ensure the infection has been cured:
- it is important to take all the tablets
- do not have sex until you have finished treatment and you have returned to your doctor or clinic for a follow-up appointment.
If you find out that you do have chancroid, anyone you have had sex with in the past few months will need to also have a sexual health check. This is to make sure that they are clear of the infection and to prevent you being re-infected. If you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about telling your partner the doctor and nurse will assist by contacting your partner or partners. Your name is not mentioned to ensure it is a confidential process. Remember, it is very important for your partner’s health and the health of other people they have sex with.
Health Outcome
If not treated, the infection persists and gets worse. It can cause destruction of the skin. Men have been known to lose part of the end of the penis.
Infections that cause ulcers and sores around the genitals increase the risk of the spread of HIV.
Prevention
- You should not have sex with someone who has a visible genital ulcer or sore. Genital ulcers or sores could be due to some other STI such as herpes, genital warts, syphilis, molluscum or scabies. If your sexual partner or intended sexual partner has a genital sore or ulcer, advise that person to have a sexual health check.
- If you are planning to visit or live in a developing country, find out about diseases that occur there and how they are best avoided.
- Practise safe sex. Always using condoms when you have vaginal or anal sex is the best way to avoid getting an STI. Using water-based lubricant with condoms is recommended.
- If you or your partner have more than one sexual partner and do not use condoms, have regular sexual health checkups.
Help and Assistance
For more information on chancroid, you can talk to:
- your local doctor
- your local sexual health clinic
- Your local family planning clinic.
Other Resources
Queensland Health Sexual Health website
Related Content
Last Updated: 25th July, 2008
Date Valid to: 31st December, 2008
