Genital Ulcer Disease

Abstract

There are five major sexually transmitted diseases producing genital ulcerations. Their prevalence varies among geographic regions. Whereas genital herpes is the most frequent cause of genital ulcer in western Europe and North America, the most common cause of genital ulcer disease in developing countries appears to be chancroid. Owing to frequently atypical presentation and mixed infections, an accurate clinical diagnosis is very difficult. Successful management of genital ulcer disease depends on accurate diagnosis corroborated by performance of appropriate laboratory tests when possible.