What is Lymphogranuloma venereum?

Lymphogranuloma venereum also known as LGV, is an infection caused by a bacterium from the chlamydia family. It affects people with male and female genitals and can also infect the rectum, throat, and lymph nodes in the groin.

How is LGV transmitted?

It is usually transmitted through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sexual intercourse. If you are living with HIV or use recreational drugs, you are at higher risk of catching LGV along with other STIs. It is most common in men who have sex with men (MSM), and rare in females and heterosexual men. 

Symptoms

Most people have LGV and don’t get any symptoms (asymptomatic). The majority of LGV infections in the UK are in the rectum (back passage), common symptoms include:  

  • Pus leaking from the rectum 

  • Pain, swelling, and inflammation of the anus or rectum 

  • Constipation or ulcers  

  • Pain when passing stool (poo) 

Other symptoms include:  

  • Swollen glands in the neck if LGV is present in the throat 

  • Ulcer or sore on or around the genitals  

  • Unusual discharge or pain when urinating (wee) 

  • Penile discharge with swollen glands in the groin 

Prevention and protection

  • Use Condoms: Consistently using condoms during sex can significantly reduce the risk of STIs. This includes using condoms for oral sex and covering sex toys. 

  • Get Regular Screenings: Regular STI screenings are crucial, especially if you have multiple partners. 

  • Communicate with Partners: Open and honest communication with sexual partners about STI testing and protection is essential. 

Treatment

LGV is treated with an antibiotic called doxycycline (the same drug used to treat chlamydia).  

It is important to complete your treatment to avoid reinfection and avoid sex until your treatment is done. Your sexual partner(s) will need to be tested and treated if they come back positive. 

Where to get help in Bexley

There is no routine test available for LGV, and you will be encouraged to test for chlamydia first. If you want to get tested, you can visit your local sexual health clinic or GP in the London Borough of Bexley. They can provide confidential testing and treatment. You can also order a free self-test kit if you're under 25. 

For more information, visit the NHS website or contact your local healthcare provider. 

What happens at your appointment?

A doctor or nurse will ask you about your symptoms and recent sexual history. A swab sample will be taken from your genitals, rectum, or both (depending on the type of sex you have). Your samples will be tested for chlamydia first. If your samples come back positive for chlamydia, you will be tested for LGV. These results can take up to 3 weeks to arrive so you will be treated whilst you wait. 

Complications of LGV

If left untreated, LGV can cause swelling and scarring of the skin and permanent swelling of the genitals. As it is usually caused by a chlamydia infection, the complications are the same. Please click here to see the information on chlamydia complications. 

If you have a rectal infection, it can cause permanent bowel complications or blockages caused by swelling and scarring of the rectum. 

Rarely, the infection can pass into your bloodstream and infect the liver and cause inflammation of the joints. 

Other STIs