Chancroid

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which is spread very easily. It is characterized by ulcers and sores on your private parts which can be very painful. This infection can be cured, but must be treated as soon as you find out you have it. If you do not get treatment for chancroid quickly, your chance of getting HIV increases.

How do I get chancroid?

You can get chancroid through sexual activity. When your skin touches someone else's skin that has an open sore, you can get this disease. You can also get chancroid without sexual activity, by contacting infected fluid from others' ulcers.

What does chancroid do to my body?

If you have chancroid, you will start to notice changes in your body between 3-10 days from when you were exposed to the infection. Some of the signs of chancroid are:

• One or more genital ulcers
• Pain around your groin area
• Ulcers that begin as tender bumps and become open sores filled with fluid
• Ulcers that are soft when you touch them

For males, the ulcer can be very painful.
With females, the sore is usually not painful, and might be harder to notice.

Is there a cure for chancroid?

Yes! Luckily, if you treat it early, chancroid can be cured. When caught early, this disease can be treated with antibiotics. If successful signs of the disease go away and you will not spread the infection further. It is important to take all of the medicine that the doctor gives you from start to finish and follow all of his/her instructions.

How do I find out if I have chancroid?

If you have had sexual or asexual contact with open sores or ulcers or are worried about chancroid for any other reason, you should visit a physician's office or clinic to get tested immediately.

How can I reduce my risk of getting chancroid?

There are many ways to reduce your risk. The best way to avoid chancroid or any STI is to not have sex. But if you choose to have sex, you can reduce your risk of getting an STI. Learn how here.