LGV is short for Lymphogranuloma venereum. It is an infection of the urinary tract and/or of the throat and rectum. It is a form of the common sexually transmitted bacterial infection chlamydia caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (serovars L1, L2, L3).
It is very common in Africa, Asia, South America and parts of the Caribbean. It rarely occurs in industrialized countries but there is an increase in cases in these countries recently especially among men who have sex with men (MSM).
It is spread by anal, oral or vaginal sex without condom. A person is infectious until they have finished their treatment, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms. LGV can affect the penis, vagina and anus.
Symptoms are categorized in three stages:
The most common means of detecting LGV is through a blood test and a swab of the affected site (urethral, rectal or vaginal).
Untreated, LGV in men can cause chronic draining and scarring, elephantiasis (swollen legs), scrotal and penile swelling. In women, it can cause salpingitis (inflammation of the uterine tubes), infertility and scarring of the labia.
LGV is treated with antibiotics (such as doxycycline, erythromycin and azithromycin). It is important that you take all the pills as directed even if the symptoms have disappeared. Treatment decreases the rate of complications but doesn’t accelerate the healing process. Pregnant women can be treated with erythromycin that is safe during pregnancy.
All sexual partners within the past two months should be examined and treated. They should be treated even if their test result is negative. If your partner(s) are not having symptoms it does not mean that they do not have Chlamydia.
Individuals should follow up with their doctor until symptoms have resolved. Do not have oral, vaginal or anal sex (even with a condom) while you and your partner are being treated.
Using a condom every time you have sex will greatly reduce your chances of getting Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.