Treating Genital Ulcers: What Are Your Options?
Treating Genital Ulcers: What Are Your Options?
Why It Matters
Treating genital ulcers promptly can prevent complications and stop the spread of infections. Here's what you need to know.
Contents
- Common Treatments
- When to Start Treatment
- Follow-Up Care
Common Treatments
Treatment depends on the cause of the ulcers. For herpes, antiviral medications like acyclovir are used to reduce symptoms. Syphilis is treated with penicillin, while chancroid and LGV have their own specific antibiotics. Prompt treatment helps reduce symptoms and transmission risk.
When to Start Treatment
Often, doctors start treatment before test results come back, especially if you have a known exposure or high risk factors. This empirical treatment approach helps manage symptoms early and reduces the chance of spreading the infection.
Follow-Up Care
After starting treatment, follow-up is crucial to ensure the ulcers heal and no new symptoms arise. If symptoms persist, additional testing or treatment adjustments may be necessary.
FAQs
What treatments are available for genital ulcers?
Treatments include antivirals for herpes and antibiotics for syphilis and chancroid.
When should treatment start?
Treatment often starts before test results, especially if you have high-risk factors.
Is follow-up necessary?
Yes, follow-up ensures healing and addresses any new symptoms.
Key Takeaways
Early treatment and follow-up care are essential for managing genital ulcers effectively.
Additional References
- Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021.
- O'Farrell N. Donovanosis. Sex Transm Infect 2002; 78:452.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.