hi, my question is regarding genital herpes

Hi Anon,

The most common STDs to cause ulcers include genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid. I would ask your doctor about all of these to determine what one is the actual cause. 

Visiting a doctor is necessary for treatment and to determine what the STD is.

Best,
Erin 

Hi Anon,

Thank you for reaching out with your question to the EmpowHER community! Yes, blood tests are very accurate in testing for genital herpes. Your doctor can also take a sample from what appears to be the herpes sore and send that to the lab for testing.

Usually, STDs only occur after having unprotected sex with another person who is infected with that STD. However, some STDs, live HPV, can be passed along even if using protection like a condom because there is still skin to skin contact. 

Did your boyfriend get tested for any other STDs? There are other tests that can also be taken for STDs including urine samples, taking samples of the actual ulcer to be tested, a swab of the genitals, and a swab of the actual sore/ulcer.

Sometimes ulcers can appear for STDs besides genital warts. I would talk to your doctor about these other testing options to see what the ulcer truly is and to make sure your boyfriend can get the best treatment option needed.

It would also be a good idea to get yourself tested too, especially if you are having unprotected sex. It's always best to get tested, and if something is caught early, it is much easier to treat.

I hope this has helped! Please keep me updated and let me know if you have further questions.

Best,
Erin