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Donovanosis, also known as venereal granuloma or inguinal granuloma, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Klebsiella granulomatis, formerly known asClaymmatobacterium granulomatis, which affects the genital, groin and anal region and leads to the appearance of ulcerative lesions in the region.
The treatment for donovanosis is simple, and the use of antibiotics is recommended by the urologist or gynecologist, however it is important to adopt measures that prevent infection, such as the use of condoms during sexual intercourse.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of donovanosis can appear 30 days to 6 months after contact with the bacteria, the main ones being:
- Appearance of ulcerative lesions in the genital region that increase over time;
- Wound with a well-defined aspect and that does not hurt;
- Bright red wounds or lumps that grow and can bleed easily.
Due to the fact that donovanosis wounds are open, they represent a gateway for secondary infections, the disease being associated with an increased risk of infection by the HIV virus.
It is important that as soon as signs and symptoms of donovanosis are identified, the person consults the urologist or gynecologist for the diagnosis to be made and appropriate treatment to be started. The diagnosis consists of an assessment of the symptoms presented and a microbiological analysis of the wound or a part of the affected tissue, requiring a biopsy to be performed.
Donovanosis Treatment
Treatment is done according to medical advice, and antibiotics such as Azithromycin are usually recommended for up to 3 weeks. As an alternative to Azithromycin, the doctor may recommend the use of Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin or Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
The use of antibiotics is made with the objective of fighting infection and promoting the recovery of injuries, in addition to preventing secondary infections.
In the case of more extensive lesions, removal of the lesion through surgery may be recommended. In addition, during and after treatment it is important to carry out periodic examinations so that you can see how the body is reacting to the treatment and whether the bacteria are managing to be eliminated. It is also indicated that the person being treated does not have sexual intercourse until bacteria are identified, to avoid the possible contagion of other people.
See more details on the treatment of donovanosis.
How to prevent
Prevention is done through the use of condoms in any type of intimate contact. It is important to check that the wound is protected with a condom, because if the exposed wound comes into contact with the partner, it is possible to transmit the bacteria responsible for the disease.
Avoiding intimate contact while there are still symptoms of the disease is paramount to the prevention of donovanosis. Performing a self-examination of Organs genitals, observing whether the smell, color, appearance and skin have any abnormalities, helps to identify the existence of donovanosis more quickly and make medical intervention as soon as possible.