Have you ever heard of a rash that appears on your genitals and then turns into a lump in your groin? Or have you ever heard a friend talk about these symptoms? These can sometimes be signs of a sexually transmitted disease. Today we are going to talk about one such disease , LGV (Lymphogranuloma Venereum) . Although it is a bit of a long name, we will talk about what it is, how it develops, what are the symptoms, is there a treatment, and how to stay safe.
What is LGV? Let's find out in simple terms.
Simply put, LGV (Lymphogranuloma Venereum) is a sexually transmitted disease. We call this a sexually transmitted disease (STD) . LGV first appears as small blisters on the genitals. Then, in the second stage, the lymph nodes in the groin, pelvis, or rectum become swollen and painful.
Think of it like a small problem with our lymphatic system. The good news is that it can usually be treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it can cause long-term damage to our lymphatic system. LGV also increases the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. So it's important to be aware of this.
Who can develop LGV? Who is most at risk?
In fact, anyone who is sexually active can get LGV. However, sexually active people between the ages of 15 and 40 are at the highest risk. This disease can affect both men and women.
However, research has found that men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to develop LGV than women. People who are HIV- positive are also at higher risk of developing LGV.
Therefore, even if you do not belong to any of these categories, if you are sexually active, it is very important to be aware of these diseases.
How common is LGV? Is it available in Sri Lanka?
LGV is most common in tropical and subtropical regions. It is rare in countries like the United States. However, LGV outbreaks have been reported in countries like North America, Europe, and Australia among men who have sex with men. For example, in 2018, 2,389 cases of LGV were reported from 22 European countries.
It is good for us, who live in a hot climate like Sri Lanka, to be concerned about this. Because if you have symptoms like these, it is wise to see a doctor instead of thinking, "There's no way this could happen to me."
Why does this LGV occur? What is the reason?
LGV is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis . Three specific strains of this bacterium, serovars L1, L2, and L3, cause LGV.
You've probably heard of another sexually transmitted disease called "chlamydia." It's also caused by the same bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis. But it's caused by a different strain (serovar DK) . So, LGV is like a slightly different, potentially dangerous member of the Chlamydia family.
LGV can be transmitted through anal, vaginal or oral sex . This means that if you have sexual contact with someone who is infected, you can get the disease.
What are the symptoms of LGV? There are three stages!
LGV symptoms usually begin within three to twelve (3-12) days of infection. However, in some cases, symptoms may take up to 30 days to appear. These symptoms occur in three main stages:
Stage 1: When small blisters appear
During this stage, small fluid-filled blisters (1 to 6 millimeters in size) appear on your penis or inside your vagina. These are usually painless and heal quickly. Sometimes these blisters can also appear in your mouth or throat. Many people may not pay much attention to these blisters, as they go away quickly.
Stage Two: The swollen, painful period
This second stage begins about two to six weeks after the first stage. The main symptoms that can be seen in this stage are:
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the groin area (also called `buboes`). This is especially common in men.
- In women, the lymph nodes in the pelvis and rectum may become swollen and painful.
The skin over these swollen lymph nodes can sometimes break open, allowing blood or pus to drain through them to the surface of the skin (this is called a sinus tract).
In addition to these main symptoms, several other symptoms may appear at this stage:
- Abdominal pain
- Anal pain
- Back pain or pelvic pain in women
- Body aches, Fatigue
- Constipation
- Feeling like you need to pass stools frequently
- Headache and fever
- Inflammation of the rectum and anus (proctitis)
- Rectal bleeding, itching or discharge
- Pain during urination (dysuria) and pain during defecation
- Unexplained weight loss
Stage Three: What Happens If You Don't Get Proper Treatment
This stage occurs if LGV is not treated properly. In the third stage, even if the previous lesions have healed, scars may remain. The previously mentioned ``sinus tracts`` (purulent drainage pathways) may still be present.
At this point, more serious complications may arise:
- Abscesses
- Abnormal anal canals (Anal fistulas)
- Deformed genitals
- Rectal strictures
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Swelling of the genitals
You see, even though it starts out simple, it can get serious if left untreated. That's why it's important to be aware of these symptoms.
How does a doctor diagnose LGV?
