Definition

A male genital sore is any sore or lesion that appears on the penis, scrotum, or male urethra.

Alternative Names

Sores - male genitals; Ulcers - male genitals

Causes

A common cause of male genital sores are infections that are spread through sexual contact, such as:

• Genital herpes -- small, painful blisters filled with clear or straw-colored fluid
• Genital warts -- flesh-colored spots that are raised or flat, and may look like the top of a cauliflower
• Chancroid -- a small bump in the genitals, which becomes an ulcer within a day of its appearance
• Syphilis -- small, painless open sore or ulcer [called a chancre] on the genitals
• Granuloma inguinale -- small, beefy-red bumps appear on the genitals or around the anus
• Lymphogranuloma venereum -- small painless sore on the male genitals

Other types of male genital sores may be caused by rashes such as psoriasis, molluscum contagiosum, allergic reactions, and non-sexually transmitted infections.

For some of these problems, a sore may also be found at other places on the body, such as in the mouth and throat.

Home Care

If you notice a genital sore:

• See a health care provider right away. Do not try to treat yourself because self-care can make it harder for the provider to find the cause of the problem.
• Abstain from all sexual contact until you've been examined by your provider.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

• You have any unexplained genital sores
• New sores appear in other parts of your body

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam. The exam will include the genitals, pelvis, skin, lymph nodes, mouth, and throat.

Your provider will ask questions such as:

• What does the sore look like and where is it located?
• Does the sore itch or hurt?
• When did you first notice the sore? Have you ever had similar sores in the past?
• What are your sexual habits?
• Do you have any other symptoms such as drainage from the penis, painful urination, or signs of infection?
• Do you have pain during intercourse?
• Has a partner tested positive for an STD or noted similar sores?

The following tests may be done:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Blood differential
• Skin or mucosal biopsy
• Urethral culture

Treatment will depend on the cause. Your provider may ask you to avoid sexual activity or use a condom for a while.

References

Augenbraun MH. Anogenital skin and mucous membrane lesions. In: Blaser MJ, Cohen JI, Holland SM, et al, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 108.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm. Updated June 13, 2023. Accessed August 25, 2025.

Cole A, Madan RK. Cutaneous diseases of the external genitalia. In: Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, et al, eds. Campbell-Walsh Wein Urology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 30.

Seña AC, Swygard H, Cohen MS. Approach to the patient with a sexually transmitted infection. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 264.