What does it look or feel like?
People may describe genital sores in different ways. The appearance can provide clues, but it cannot confirm the cause.
Red or irritated area
A red, sore or irritated patch may happen because of friction, rubbing, shaving or skin irritation.
Blisters or painful sores
Small blisters that break and become painful sores can happen with genital herpes.
Open or painless ulcer
Some genital ulcers may be painful, while others may be painless and easy to overlook.
Cracked or broken skin
Small tears or cracks can happen after friction, not enough lubrication or irritation.
Several sores
Several sores or blisters together should be assessed, especially if they are painful or keep returning.
Raised bumps or warts
Small raised bumps may be genital warts, skin tags or another type of skin change.
What could be causing the sore?
A genital sore is not always caused by an STI. There are several possible explanations.
Friction or irritation
Sex, rubbing, shaving, inadequate lubrication or irritating products can damage the skin.
Genital herpes
Herpes can cause small blisters that break open and form painful sores.
Syphilis
Syphilis can cause a genital ulcer that may be painless and easy to miss.
Other skin conditions
Allergic reactions, shaving injuries, eczema and other skin conditions can also cause irritation.
Other infections
Other infections can sometimes cause ulcers, sores or irritation around the genitals.
Not every sore is an STI
A genital sore should not automatically be assumed to have come from a sexual partner.
Did the sore appear after sex?
When the sore appeared can sometimes provide useful clues, although timing alone cannot diagnose the cause.
Immediately or the same day
A sore that appears immediately after sex is more likely to be related to friction, vigorous sex, irritation or a small skin tear.
A few days later
A sore that develops days after sexual contact can occur with infections such as genital herpes or other skin infections.
Weeks later
Some infections, including syphilis, can cause a sore weeks after sexual exposure.
Important
Timing is only a clue. Some people with STIs have no symptoms, while others develop symptoms at different times. The timing of a sore cannot confirm whether it is an STI.
What about genital warts?
Genital warts are not the same as an open sore, but people often describe both as a "bump" or "sore" on the private part.
What do they look like?
They may look like small, flesh-coloured or raised bumps around the penis, vulva, vagina or anus.
What causes them?
Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV and can be passed through sexual contact.
Should I get a bump checked?
Yes. Not every bump is a genital wart. A clinician can assess unusual growths and discuss treatment options.
When should you get checked?
A new or unexplained genital sore deserves attention, especially if it does not settle quickly.
Consider STI testing if...
✓ You recently had unprotected sex
✓ You have a new sexual partner
✓ Your partner has an STI
✓ You have several sores or blisters
✓ You also have discharge or burning when urinating
Get medical advice if...
✓ The sore does not improve
✓ It keeps coming back
✓ You notice new blisters or ulcers
✓ You have unusual bumps or warts
✓ You are not sure what the sore is
Seek urgent care if...
✓ You have severe pain
✓ You cannot pass urine normally
✓ There is significant swelling
✓ You have fever or feel very unwell
✓ The sores are spreading quickly
How SRHN can help
You do not have to figure out the cause on your own.
Discuss it privately
Tell us what the sore or bump looks like, where it is and when you first noticed it.
Get testing guidance
Find out whether STI testing may be appropriate for your situation.
Review your results
Already had an STI test? Get help understanding the result and what to do next.
Get treatment support
Get guidance on treatment, partner care and follow-up when needed.
What should you do now?
Don't try to guess the cause from the appearance alone.
Avoid self-medicating
Do not start antibiotics, creams or other medicines simply because you think the sore is an STI. Different causes need different treatment, and the wrong treatment may delay the right diagnosis.
Common questions about genital sores and warts
Quick answers to common questions.
Does a sore on the private part always mean an STI?
No. Genital sores can happen because of friction, skin irritation, shaving or other skin conditions. Some STIs can also cause sores, so it is important not to assume the cause.
What causes sores on the private part?
Possible causes include friction or irritation, genital herpes, syphilis and other skin or genital conditions. A clinician may need to assess the sore to determine the likely cause.
Can the timing after sex give a clue?
Yes, sometimes. A sore that appears immediately after sex may be related to friction or irritation. Sores that appear days later can occur with infections such as herpes, while some infections such as syphilis can cause sores weeks after exposure. Timing alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.
What if the sore does not hurt?
A painless sore should not automatically be ignored. Some sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, can cause painless genital sores.
Are genital warts the same as genital sores?
No. Genital warts are usually raised, flesh-coloured or skin-coloured bumps caused by certain types of HPV. A sore is more often a break in the skin, ulcer or blister.
Can genital herpes cause sores?
Yes. Genital herpes can cause small blisters that break open and become painful sores. Some people have mild symptoms or do not notice symptoms at all.
Can syphilis cause a sore?
Yes. Syphilis can cause a genital ulcer, often called a chancre. It may be painless and can disappear even though the infection remains.
Should I get tested if I have a genital sore?
Testing may be recommended if the sore is new, followed unprotected sex, your partner has an STI, you have other symptoms or the sore does not improve.
Can I treat a genital sore myself?
It is better not to self-medicate. The right treatment depends on the cause, and a clinician may need to assess the sore before recommending treatment.
When should I seek urgent care?
Seek urgent medical care if you have severe pain, difficulty passing urine, significant swelling, fever, rapidly spreading sores or heavy bleeding.