The evaluation of chancroid begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in males with chancroid include:

• Penile discharge
• Testicular swelling
• Inguinal lymphadenitis:
• Swollen and tender lymph glands in the groin
• Penile sore

Physical findings in females with chancroid include:

• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal redness
• Inguinal lymphadenitis:
• Swollen and tender lymph glands in the groin
• Vaginal sore

Tests may be necessary to detect chancroid.

Tests that may be used to evaluate chancroid include:

• A specialized culture is usually obtained from one of the ulcerated lesions. This test can detect Haemophilus ducreyi in up to 80% of people with chancroid.
• Gonorrhea testing
• Chlamydia testing
• Herpes genitalis testing
• HIV testing
• HPV testing
• Syphilis testing