Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

Lymphogranuloma venereum, or LGV, belongs to the chlamydia family of bacteria, but is more invasive, and needs a longer course of treatment.

You can get LGV from sex without a condom, or sharing sex toys.

It is more common in the gay and bisexual community, in those living with HIV, and in certain areas of the world, such as Africa and South Asia.

Many people have no symptoms.

After a few days (up to a month) of getting LGV, you might notice the following:

• swelling and redness of the skin in the groin, penis, or lips of the vagina.
• A small painless ulcer on the penis, vagina or around the bottom.
• painful bowel motions, with blood or pus from:
  • your bottom (more noticeable when going for a poo)
  • or vagina (if a connection forms between your bottom and vagina)
• Diarrhoea and lower tummy pain.
• Swollen lymph nodes (glands) on one or both sides of your groin.

You can get a test from Leeds Sexual Health. Please use the service finder below to find a testing service near you.

If you have LGV, we will let you know, and give you a 3-week course of antibiotics.

It is important to tell any people you have had sex with as they will need to get tested and treated as well.

Your nurse or doctor will help you work out which partners to tell and can help you tell them (if you want help with this).

BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)

Chlamydia

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

Herpes

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Gonorrhoea

Genital Warts

Epididymo-orchitis

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)

SyphilisScabies

Molluscum contagiosum (MC)

Non-specific urethritis (NSU)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pubic lice (crabs)

Thrush

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