STD Facts :: Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
WHAT IS IT?
Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) is a specific type of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (Chlamydia). LGV is a systemic, sexually transmitted disease (STD) most common in Africa, Asia, South America and the Carribean, with the U.S. and Europe combined averaging less than 1000 cases per year.
WHY DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT?
LGV is rare in the United States, and there have been no known cases reported for many years in Minnesota.
A small outbreak in 2004 in gay/bi men in the Netherlands and the U.S. (MMWR Oct. 29, 2004) put LGV back on the radar. Untreated LGV is a concern because it can cause serious, system-wide complications. Because of the rectal and genital ulcerations caused by LGV, It also makes it easier to both get and give HIV, Hep C, and other STDs, like syphilis.
HOW DO I GET IT?
LGV is spread from person to person during unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Using a latex or polyurethane condom will help prevent transmission if used correctly, and used every time.
Communicate with your partners about current or previous risks for STDs, and familiarize yourself with the symptoms of LGV.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The first stage symptom is a primary lesion or ulcer that shows up 3-30 days after infection. Many people do not have the initial sore or do not notice it, as it is hard to detect if it's inside the mouth, the rectum (inside the butt) or urethra (inside the penis). At this point, a person is able to infect others.
Symptom progression in the second stage depends on where you were initially infected, and the following can happen in as little as 10 days or as long as 6 months:
IN THE VAGINA
- Painful inflammation inside your vagina
- Genital lesions (on the labia or inside the vagina)
- Strictures (narrowing/tightening of the vagina)
IN THE BUTT
- Painful inflammation inside your butt (proctitis)
- Constipation or diarrhea, often with a bloody or pus-filled discharge
- Internal abcesses and/or ulcers
IN THE PENIS
- Genital lesions (on or in penis, scrotum)
- Swelling (masses) in the groin, may push through skin and leak fluid
- Discharge (discolored or clear fluid) from tip of penis
IN THE THROAT
- Swelling of glands in the neck and/or armpits
SYSTEMIC (ENTIRE BODY) SYNDROME
- Buboes (swelling and rupture of glands near site of infection)
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
Left untreated, the third stage of infection is often characterized by painful swelling of the penis and/or testicles, hemorrhoid-like growths, serious internal rectal and/or vaginal damage and long-term fertility problems (primarily for women). Often times, LGV leaves genitals permanently scarred and deformed. There have also been rare cases where LGV has caused brain inflammation.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE IT?
LGV is diagnosed by a blood test, a rectal and/or vaginal swab, and/or a fluid culture from masses in the groin.
Symptoms in the first and second stages of infection can be easy to miss, so it's important to get tested if you suspect you've been exposed to LGV. If symptoms are present, get tested immediately. If a partner tells you they have LGV, get evaluated for presumptive treatment immediately.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
LGV is treated with a long course of a specific antibiotic that is taken by mouth. It is extremely important to finish all medicine that you are given, even if your symptoms are gone. Followup with your medical provider is essential after symptoms have resolved to make sure treatment was effective.
Treatment cures the infection and prevents ongoing tissue damage, but does not reverse scarring or deformations caused through the course of infection. Buboes (swollen lymph nodes) may require drainage by a medical provider.
It is possible to be re-infected with LGV after treatment if a person is exposed again.
For more specific information about treatment, consult your medical provider. You can also read more in the CDC's 2006 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines.
WHAT ABOUT SEX PARTNERS?
It is best to wait two weeks after treatment, but at the very least wait at least one week after treatment before having any kind of sex (oral, anal, or vaginal) to avoid infecting others and avoid becoming re-infected.
It is also important that anybody that you have had sex with in the last two months (or your last sex partner if more than two months ago) be notified about your infection.
Each of your sex partners will need to be tested and treated. Do not have sex with anyone you have had sex with that has not been treated.
Click here for information on how to notify your partners through InSPOT.
WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK
- Use latex or polyurethane condoms every time to help prevent transmission
- Use a new condom or latex glove with each new partner in group settings
- Limit the number of people you have sex with
- Get a full STD exam on a regular (at least annual) basis, depending on your risk
- Get your partners tested on a regular basis
For more information about LGV, check out the Minnesota Department of Health's LGV Fact Sheet.
Questions about your risk? About testing? Call us at 612.543.5555.
Content updated: Jan 08
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