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CHANCROID
| What
is it? |
| Chancroid
is a bacterial infection transmitted by unprotected oral, vaginal,
or anal sexual contact. It can also be transmitted by direct
skin contact with infected sores. It is common in tropical countries,
but rare elsewhere. |
| Prevention |
- The
best way to guard against Chancroid infection is to use
a condom with
all types of sexual contact.
- Limiting
the number of sexual partners you have will decrease Chancroid
risk.
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| Symptoms |
- Symptoms
usually appear four to seven days after exposure. Some people
experience no symptoms at all.
- Women:
Painful bumps appear near or inside the vagina or rectum,
which rupture and emit a foul-smelling discharge. Women
may also experience painful urination or bowel movements.
- Men:
Painful bumps that open and create a bad-smelling puss may
be found on the penis, rectum, or genital area. Men may
also experience pain or swelling in the groin area.
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| Treatment |
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If
you experience any of the above symptoms, or suspect that
you may be infected with Chancroid or any other STD, call
student health at (215) 662-2853 for an immediate appointment.
A simple medical examination can determine if you have Chancroid.
The treatment is a round of antibiotics.
Partners
must be treated at the same time to prevent re-infection.
Open sores can make a person even more susceptible to infection
with other STDs that are transmitted through the bloodstream,
so sexual activity should cease until treatment has been completed.
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“Chancroid,”
Sexinfo Website, University of California at Santa Barbara.
June, 2003.
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