Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a rare STD caused by three variants of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. While LGV may obstruct lymph flow and swelling of genital tissues, it is typically asymptomatic, and thus becomes hard to diagnose without proper diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms
The disease occurs in 3 stages.
The first stage involves a small skin lesion that develops at the site of entry. During the incubation period of approximately three days, the skin surrounding the lesion might develop ulcers but recover soon enough to go unnoticed.
The second stage develops after 2 to 4 weeks. Men might develop inflammation of their lymph nodes around the groin region, forming huge and tender masses. This can result in fever and discomfort. Women, on the other hand, might develop backache, pelvic pain, and lesions around their cervix and upper region of their vagina. They might also establish similar inflammation of their deeper perirectal and pelvic lymph nodes, leading to the development and discharge of pus and blood.
In the third stage, the lesions heal with permanent scarring. If inflammation persists, it might obstruct the lymphatic vessels, resulting in swelling and skin sores.
For individuals who also engage in anal sex, they might experience additional symptoms such as:
- Discharge of blood and pus around the anal region
- Pain when pooing or having anal sex
- Difficulty in pooing, constipation, or painful straining
- A feeling of incompletion even after pooing
How does an individual contract LGV
The primary way of contracting LGV is through having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. The risk is also increased when an individual:
- Engage in group sexual activities
- Engage in more extreme types of sexual activities
- Share sex toys that aren’t adequately sanitised or covered with a new condom after each use
- Has direct penetration or contact between two exposed genitals – you can contract LGV even if penetration, ejaculation, or orgasm does not occur
- Get semen or vaginal fluid in the eye or in small cuts and open wounds from an infected partner
Diagnosis and treatment
While not all patients with chlamydia might be LGV positive, doctors often advise further tests for people who have contracted chlamydia or when they suffer from symptoms that suggest they may be infected with LGV.
The treatment process consists of consuming antibiotics such as doxycycline, erythromycin, or tetracycline for three weeks if the disease is detected early.
In later stages, where swelling of damaged tissues occurs, medication might not fully alleviate these symptoms despite eliminating bacteria. When that happens, the swelling may be relieved by draining it with a needle or through surgery.
Conclusion
If you are found positive with LGV, it is highly recommended to avoid having sex, including oral sex or even sex with condoms, to prevent unnecessary transmission to your partner. This is recommended until you or your partner have completed the antibiotic treatment.
The best way to reduce your risk of contracting LGV (and other STDs) is by practising safe sex. This includes the usage of a condom, having sex with a partner(s) who have safe sex practices, or going for regular STD tests in Singapore. Many STD clinics in Singapore can help you maintain good and healthy sexual health to give you peace of mind and the freedom to engage in your lifestyle of choice. If you have a new partner, or even if you are thinking of taking your relationship to a deeper level, ensure that both parties have a sexual health check-up before deciding to take off the condom.
If you are thinking of getting treatment, STD tests or advice, we at Elyon Family Clinic and Surgery ensure that our patients get the utmost professional treatment. We guarantee confidentiality and privacy takes place, safeguarding the welfare of our patients. Contact us at 6802 7208 to determine what testing, screening and treatment services we provide.
