After sex, I found a painless sore. Should I be worried?

Question

Hello doctor,

I developed an open sore on my genitals after intercourse. It is painless unless I press it deeply. The sore looks similar to syphilis images I found online, but my local doctor said it is not syphilis. I would like to know:

What tests can confirm syphilis or rule it out?
What other conditions might cause such sores?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

It is completely natural to feel uneasy when you notice something unusual, especially after intercourse.

A painless sore like the one you described can sometimes look like early-stage syphilis. You have already taken the right steps by getting HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) and VDRL (Venereal disease research laboratory) tests and seeing a doctor. Just keep in mind that very early syphilis can occasionally give a false negative result, so if the sore does not heal or starts changing in the next few days, it is worth repeating the VDRL or doing a TPHA (Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay) test to be sure.

Since you have had a similar bump before that needed removal, other causes could be:

A friction-related ulcer.
A ruptured cyst.
Less likely, herpes (usually painful).

For now:

Try not to touch or press the sore.
Keep the area clean and dry.
Avoid sexual activity until it heals.
Repeat testing in two to three weeks if you are still unsure.
See a dermatologist if it does not go away.

You are doing the right thing by checking again and not ignoring it. Take care of yourself.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.