Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) fact sheet

​​​Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a rare sexually transmissible infection​. LGV can cause severe symptoms, however it can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Timely treatment prevents long-term complications. Condom use helps prevent infection.​

​​​What is LGV?

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmissible infection (STI). It is caused by a rare yet aggressive strain of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Infection can occur on the penis, anus, rectum, vulva, cervix and on rare occasions, in the mouth. LGV can lead to swollen and painful lymph glands in the pelvis and groin. LGV can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Without treatment, LGV can cause severe symptoms. 

​​How does LGV spread?

LGV is spread by having unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex (without a condom or dental dam) with someone who has the infection. It can also be spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact.

Not everyone with LGV will have symptoms. This means that people can pass the infection on to others without knowing. 

What are the symptoms of LGV?

​Symptoms can include:

  • anal discomfort or pain
  • anal discharge and/or bleeding
  • a feeling of needing to empty your bowels, which often feels like constipation when there is no constipation
  • general sickness including fever, chills and sore muscles and joints
  • weight loss
  • small painless lumps or sores on the penis, anus, rectum, vulva, cervix or mouth
  • swollen lymph glands in the groin and pelvis which can be filled with pus
  • widespread scarring and deformity in the affected area.

People can have LGV and pass it on to others without knowing it.

For people who have anal sex, infection in the anus is the most common type of LGV infection. It can be serious if not treated. Scarring in the anus can cause narrowing of the rectal passageway or abnormal openings from the bowel to skin. ​

Who is most at risk of LGV?

All sexually active people are at risk of infection. While LGV is rare in Australia, people most at risk include:

  • gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
  • female partners of men who have sex with men
  • people who have unprotected sex with someone who has LGV
  • people who have multiple sexual partners
  • people who take recreational drugs during sex
  • anyone who has recently been diagnosed with any STI.

How do I protect myself from LGV?​

​LGV infection can be prevented by:

  • always using condoms, dental dams, and water-based lubricant for anal, oral or vaginal sex
  • not having any sexual activity with someone diagnosed with LGV until 21 days after their treatment is completed and their symptoms are fully resolved.

​How is LGV diagnosed?

LGV is diagnosed with a swab test. Your doctor or nurse will either take a:

The swab is then sent to a laboratory for testing. There are currently no reliable self-tests approved for use in Australia.

Even if you don't have symptoms, it is still important to have regular sexual health check ups. More information about sexual health checks can be found at Sexual Health Check-up.

Call hea​lthdirect​ (1800 022 222) to find a testing service near you.

​​How is LGV treated?

LGV is treated with a course of antibiotics. People whose symptoms do not get better or come back, should talk to their healthcare provider or sexual health clinic. ​

People can get LGV more than once. People can still be re-infected if they have unprotected sex with someone who has LGV. ​

What should I do if I test positive to LGV?

If you have LGV, you should:

  • get treated right away and follow the advice from your doctor or nurse
  • tell all sexual partners and people you have had sex with:
    • in the last 3 months if you have symptoms
    • in the last 6 months if you do not have any symptoms
    • since arrival in Australia if you think you caught the infection overseas
  • do not have sex or any sexual contact until treatment is completed and symptoms are fully resolved
  • talk with your doctor or nurse about which sexual partners you think may be at risk. Your doctor or nurse can help you to contact them either personally or anonymously.​

Further information ​​

  • Sexual Health Infolink (SHIL)​ for free and confidential sexual health support including a confidential help line available from Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm by calling 1800 451 624.
  • Play Safe​​ for young people to access information about safe sex and STI prevention, testing and treatment.
  • Let them know​ for advice and help with confidential and anonymous contact tracing for all sexual partners.
  • Better to Know​ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to get information about common STIs and where to get tested. The site also offers a way to tell sexual partners without them knowing who you are.
  • International Student Health Hub​​ for international students to get information about safe sex, STIs, contraception and pregnancy.
  • Family Planning NS​W Talkline​​​ for reproductive and sexual health information and advice. It is free, confidential and available Monday to Friday 8:00am-8:00pm on 1300 658 886. ​

Current as at: Friday 20 December 2024
Contact page owner: Specialist Programs