Lymphogranuloma Venereum

STIs A to Z

What is Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)?
LGV is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a certain type of chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.

How does someone get LGV?

  • Anyone can get LGV. It is very common and can be easily transmitted during vaginal, oral and anal sex.
  • You can pass LGV to others without knowing it.
  • It can be treated and cured.
  • If you do not treat LGV, it can lead to serious health problems.
  • Even if you have had LGV before, you can still catch it again.
  • It is particularly common among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, especially if HIV positive.


How can I lower my risk for LGV?

  • Use condoms every time you have sex.
  • Get tested as often as necessary.
  • Limit your number of partners.
  • Do not have sex if you are drunk or have used illicit drugs.

N.B. Washing the genitals after sex will not prevent STIs

What are the symptoms of LGV?
First stage:

  • A painless sore or lump may appear where the bacteria has entered in your body. You can get rid of the sore without treatment. However, having a sore makes it easier to pass on other infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.

Second stage:

  • Swollen lymph nodes (2-6 weeks later) in your groins which can develop into an abscess and discharge pus.
  • Flu-like symptoms; fever, chills, malaise, muscle and joint pain.
  • Blood-stained rectal discharge.
  • Constipation and feeling of incomplete bowel emptying (tenemus).
  • Pain in the rectum.

Third stage:

  • If left untreated, swollen lymph nodes behind the ears, under the jaw, and in the armpits.


How can I find out if I have LGV?

  • You can call the Genito-Urinary Clinic at Mater Dei Hospital (Out-patient’s Level 2) on 25457494/1 for an appointment.
  • The doctor will ask you to be examined and tests will be needed to confirm the infection.
  • LGV is tested by taking samples with a swab from the sore in the genital area and/or from the rectum in men who have anal sex (and tested for chlamydia). These tests will be sent to a laboratory where it will be tested.
  • You may get tested for other STIs as one can have other sexually transmitted infections at the same time.


When should I be tested?

  • If you experience any symptoms.
  • If you had or are having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex.
  • If you are having unprotected sex with more than one partner.


How is LGV treated?

  • LGV can be treated and cured with antibiotics.
  • Make sure to finish all medicines. Don’t share with others.
  • The doctor will inform you when you can be sexually active again. It is important that you do not have sex until the completion of the medicines. Follow your doctor’s advice. The duration of treatment will affect the timing of when you can have sex again.
  • It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant as you will need different antibiotics.


What are the complications of LGV, if I don’t get treated?
LGV is unlikely to lead to long-term problems if treated immediately. However, untreated LGV can cause serious health problems such as scarring, deformity and long term pain and complications to the genitals, rectum and bowels. Other complications include arthritis, chest pain, liver problems, and rarely, inflammation of the heart or brain.

Do I have to inform my partner about LGV?

  • Your partner may have LGV too.
  • Be sure to tell your recent sex partners so that they can get tested and treated. They may have it too without knowing it.
  • Healthcare professionals may help you in notifying your sexual partners in a confidential manner.


Can I get LGV again after I’ve been treated?
Yes, you can get LGV again. You can get it from an untreated sexual partner.

Does LGV affect my risk of getting HIV?
Yes, LGV increases the risk of getting infected with HIV.

How can LGV be prevented?
LGV and other STIs can be successfully prevented by using appropriate contraception and taking other precautions, such as:

  • Using male condoms or female condoms each time you have vaginal sex, or male condoms during anal sex.
  • Using a condom to cover the penis, or a latex or plastic square (dam) to cover the female genitals if you have oral sex.
  • Not sharing sex toys, or washing them before and after sex and covering them with a new condom before anyone else uses them.


Further information and help

  • Talk to your doctor.
  • Call GU Clinic on 25457494/1 for an appointment.


Reference List:

https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/lgv.htm

https://www.bashhguidelines.org/media/1033/lgv_pil_digital_2_2015.pdf

https://iusti.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/LGVleaflet2017.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537362/