Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

How it Spreads

You can get LGV through condomless vaginal or anal sex. It occurs when someone has direct contact with lesions, ulcers or other areas where the bacteria are located.

Symptoms of LGV

Symptoms include:

• Swelling that is painful to the touch. This is typically seen on one side of the groin where the abdomen meets the thigh.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area
• Genital ulcers or papules at the spot the infection was passed
• Rectal exposure in both women and men can result in rectal ulcers, bleeding, pain and discharge.

Genital lesions caused by LGV can be mistaken for other ulcerative STIs such as syphilis, genital herpes and chancroid.

People at higher risk

Sex without condoms increases the risk of getting LGV. Talk with your partner about their sexual health.

Prevention and vaccination

Ways to lower your chances of getting LGV include:

• Using condoms during sexual contact
• Avoiding sexual contact with someone with an open sore on their genitals or groin
• Limiting your number of sexual partners
• Getting tested for STIs with your partner(s)

Treatment and recovery

LGV can be an invasive infection. If not treated early, it can result in:

• Abnormal connections between your colon and other organs (fistulas)
• Narrowing of the colon (strictures)
• Enlargement and ulcerations of the external genitalia
• Obstruction of the flow of lymph. This can cause severe swelling and hardening of the skin of the genitalia (elephantiasis).

These conditions can become chronic. Seek the advice of a health care provider as soon as possible.

LGV can be treated with antibiotics. People should abstain from sexual contact until the infection is cleared. Sex partners of patients diagnosed with LGV should be tested for LGV.