Genital Sores - Male

What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

• Type of lesion
  • Open areas (ulcer)
  • Blisters
  • Pustule
  • Papule
  • Nodule
• Other descriptors
  • Is the lesion painful?
  • Does it itch?
  • What color is the lesion?
  • 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
  • Single versus multiple lesions
• Location
  • Exactly where on the genitals is the lesion located?
  • Are there other lesions elsewhere on the body?
• Other
  • Is there drainage from the penis?
  • Is there painful urination?
  • What are your sexual habits?
  • Is there painful sexual intercourse?
  • Any fevers, chills or enlarged lymph nodes?

The physical examination will include detailed examination of the genitals and pelvis, skin, lymph nodes, mouth, and throat.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

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