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CURABLE STDs
·> Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
WHAT IS LYMPHOGRANULOMA VENEREUM (LGV)?
LGV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) which is caused by a specific, severe type of chlamydia. The infection is spread through direct sexual contact, especially unprotected anal sex. LGV has been rare in the U.S., but cases have recently increased.
WHY WORRY ABOUT LGV?
LGV can cause tender and swollen lymph nodes, which may become open draining sores. If left untreated, this can lead to genital and rectal scarring, drainage from around the genitals and anus, infertility, and genital disfigurement.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
LGV may begin as a small, painless pimple or sore occurring on the skin near the vagina, on the penis, or near the anus, which often goes unnoticed. Later, the infection spreads to the lymph nodes in the groin area and surrounding tissue leading to open draining sores and a painful swollen groin area, usually only on one side. The infection can also spread into the anus, rectum, and bowels leading to rectal pain, discharge (drip) or bleeding, and pain with bowel movements. The initial pimple or sore may appear within three to 30 days after infection. However, the onset of symptoms varies widely from person to person.
WHAT IS AN LGV TEST LIKE?
Testing for LGV involves taking a swab of your genitals or anus. Your provider may also use urine and blood tests to help diagnose LGV. As with any STD, your provider will also take a sexual history, and do a physical examination related to any symptoms you might be having. Even though LGV is a type of chlamydia, your provider will need to do special tests to diagnose LGV.
HOW IS LGV TREATED?
LGV can be cured with antibiotics. If your provider gives you antibiotic pills, it is very important to take all the pills, even after you start feeling better, to make sure you are completely cured. To avoid giving LGV to anyone else, you (and your partner(s)) need to abstain from sex for a week after you have completed your antibiotic treatment.
WHAT ABOUT MY SEX PARTNERS?
Your sex partner(s) must be examined and treated too, because otherwise they can give the infection back to you and/or infect others. If you still have symptoms after you've completed treatment, it is important to go back to your healthcare provider. Though LGV is curable, you can be re-infected if you are exposed to LGV again.
HOW DO I AVOID GETTING LGV?
Abstinence is the only 100% sure way to avoid getting LGV or other STDs. You can reduce your risk of LGV by reducing your number of sex partners, and using condoms consistently and correctly for anal, oral, and vaginal sex. The fewer partners you have, the lower your risk. If you have multiple sex partners, change sex partners, or have unprotected sex (no condom), getting a regular STD check-up (every 3 to 6 months) is a good idea. You should also encourage your partners to get checked regularly too. If you have any STD symptoms, you should get checked right away. LGV and other bacterial STDs are curable with proper diagnosis and treatment.
LGV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) which is caused by a specific, severe type of chlamydia. The infection is spread through direct sexual contact, especially unprotected anal sex. LGV has been rare in the U.S., but cases have recently increased.
WHY WORRY ABOUT LGV?
LGV can cause tender and swollen lymph nodes, which may become open draining sores. If left untreated, this can lead to genital and rectal scarring, drainage from around the genitals and anus, infertility, and genital disfigurement.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
LGV may begin as a small, painless pimple or sore occurring on the skin near the vagina, on the penis, or near the anus, which often goes unnoticed. Later, the infection spreads to the lymph nodes in the groin area and surrounding tissue leading to open draining sores and a painful swollen groin area, usually only on one side. The infection can also spread into the anus, rectum, and bowels leading to rectal pain, discharge (drip) or bleeding, and pain with bowel movements. The initial pimple or sore may appear within three to 30 days after infection. However, the onset of symptoms varies widely from person to person.
WHAT IS AN LGV TEST LIKE?
Testing for LGV involves taking a swab of your genitals or anus. Your provider may also use urine and blood tests to help diagnose LGV. As with any STD, your provider will also take a sexual history, and do a physical examination related to any symptoms you might be having. Even though LGV is a type of chlamydia, your provider will need to do special tests to diagnose LGV.
HOW IS LGV TREATED?
LGV can be cured with antibiotics. If your provider gives you antibiotic pills, it is very important to take all the pills, even after you start feeling better, to make sure you are completely cured. To avoid giving LGV to anyone else, you (and your partner(s)) need to abstain from sex for a week after you have completed your antibiotic treatment.
WHAT ABOUT MY SEX PARTNERS?
Your sex partner(s) must be examined and treated too, because otherwise they can give the infection back to you and/or infect others. If you still have symptoms after you've completed treatment, it is important to go back to your healthcare provider. Though LGV is curable, you can be re-infected if you are exposed to LGV again.
HOW DO I AVOID GETTING LGV?
Abstinence is the only 100% sure way to avoid getting LGV or other STDs. You can reduce your risk of LGV by reducing your number of sex partners, and using condoms consistently and correctly for anal, oral, and vaginal sex. The fewer partners you have, the lower your risk. If you have multiple sex partners, change sex partners, or have unprotected sex (no condom), getting a regular STD check-up (every 3 to 6 months) is a good idea. You should also encourage your partners to get checked regularly too. If you have any STD symptoms, you should get checked right away. LGV and other bacterial STDs are curable with proper diagnosis and treatment.
