A sore, blister, ulcer or unusual bump on the penis, vagina, vulva or around the genitals can be worrying. It may be caused by friction or irritation, but some sexually transmitted infections can also cause these changes. Find out what may be causing it, when to get tested and when treatment may be needed.
People may describe genital sores in different ways. The appearance can provide clues, but it cannot confirm the cause.
A red, sore or irritated patch may happen because of friction, rubbing, shaving or skin irritation.
Small blisters that break and become painful sores can happen with genital herpes.
Some genital ulcers may be painful, while others may be painless and easy to overlook.
Small tears or cracks can happen after friction, not enough lubrication or irritation.
Several sores or blisters together should be assessed, especially if they are painful or keep returning.
Small raised bumps may be genital warts, skin tags or another type of skin change.
A genital sore is not always caused by an STI. There are several possible explanations.
Sex, rubbing, shaving, inadequate lubrication or irritating products can damage the skin.
Herpes can cause small blisters that break open and form painful sores.
Syphilis can cause a genital ulcer that may be painless and easy to miss.
Allergic reactions, shaving injuries, eczema and other skin conditions can also cause irritation.
Other infections can sometimes cause ulcers, sores or irritation around the genitals.
A genital sore should not automatically be assumed to have come from a sexual partner.
When the sore appeared can sometimes provide useful clues, although timing alone cannot diagnose the cause.
A sore that appears immediately after sex is more likely to be related to friction, vigorous sex, irritation or a small skin tear.
A sore that develops days after sexual contact can occur with infections such as genital herpes or other skin infections.
Some infections, including syphilis, can cause a sore weeks after sexual exposure.
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.
Genital warts are not the same as an open sore, but people often describe both as a "bump" or "sore" on the private part.
They may look like small, flesh-coloured or raised bumps around the penis, vulva, vagina or anus.
Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV and can be passed through sexual contact.
Yes. Not every bump is a genital wart. A clinician can assess unusual growths and discuss treatment options.
A new or unexplained genital sore deserves attention, especially if it does not settle quickly.
✓ 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
✓ 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
✓ 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
You do not have to figure out the cause on your own.
Tell us what the sore or bump looks like, where it is and when you first noticed it.
Find out whether STI testing may be appropriate for your situation.
Already had an STI test? Get help understanding the result and what to do next.
Get guidance on treatment, partner care and follow-up when needed.
Don't try to guess the cause from the appearance alone.
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.
Quick answers to common questions.
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.
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.
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.
A painless sore should not automatically be ignored. Some sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, can cause painless 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.
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.
Yes. Syphilis can cause a genital ulcer, often called a chancre. It may be painless and can disappear even though the infection remains.
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.
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.
Seek urgent medical care if you have severe pain, difficulty passing urine, significant swelling, fever, rapidly spreading sores or heavy bleeding.
You don't need to figure it out alone. Talk privately with a clinician and get guidance on what to do next.
SRHN is developed by Vaedoc, a Nigerian digital health company building accessible healthcare services for Nigerians. We provide confidential support for sexual and reproductive health concerns, including STI symptoms, testing, treatment, contraception and sexual wellbeing.