If you have these symptoms, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. The doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and your sex life. Then, he or she will do a physical examination.
If LGV is suspected, your doctor may suggest several tests, such as:
- A blood test: This checks for antibodies produced in our body against the bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis).
- Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT): This directly looks for the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis in a sample taken from your groin, rectum, or swollen lymph node. This is the test most often used to confirm LGV.
Usually, men can be diagnosed in the early stages of the disease. However, when women are diagnosed, the disease can sometimes be a little more advanced. This is because women's symptoms sometimes occur internally, so the outward signs may be less noticeable.
What are the treatments for LGV? Can it be cured?
Yes, LGV can be successfully treated with antibiotics! This is the most important thing.
Doctors usually prescribe an antibiotic called doxycycline . You should take 100 milligrams of this medication twice a day for 21 days. It is very important to take the medication exactly as your doctor tells you, for the full duration of the medication.
Sometimes, other antibiotics, such as erythromycin or azithromycin, may be given instead of doxycycline.
If you have pus-filled, swollen lymph nodes (buboes) in your groin area, your doctor may also recommend a fine needle aspiration (FNA) to remove the pus. This can help reduce pain and discomfort.
Remember, if you are diagnosed with LGV, it is very important to inform your sexual partners and have them tested as well. This includes anyone who has had sex with you in the 60 days before your symptoms started. This will allow them to get tested and treated if needed.
What can we do to reduce the occurrence of LGV?
There are several things we can do to protect ourselves from sexually transmitted diseases like LGV:
- Avoid unsafe sex , such as having multiple sexual partners at the same time.
- At the first sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) , seek medical advice and get the necessary treatment. Don't be ashamed or afraid. Your health is the most important thing.
- If a doctor tells you that you have LGV, tell your sexual partners so they can also get tested and receive treatment if necessary.
- Use condoms or other protective methods every time you have sex. This can protect you from not only LGV, but many other sexually transmitted diseases.
What are the possible complications of LGV? Should I be worried?
If LGV is not treated properly and promptly, some complications can occur. That's why we recommend seeing a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. Here are some of the complications that can occur if left untreated:
- Abnormal anal canals (Anal fistulas)
- Lymphatic obstruction
- Enlargement of the genitals
- Infertility
- Reactive arthropathy (joint disease caused by infection)
- Rectal strictures
- Excessive swelling of the genitals (also called elephantiasis)
In addition, the risk of developing diseases such as hepatitis and pneumonia may also increase. If the fistulas or strictures in the rectum have caused serious damage, surgery may be necessary.
But there's no need to be afraid of these things, if you get treatment quickly, many of these complications can be prevented.
What is the future for someone with LGV? Will there be a complete recovery?
This is a problem that many people have. If LGV is diagnosed and treated early, it can be completely cured! Research has shown that taking doxycycline for 21 days cures more than 98.5% of LGV patients.
However, if LGV has damaged your lymphatic vessels, swelling may persist.
Another important thing is that people with LGV are at increased risk of developing other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For example:
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Syphilis
Therefore, if you have LGV, your doctor may also test you for other diseases like these. Then, the necessary treatment for those can be started quickly. Also, it is a good idea to get tested for `(Chlamydia trachomatis)` again about three months after finishing LGV treatment.
If you have LGV, how do you take care of yourself?
You should completely abstain from sexual activity during the period of treatment for LGV. After completing the treatment, be patient until the doctor says, "Okay, no problem now."
Then, to prevent these types of diseases from happening again in the future, always practice safe sex, such as using condoms.
Take-Home Message
Okay, so we've talked a lot about LGV now. Here are the most important things you need to remember:
- LGV is a sexually transmitted disease that first causes blisters on the genitals, followed by swollen lymph nodes.
- It can be transmitted through anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
- If not treated promptly, complications such as infertility and genital swelling can occur.
- However, LGV can be successfully treated with antibiotics! If treated early, a full recovery is possible.
- It is very important to practice safe sex and seek medical advice as soon as you notice symptoms.
If you have any further questions about this, or if you feel like you have any of the symptoms mentioned, please don't be shy or afraid to see a doctor. Your health is very important to you.
` LGV, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, STD, Chlamydia, Lymphadenopathy, Safe Sex
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