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Warning-sign checks

Genital sores - male: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Go to emergency care if you cannot pass urine, have sudden severe testicle pain, or become faint, confused, or seriously unwell.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical care if you have:

    • Fever or feel significantly unwell
    • Rapidly spreading redness, warmth, swelling, or worsening pain
    • Pus, a bad smell, or darkening skin
    • A foreskin that is severely swollen or stuck behind the penis head
    • Increasing difficulty passing urine
    • Severe pain or sores affecting a large area
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book an appointment with a doctor or sexual health clinic if you have any unexplained genital sore.

    Try to be seen while the sore is still present because some tests work best on a fresh blister or ulcer.

    Arrange routine follow-up if a sore has not healed within two to three weeks, keeps returning, bleeds, or forms a growing lump.

    You should also be assessed after possible STI exposure, even if the sore is painless or begins to heal.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Genital sores - male. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.