Genital Sores - Female

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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask medical questions to identify:

• type of lesion
  • pustule
  • papule
  • nodule
  • open areas (ulcer)
  • pinpoint red or purple spots (petechiae)
  • larger red or purple splotch (purpura)
  • bruise (ecchymosis)
  • hives or blisters
  • other (be specific)
• other descriptors
  • What color is the lesion?
  • How big is it?
  • Is it painful?
  • Does it itch?
  • Is it scaly?
  • Does the border look distinct (sharp) or blurry?
• time pattern
  • When did you first notice the lesion?
  • How long have you had it?
  • Have you ever had a similar lesion in the past?
• distribution
  • Does the size of the lesion spread?
  • Is there an increasing number of lesions?
  • Is there one lesion or multiple lesions?
• location
  • Exactly where on the genitals is the lesion located?
• other
  • What are the amount and type of sexual activity and sexual habits?
  • What are the hygiene habits?
  • Is there painful urination?
  • Is there painful sexual intercourse?
  • Is there abnormal vaginal drainage?

The physical examination will probably include a pelvic examination.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood tests such as CBC or blood differential
• culture and biopsy (see skin or mucosal biopsy culture) of the lesion(s)

TREATMENT

Treatment may include medications that are applied to the skin or that are taken internally. The type of medication varies depending on the cause, but may include corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, or drugs to control itching.

AFTER SEEING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

If you have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, you are urged to undergo further testing for all other sexually transmitted diseases and to notify your sexual partner(s) to undergo testing and treatment.