Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
Overview
British Sign Language (BSL) | 简体中文 | Polski | Română | slovenčina
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection. It’s caused by a strain of chlamydia bacteria.
LGV is rare in Scotland and is mostly found in men who have sex with men. LGV in women is very rare.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Treatment
Antibiotics can treat LGV.
The LGV test result can take up to 3 weeks to come back, so your doctor may advise starting treatment before the final result arrives.
If LGV is not treated, it can cause scarring and swelling of the skin, and permanent swelling of the genitals. Rectal infection can also cause swelling and scarring, which brings a risk of long term bowel problems. In rare cases, the infection can spread through the bloodstream and cause inflammation of the joints or liver.
To avoid passing LGV to your partner or partners, avoid sex until both you and your partner have completed treatment.
How LGV spreads
You can get LGV through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, meaning sex without a condom.
Your risk of getting LGV may be higher if you:
- take part in chemsex
- have group sex
- take part in fisting
- share sex toys that are not washed or covered with a new condom each time they are used
Prevention
The best way to lower your risk of STIs is to practice safer sex, which means using a condom for vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Other STIs
If you have been diagnosed with LGV, you should get tested for all STIs, including:
- gonorrhoea
- syphilis
- HIV
Don't include personal information, e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.