LGV can be passed through anal, vaginal, or oral sex and progresses in three distinct stages.
Early symptoms of LGV include painless bumps or ulcers that are sometimes mistaken forsyphilisorgenital herpes.
Though easily treated withantibiotics, untreated LGV infections can lead to potentially severe complications, including rupturedlymph nodesoranal fistulas.
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It also describes the risk factors for LGV and what you might do to reduce your odds of infection.
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What Causes Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)?
LGV is transmitted (spread) through condomless anal, vaginal, and oral sex.
Symptoms develop as the lymph nodes sustain progressive injury.
Who Might Get LGV?
The last known LGV cluster in the United States occurred in Michigan and Illinois from 2015 to 2016.
People of all sexes may acquire LGV.
All 38 cases of LGV confirmed in the 20152016 cluster were among HIV-positive MSM.
The lesions may appear aspapules(bumps),pustules(pimple-like blisters), or shallowulcers.
Most primary LGV lesions clear within a few days.
Some studies suggest that 1 n 4 MSM with LGV are asymptomatic.
One or both sides of the body may be affected.
In some cases, the buboes will cause large, visible lumps under the skin.
This can lead to late-stage complications like:
How Is LGV Diagnosed?
How Is LGV Treated?
LGV is curable at any stage of infection with antibiotics.
Ideally, treatment should be administered at the earliest stage of infection to avoid complications.
Whichever antibiotic is used, it is important to take it as prescribed and to completion.
LGV Complications
Some people experience rare but serious complications of LGV.
Some of these are caused whenChlamydia trachomatisdisseminates (spreads through the bloodstream) and affects distant organs.
Others are inflammatory reactions to the infection or severe forms of late-stage symptoms.
It all starts withpracticing safer sex.
This includes:
Whats the Outlook for Someone With LGV?
The prognosis (outlook) of LPV is generally good if you get treated in a timely manner.
The general rule of thumb is the earlier, the better.
This includes sexually active MSM and females under 25.
These groups of people are advised to undergo annual chlamydia screening.
How Long Is LGV Contagious?
LGV is considered contagious until the infection is fully cleared with antibiotics.
The same applies to asymptomatic people who still haveChlamydia trachomatisin their semen, vaginal secretions, and anal secretions.
This is why it’s important to maintain safer sex practices after treatment is complete.
Even so, anyone of any age can get LGV through anal, vaginal, and oral sex.
LGV can be diagnosed with a swab of lesions and successfully treated with a course of antibiotics.
Consistent condom use and a reduction in the number of sex partners can substantially lower the risk of LGV.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia trachomatis infection: 2022 case definition.
American Sexual Health Association.Why do I need to retest after treatment?
