Bacteria

Gonorrhoea • Chlamydia • Syphilis • Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) • Gut infections

Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)

Description

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a particularly virulent form of the chlamydia bacteria. It is relatively rare in NSW but the first few cases have recently been confirmed.

Transmission

LGV gets into the body through the mucus lining of the mouth, penis or inside of the rectum. Anal sex without condoms is the easiest way this happens but using dildos in more than one man’s rectum without condoms or cleaning can also spread LGV.

Signs and Symptoms

Not everyone with LGV has symptoms. LGV infection can have three stages with different symptoms:

STAGE 1: Three days to three weeks after infection there may be a small, painless sore on the dick, mouth or arse at the site of the original contact. If infection is in the dick there may be pain when urinating or a discharge.

STAGE 2: 10-30 days later (or even longer) glands may become painfully swollen. Different symptoms relate to different sites of infection:

In the rectum - Painful inflammation (called ‘proctitis’) with blood or pus coming from the area. Shitting may be painful, constipation or painful abscesses/ulcers in the rectum may develop.

In the penis – Discharge and swelling of the glands - so much that they might push through the skin and leak fluid.

In the mouth - Causes swelling of the glands in the neck and armpits.

STAGE 3: Over time the bacteria will cause inflammation, scarring and tissue damage that can have disastrous effects on the area around the genitals and inside the anus. Haemorrhoid like growths can develop in the anus and tissue damage can narrow the rectum. The genitals can swell dramatically.

Testing

LGV will show up as chlamydia in a penile or arse swab. However, because throat swabs for chlamydia are not standard it may be missed in the throat. If a test shows positive for chlamydia further tests will need to be done to confirm LGV.

Treatment

If treated before it gets to the third stage, LGV is quickly cured with antibiotics and leaves no lasting damage.

If You’re HIV Positive

Having LGV makes it easier to pass on HIV because of the bleeding and skin damage LGV causes. It also puts you at higher risk of other STIs like syphilis and possibly Hepatitis C.

Prevention

Condoms reduce the chances of getting LGV, as does using latex gloves during fisting. When more than two men are having sex a new condom or glove should be used with each man to prevent infection being passed from one to another. Dildos and other sex toys should not be shared or should be covered with a condom that is changed with every new person they are used on or washed between partners. Washing your hands with soap and water immediately after sex can help prevent infection.

This page last updated 23 July 2008