Genital lesions in women: Root causes and identification methods
Female genital sores can be a source of concern, but understanding their causes can help alleviate worries. These sores can result from a variety of sources, both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and non-STI causes.
### STI Causes of Female Genital Sores
One common STI causing genital sores is **genital herpes**. Transmitted through herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2), this condition leads to painful blisters or open sores around the vulva, vagina, cervix, and anus. HSV-2 is the primary culprit, spread mainly through genital sexual contact, but HSV-1 (commonly oral herpes) can also cause genital infections through oral-genital contact.
Another STI to watch out for is **syphilis**. This bacterial STI causes painless sores known as chancres primarily at the infection site, including the female genital area. Syphilis sores are highly infectious.
**Genital warts**, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), are another STI that can result in genital sores. These present as raised lumps or warty growths around the vulva and genital area, though they are not typically ulcerative sores.
Other STIs like **chlamydia**, **gonorrhea**, and **trichomoniasis** generally cause discharge, pain, and irritation but do not commonly cause visible genital sores. However, secondary bacterial infections in these infections may rarely cause ulcers or sores.
### Non-STI Causes of Female Genital Sores
Non-STI causes of female genital sores include skin injury or trauma during sexual activity, contact dermatitis due to allergic or irritant reactions to products, folliculitis and ingrown hairs due to shaving or waxing, fungal infections like thrush, and bacterial vaginosis. Less commonly, conditions such as lichen sclerosus, psoriasis, or autoimmune diseases can cause genital ulcers or erosions.
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of genital sores.
### Prevention and Treatment
Using barrier methods, such as condoms, during sexual activity is the only way to prevent STIs. Most causes of genital sores are treatable using medications, with a short course of antibiotics usually clearing up bacterial infections. However, conditions like **granuloma inguinale** ulcers may last for a long time without treatment, and may return later even after treatment. **Molluscum contagiosum** lesions can develop into larger sores that become itchy or tender, and may last from 2 weeks to 4 years.
For those who have experienced or suspect sexual assault, support is available. The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline can be reached at 800.656.HOPE (4673).
In conclusion, identifying the cause of female genital sores is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Whether the cause is an STI or a non-STI condition, prompt medical attention can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
- Genital herpes, transmitted by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2), can cause painful blisters or open sores around the female genital areas.
- Syphilis, a bacterial STI, causes painless sores known as chancres in the female genital area.
- Genital warts, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), present as raised lumps or warty growths around the vulva and genital area.
- Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, while more likely to cause discharge, pain, and irritation, can rarely cause ulcers or sores due to secondary bacterial infections.
- Skin injury or trauma, contact dermatitis, folliculitis, ingrown hairs, fungal infections, and bacterial vaginosis are non-STI causes of female genital sores.
- Less commonly, conditions such as lichen sclerosus, psoriasis, or autoimmune diseases can cause genital ulcers or erosions.
- A healthcare professional should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of genital sores.
- Using barrier methods like condoms during sexual activity is the only way to prevent STIs that cause genital sores.
- For those who have experienced or suspect sexual assault, support is available through the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673).
