There are more than 30 different kinds of sexually transmitted infections that are spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some can be spread by touching or kissing. One out of four Americans will contract a sexually transmitted infection during his or her lifetime. About 12 million new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. In many cases, there are no symptoms until serious and permanent damage has occurred.
Some sexually transmitted infections can be passed from a woman to her developing fetus during pregnancy or during childbirth. Some can result in the death of the fetus in the womb. Others can cause serious birth defects, developmental disabilities, and other health problems for newborn infants—problems that can last a lifetime or even cause death. All pregnant women, and women who want to become pregnant, should consider being tested for sexually transmitted infections.
Chancroid (SHANG-kroid) is an especially dangerous sexually transmitted bacterium because the sores it causes increase the chances of getting HIV. Once very common, reported cases of chancroid have fallen to fewer than 1,500 per year in the United States. This may be due to increased condom use among American men.
Common Symptoms
• First, a small boil or ulcer appears, usually on the genitals. But it doesn’t heal like a common pimple.
• Later, the ulcer becomes an open sore. There may be pus and pain.
• Many people also develop swollen lymph glands in the groin— buboes.
• Women may have no sores, but they may have painful urination or bowel movements, painful intercourse, rectal bleeding, or vaginal discharge.
Untreated, chancroid can infect and swell glands located in the groin. (These swollen sores are called buboes.) Men are more commonly infected than women. Symptoms usually appear within a week of infection.
How Chancroid Is Spread: Vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse.
Diagnosis: Chancroid sores can be confused with herpes, syphilis, and other conditions. Microscopic examination of the discharge from the sore may be necessary
Treatment: Both partners can be treated successfully with oral antibiotics.
Protection: Condoms offer very good protection.
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