Chancroid: Another One of the Many Sexually Transmitted Diseases Oral Sex

Sexually transmitted diseases oral sex have become more and more rampant in recent years. This can be attributed greatly to the variation in sexual behavior among individuals. In simpler terms, the times have changed in such a way that people are now more sexually active than they were fifty or so years ago. And with this change, it brings with it the increase in sexually transmitted diseases. One such disease, which can also be transferred through oral sex, is what’s known as the Chancroid infection.

What is Chancroid?

Also known as Ulcus molle or Soft chancre, Chancroid is an STD that manifests itself through sores that develop on the genitalia. Although it is more commonly transmitted through sexual intercourse (both vaginal and anal), it is also possible to contract this particular STD via oral sex.

Chancroid disease is a kind of viral infection that is caused primarily by a substance known as Haemophilus ducreyi. It is more rampant in underdeveloped countries wherein prostitution is widespread. It is less of an occurrence in Western countries, but the risk of contracting this disease is amplified for men that are uncircumcised.

Symptoms

Within a week of incubation, the chancroid infection develops into a small bump which in turn becomes an ulcer. Some characteristics of this ulcer include:

• It is quite painful.
• Sizes vary – anywhere between 3 and 50 mm across.
• It usually has ragged or irregular borders.
• The borders are also sharply defined.
• The base is covered by a yellowish-gray or gray material.
• The base may also bleed if it is scraped or traumatized.

For most men, only one ulcer develops. On the other hand, women usually develop four (or sometimes even more) ulcers which manifest fewer symptoms. These ulcers usually develop in specific locations in the body which may include the labia minoria and fourchette for women, and the glans penis (for uncircumcised) and the coronal sulcus for men. Chancroid is definitely one of the many sexually transmitted diseases oral sex that one would rather live without.   GP