Granuloma Inguinale

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of granuloma inguinale usually occur one to 12 weeks after infection.

Symptoms include a painless growth in and around the genital area. This growth slowly develops into shallow ulcers with a clear border. It does not impact nearby lymph nodes. These sores have a beefy red appearance and bleed easily. Without treatment the infection can spread to involve the lower abdomen and thighs.

Infection outside of the genital area can also occur. The pelvis, abdominal organs, bones, and mouth can be impacted as a result. As the disease spreads, it destroys tissue.

How it Spreads

Granuloma inguinale is spread through sexual contact with a person with the infection.

People at Higher Risk

Sex without condoms increases the risk of getting granuloma inguinale. Talk to your partner about their sexual health.

Granuloma inguinale is seen more in tropical and low- or middle-income areas of the world. This includes India, the Caribbean, central Australia, southern Africa and Papua New Guinea. People who have recently engaged in sexual activity while traveling to these areas may be at higher risk of infection. 

How to Prevent Granuloma inguinale

Ways to lower your chances of getting granuloma inguinale include:

• Using condoms during sexual contact

• Avoiding sexual contact with someone with an open sore on their genitals or groin

• Limiting your number of sexual partners

• Getting tested for STIs with your partner(s)

The most certain way to prevent getting granuloma inguinale is to not to engage in vaginal, anal or oral sex. 

Treatment and Recovery

Long-term treatment with antibiotics is usually required to cure granuloma inguinale. It is important to see a health care provider to get treatment.  If you don’t get proper treatment, other health problems can develop.

Avoid sexual contact until after you’ve talked to a health care professional. You should not have sex with your partner until you have completed your treatment. It is also important to wait until your sores are completely healed.

Granuloma inguinale can return after six to 18 months after treatment. Please continue to work with your provider to monitor for re-infection.