Introduction

LGV stands for ‘lymphogranuloma venereum’. It’s a sexually transmitted infection caused by a certain type of chlamydia bacteria. It’s started to spread among gay men so we need to be looking out for it.

It’s common in places like Africa, Asia and the Caribbean but was very rare in the UK. There have been outbreaks among gay men in some European cities (especially in the Netherlands, Belgium and France). LGV cases first appeared in the UK in 2004. Cases are now being reported from around the country.

So far, the infection’s mostly been in gay men who:
• Fuck or get fucked without condoms
• Fist without gloves
• Have lots of sexual partners
• Go to sex parties, sex clubs or saunas

Most of the men infected so far have been HIV positive.

Signs and symptoms

STAGE 1
Three days to three weeks after getting infected there may be a small, painless sore where the bacteria got into your mouth, cock or inside your arse. Many people don’t get a sore or don’t notice it. If infected in your cock you might get a discharge or pain on pissing. You will be able to give LGV to others from this point until you get treated.

STAGE 2
10-30 days later (or even longer) your glands may become painfully swollen. You might feel ill and have a fever.

LGV in the arse - You can get painful inflammation in your arse (called ‘proctitis’) and blood or pus coming from it. Shitting may be painful, you might get constipated or develop painful abscesses/ulcers in the arse. You’ll feel ill and may get a fever.

LGV in the cock - You might get a discharge, the glands in your groin can swell - so much that they might push through your skin and leak fluid.

LGV in the mouth - If infected through the mouth or throat, glands in your neck or armpit may swell.

STAGE 3
Left untreated LGV will later go on to cause serious problems. Haemorrhoid-like growths can appear, your cock and balls can swell massively and the inside of your arse can be seriously damaged; you may need to have surgery. As long as it’s treated before it gets to the third stage, LGV is quickly cured with 3 weeks of antibiotics and leaves no lasting damage.

Diagnosis and treatment

As long as it’s treated before it gets to the third stage, LGV is quickly cured with 3 weeks of antibiotics and leaves no lasting damage.

Follow-up and prevention

There’s no vaccine and if you’ve had LGV once you can get it again. Condoms reduce the chances of getting LGV, as do latex gloves during fisting. If several men are being fucked or fisted in the same session, condoms and gloves should be changed with each man (to stop the infection being spread
from man to man). Dildos etc should not be used on more than one arse in one sex session - or should be covered with a condom that can be changed with each arse it’s used on.

If you have LGV, samples will test positive for chlamydia but more tests will be needed to be sure if you have LGV and not the more common type of chlamydia. GUM (sexual health) clinics are now looking for LGV and will be able to tell if you have it. A check-up is crucial if you have any symptoms of inflammation inside your arse - or in your cock. Sex should be avoided until you’ve been checked.

What else you need to know

Having LGV makes it easier for you to pick up or pass on HIV because of the bleeding and skin damage LGV causes. It also puts you at higher risk for other STIs like Hepatitis C (a serious liver disease), syphilis and other infections.

All content within the OUTinLondon Health section is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for obtaining professional medical advice.  OUTinLondon is not responsible for the content of external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. 
Always consult your own GP if you are in any way concerned about your health.