4 Ways to Notice Chancroids

1. Be Aware of Any Unusual Bumps

Bumps on the genital region are a sure sign of chancroids. In men, these bumps may appear anywhere on the penis or in the area between the penis and anus. In women, the bumps usually appear in the vagina, though they may also be seen on the labia and may even pop up on the cervix. Both men and women may get chancroid bumps on the anus, but this is not common.

2. Examine the Bumps

Bumps caused by chancroids are usually soft to the touch. They won't feel like hard marbles, as other bumps do. If you feel hard bumps, you may have cysts or some other problem. If they've been there for a while, the bumps may form into pus-filled pouches. If that happens, there's a danger of the bumps breaking open and spilling the pus. This is very painful and causes open sores to form on your genitals. It can also make you more susceptible to other kinds of infections, as the sores give bacteria another route into your body.

3. Feel Your Lymph Nodes

If you've got chancroids, your lymph nodes may swell up in your pubic region. You'll know it's a swollen lymph node if it's hard to the touch (unlike the chancroid bumps). You may feel one hard, swollen lymph node, or several. Left untreated with antibiotics, the lymph nodes may rupture, which will lead to more open sores on your body that can invite infections.

4. See a Doctor

Women may have a harder time noticing chancroid bumps than men, since the bumps often appear internally. If you've had sex with anyone who has a sexually transmitted disease (or even if you suspect he might), go see your doctor for a pelvic examination. If you've got internal chancroid bumps, your doctor will find them.