This fact sheet gives basic, non-technical information on LGV and would be useful for those teaching about sexual health or preparing projects on sexually transmitted infections. Click on a question below to scroll straight to that topic:

 

What is LGV?

Who gets LGV?

• Like all bacterial sexually transmitted infections, anyone who has unprotected sex (i.e. doesn't use condoms) can catch LGV.
• Recent cases of LGV in the UK have almost exclusively been confined to men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly MSM who are co-infected with HIV.

How do you catch LGV?

• LGV is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection and can be caught through unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex; unprotected fisting, and the sharing of sex toys.

How do you know that you have LGV?

• If the infection was acquired through anal sex symptoms of proctitis often develop (such as pain, rectal bleeding and discharge).
• A small and painless ulcer may appear at the site of infection (such as the vagina, rectum, penis, oral cavity).
• Disease progresses with painful swelling of the lymph nodes around the groin or other infected area.
• Systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise are reported in nearly a third of cases.
• In cases which remain untreated, late stage infection can lead to scarring, swelling and deformity in the genitoanal region.

How serious is LGV?

• LGV can cause very painful symptoms; however, the infection can be treated with a course of antibiotics.
• If left untreated the complications of LGV infection may require surgery.

How can you protect yourself against LGV?

• Use a condom during sexual intercourse.
• Have fewer sexual partners.  This reduces the risk of becoming infected with an STI.
• Be aware of symptoms.  Patient who are aware of the presentation of infection are able to consult medical advice earlier and consequently ensure early clinical management.
• Get tested regularly.  Consulting clinical services regularly increases the chances that infection can be identified, even if asymptomatic.
• Latex gloves should be used for fisting and condoms should be used with sex toys.

How is LGV diagnosed?

• To diagnose LGV a doctor will have to take a sample from the urethra, rectum or other sites depending on symptoms and sexual practices. If this sample is found to be positive for Chlamydia trachomatis, the bacteria will have to be genotyped in a reference laboratory to confirm the presence of LGV.
• Most testing for sexual infections is done in STI or GUM clinics which have specialist facilities for testing. Details of these clinics can be found in the telephone book, from your local hospital or from the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) website.  Clinics are confidential and will not inform general practitioners (GP) of any results, unless specifically requested to do so.
• Testing for STIs is now offered by some GPs, contraception clinics and young people's sexual health clinics.

How is LGV treated?

• Most cases of LGV are easily treated with a three week course of antibiotics.
• In severe cases, the late complications of LGV infection may need surgical intervention, including reconstructive genital surgery.
• Sexual partners should also be identified, tested and treated to reduce onward transmission and re-infection.

 

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