Donovanosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Donovanosis?
An infectious disease doctor, a doctor who treats infections, often treats donovanosis. A gynecologist, a doctor for female reproductive health, or a urologist, a doctor for the urinary tract and male reproductive system, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is donovanosis?
Donovanosis is a sexually transmitted disease, an infection spread through sexual contact. It is also called granuloma inguinale. It is rarely seen in the United States.
A germ called Klebsiella granulomatis causes it. It causes slowly growing sores on the genitals.
Symptoms
Symptoms can start 1 to 12 weeks after contact with the germ. Signs may include:
- Small, beefy-red bumps on the genitals or around the anus.
- Sores in the anal area, in about half of cases.
The skin slowly wears away, and the bumps turn into raised, red, velvety lumps. They are often painless, but they bleed easily if hurt.
The disease slowly spreads and destroys genital tissue. Tissue damage may spread to the groin. The genitals and the skin around them lose their color.
Sores can also get infected by other germs. Sometimes the infection spreads to the pelvis, organs in the belly, bones, or the mouth.
Early on, it can be hard to tell apart from chancroid, a different disease.
Causes and who gets it
The disease spreads mostly through vaginal or anal sex. Very rarely, it spreads during oral sex.
It is common in warm regions of the world, such as southeast India, Guyana, and New Guinea.
About 100 cases are reported each year in the United States. Most are in people who have traveled to or are from places where the disease is common. Most infections occur in people ages 20 to 40.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors may take scrapings or a biopsy, a small piece of tissue, from a sore. Diagnosis needs doctors to see dark-staining Donovan bodies in a sample of tissue from the sore.
The germ is hard to grow in a lab. Lab tests for this disease are available only on a research basis.
Anyone diagnosed with it should also be tested for HIV.
Treatment
Antibiotics, medicines that kill bacteria, are used to treat donovanosis. One choice is azithromycin. Another is doxycycline. Another is erythromycin. Another is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
To cure the condition, long-term treatment is needed. Most courses last 3 weeks or until the sores have completely healed.
Treatment has been reported to stop the sores from getting worse. Healing typically starts at the edges of the sore and moves inward.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be treated with erythromycin or azithromycin.
Follow-up visits are needed because the disease can come back after it seems cured. People who had sexual contact with a patient in the 60 days before symptoms began should be examined and offered treatment.
Early treatment helps prevent tissue damage or scarring. Without treatment, the disease damages genital tissue. Problems can include scarring, loss of skin color, and lasting genital swelling.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if you have sexual contact with a person who is known to have donovanosis. Also call if you get symptoms of donovanosis or a sore in the genital area.
Do not wait for pain, because the sores are often painless.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint, have trouble breathing, or have bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine a sore, order tests, start treatment, and arrange follow-up visits. They can also refer you to a specialist when needed.
Common questions
Is donovanosis common in the United States?
No, it is rarely seen in the United States. About 100 cases are reported each year.
Can donovanosis be cured?
Yes, antibiotics can cure it, but treatment takes a long time. Most courses last 3 weeks or until the sores have healed.
Is donovanosis painful?
Often not. The bumps and sores are often painless, but they bleed easily if hurt.
How does donovanosis spread?
It spreads mostly through vaginal or anal sex. Very rarely, it spreads during oral sex.
Can donovanosis be prevented?
Avoiding all sexual activity is the only absolute way to prevent it. Using condoms the right way greatly lowers the risk.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale)
- CDC - Granuloma Inguinale (Donovanosis) - STI Treatment Guidelines
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
