Chancroid

What is Chancroid (and Should You Worry About It)?

Chancroid might sound like the name of a sci-fi villain, but it’s actually a sexually transmitted infection (STI). 

It’s caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi (don’t worry, we can’t pronounce it either) and primarily affects the genital area. 

This STI is spread through sexual contact with someone already infected.

Before you panic, know this—chancroid is  incredibly rare in the United States. How rare? 

Only three cases were reported in 2021.

Where in the World is Chancroid More Common?

While chancroid has basically ghosted the U.S., it’s a little more common in regions like Africa and the Caribbean. If you’re traveling, it’s good to stay informed and safe. Better safe than sorry, right?

What Are the Symptoms of Chancroid? 

Here’s what to look out for if you think you’ve crossed paths with chancroid (or visited areas where it’s more common): 

Painful genital ulcers Think soft, painful sores or ulcers that might have a grayish or yellowish base. Fun fact—they’re highly infectious… so not so fun after all. 

Swollen lymph nodes The lymph nodes in your groin might become swollen, tender, and can even turn into abscesses. Symptoms typically show up 4–10 days after exposure. If something feels off, don’t wait—get it checked.

How Is Chancroid Diagnosed?

Detecting chancroid isn’t a guessing game (thankfully). Here’s how doctors figure it out:

Physical Exam A healthcare provider will examine any suspicious sores or swollen lymph nodes. 

Lab Tests A sample taken from one of those sores can confirm the presence of Haemophilus ducreyi. Yes, labs sound intimidating, but it’s better than living with untreated chancroid.

Why is Chancroid Rare in the U.S.?

A few things are working in our favor here in the States:

Improved STD prevention strategies

Better access to healthcare

Safer sexual practices 

Oh, and because it’s so rare, chancroid isn’t even included in routine STI screenings here. (Still, it doesn’t hurt to be vigilant!)

Why Should You Care About Chancroid?

Even though chancroid is rare in the U.S., it’s important to be informed, especially if you’re traveling to regions where it’s more common. 

Knowing the symptoms and taking precautions can reduce the risk of contracting it (or any STI, for that matter).

If Chancroid is so rare, why is Shameless Care talking about it?

Because we know our customers are incredibly savvy—the kind of people who genuinely enjoy learning about sexual health and everything it entails. 

Recently, I signed up for a telemedicine company’s email list and was hit with 18 emails in just seven days. Every single one was aggressively asking for money. That’s not who we are. Our goal is to be a trusted resource for all things sexual health. 

Wishing you a fantastic (and sexy) weekend!

P.S. Want to learn about HPV? Want to know why Shameless Care doesn’t include HPV in our list of tests? Watch the video below.