Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a rare STI that is spread through unprotected sexual contact,
especially if there is trauma to the skin or mucous membranes.
Safe sex helps prevent infection.

Last updated: 19 June 2008

What is lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)?

Lymphogranuloma venereum, or LGV, is a sexually transmitted infection caused by rarer types of chlamydia. LGV infection can cause genital lumps, rectal symptoms and swelling of the lymph glands in the groin and it is a more aggressive disease than common chlamydia infection.

What are the symptoms?

The disease starts as a small painless lump or sore that appears on or in the penis, rectum, vagina, cervix or mouth. This occurs three to 30 days after exposure,. The initial lesion heals after a few days and most people are not aware of it.

The infection spreads, over the next two to six weeks, to the local lymph glands usually in the groin, pelvis or rectum. People may also have fever, chills, weight loss, feel generally unwell or have sore muscles and joints. If the rectum is infected there can be a discharge of blood, pus or mucus, a painful urgent feeling of needing to pass a bowel motion but being unable to do so, diarrhoea or constipation, and lower abdominal pain.

In the final stages, the infection can cause widespread scarring and deformity in the affected area.

How is it spread?

LGV is spread through vaginal or anal sex.

It can also be transmitted by sex toys and hands and fingers if they have been in contact with an infected person's genitals or anus.

There is a small risk of adult infection in the eyes if infected fluids come into contact with the eyes. If a mother is infected, her baby can become infected as it being born.

LGV is contagious even when not symptoms are noticeable.

Who is at risk?

• People who have sex with people from countries with higher rates of LGV.
• Men who have unsafe sex with men.

How is it prevented?

Using a condom for vaginal or anal sex can significantly reduce the risk of catching chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.

Do not have sex with anyone who has visible symptoms or who has been diagnosed with LGV until after they have been treated.

Avoid sharing sex toys and consider using condoms with sex toys for further protection.
Have regular sexual health checks to identify infections early to prevent passing the infection on to others and before complications develop.

How is it diagnosed?

LGV can be diagnosed by testing samples of fluid from the swollen lymph glands or swabs from LGV lesions. Blood tests can help to make a diagnosis. The diagnosis can be difficult to make sometimes because the disease is rare in Australia and mimics many other more common conditions.

How is it treated?

The LGV infection is easily treated with antibiotics.

People diagnosed with LGV should not have sex until the full course of antibiotic treatment has been completed. Painful swollen lymph nodes may need to be drained. Sometimes surgery is required in later stages of the disease.

What is the public health response?

If you have been diagnosed with LGV it is important to tell your sexual partner(s) so they can be tested and treated. Your doctor or sexual health clinic can help you decide who may be at risk and help you to contact them. If you wish, this can be done anonymously by your doctor.

LGV is a notifiable disease. This means that doctors and laboratory staff are legally required to tell the Department of Public Health about new cases. These notifications are used to help find and treat others who may be at risk before they become ill or infect others. The data is also used for public health planning.

Avoid sex until both you and your partner(s) have treated.

Further Information

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