Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection. It’s caused by a strain of chlamydia bacteria.
LGV is rare in Scotland and is mostly found in men who have sex with men. LGV in women is very rare.
Most people with LGV don’t notice any symptoms and don’t know they have it. So it’s important to get tested if you think you’re infected.
If you do develop symptoms, you may experience:
You may notice some anal symptoms such as:
If you think you might have LGV, get tested for free by:
If you test positive for chlamydia, and your symptoms suggest that you might have LGV, the lab will do a further test for LGV.
The test for LGV is simple, painless and very reliable. It involves sending a sample from the area of the body thought to be infected to a lab for analysis. This can take up to 3 weeks.
The 2 main ways the sample can be collected are:
Your partner (s) for the past 3 months should also be tested for LGV.
Antibiotics will treat the LGV infection.
The result of the LGV test can take 3 weeks to come back, so your doctor may advise you to start treatment before the final result is available.
If left untreated, LGV can cause scarring and swelling of the skin. It can also cause permanent swelling of the genitals. Rectal infection can also cause swelling and scarring resulting in the risk of long-term bowel complications. Rarely the infection may spread via the bloodstream causing inflammation of the joints or liver.
To avoid passing LGV on to your partner(s) you should avoid having sex until both you and your partner have finished your treatment.
You can get LGV by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex (sex without a condom).
Your risk of getting LGV may be increased by:
The best way to reduce your risk of STIs is to practice safer sex. This means using a condom for vaginal, anal and oral sex.
If you have been diagnosed with LGV you should get tested for all STIs including:
Last updated:
02 December 2022