Chancroid (SHANG-kroid) is a type of bacteria that is transmitted through sexual contact. It causes sores on the genitals.

Street Name: Soft sore, Soft ulcer, soft chancre

Symptoms:  An ulcer (large blister) that is painful, soft, has sharply defined borders, has a base that is covered with a grey or yellowish-grey material, and bleeds easily if banged or scraped.

Treatment/ Relief: The infection is treated with antibiotics, including azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin. Large lymph node swellings need to be drained, either with a needle or local surgery.

How you get it: Chancroid is a bacterial infection that is spread through sexual contact. It is not that common.

What should you know:

Chancroid can get better on its own. However, some people may have months of painful ulcers and draining.

How does this impact pregnancy:

No adverse effects of chancroid on pregnancy outcome have been reported.