Mouth ulcers, small, painful sores inside the mouth, can stem from various causes, including minor injuries or nutritional deficiencies. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause these oral lesions. Understanding the specific STIs linked to oral ulcers helps clarify potential causes and guides appropriate action.
STIs Directly Causing Oral Ulcers
Herpes simplex virus (HSV), specifically HSV-1 and HSV-2, commonly causes oral herpes, known as cold sores or fever blisters. These infections typically present as painful blisters on or around the lips, or inside the mouth on the gums, tongue, or roof of the mouth. Blisters often progress to open ulcers before crusting and healing. Oral sex can transmit HSV-1 to the genitals and HSV-2 to the mouth, leading to similar lesion development.
Syphilis, a bacterial infection, can cause a distinct mouth ulcer during its primary stage. This ulcer, called a chancre, is typically a firm, round, painless sore appearing on the lips, tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks. Chancres usually heal within three to six weeks, even without treatment, but the infection persists and can progress to later stages if untreated. In its secondary stage, syphilis can also lead to highly contagious, greyish-white, raised mucous patches in the mouth.
Other STIs and Oral Manifestations
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) does not directly cause mouth ulcers, but it significantly weakens the immune system. This makes individuals more susceptible to various oral conditions that can result in ulcers. Opportunistic infections, common when the immune system is compromised, include oral candidiasis (thrush), a fungal infection that can manifest as painful white patches and lead to ulceration if scraped.
Individuals with HIV may also experience more frequent, larger, or persistent aphthous ulcers (canker sores), which occur due to immune system changes. Hairy leukoplakia, characterized by white, hair-like lesions on the tongue, is another oral manifestation linked to HIV, though it does not typically cause ulcers. These issues highlight how HIV can indirectly contribute to ulcer formation by creating an environment where other pathogens or conditions can thrive.
Seeking Diagnosis and Care
Seek medical attention for persistent, painful, or unusual mouth sores, especially after unprotected sexual activity or if accompanied by symptoms like fever or swollen glands. A healthcare provider can accurately assess the lesions and determine their cause. Early consultation ensures proper diagnosis and prevents complications.
Diagnosis for STIs causing mouth ulcers often begins with a visual examination. For suspected HSV, a swab test collects fluid from a blister for laboratory analysis. Syphilis and HIV are typically diagnosed through blood tests that detect antibodies or antigens related to the infections. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important for managing symptoms, preventing infection progression, and reducing transmission risk. While specific treatments vary by STI, prompt medical intervention can alleviate discomfort and improve long-term health outcomes.
Preventing Oral STI Transmission
Practicing safer sex is primary in preventing the transmission of STIs that can cause oral ulcers. Using barrier methods, such as condoms for penile-oral contact and dental dams for vulval-oral or anal-oral contact, significantly reduces transmission risk. Consistent and correct use of these barriers helps protect against the exchange of bodily fluids and direct contact with infectious sores.
Open communication with sexual partners about STI status and sexual health history is also a protective measure. Discussing these topics before sexual activity allows partners to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions. This transparency contributes to a safer sexual environment.
Regular STI testing, particularly for sexually active individuals or those with multiple partners, is another important prevention step. Many STIs are asymptomatic, making testing the only way to know one’s status. Avoiding oral sexual contact during active outbreaks of oral herpes or when suspicious sores are present in the mouth or genital area also helps prevent transmission.