BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuLymphogranuloma venereumLGV; Lymphogranuloma inguinale; Lymphopathia venereumLymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Causes LGV is a long-term (chronic) infection of the lymphatic system. It is caused by certain strains of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria are spread by sexual contact. The infection is not caused by the same strain of bacteria that causes genital chlamydia.ChlamydiaChlamydia is an infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is most often spread through sexual contact.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LGV is more common in Central and South America than in North America. LGV is more common in men than women. The main risk factor is being HIV-positive. Symptoms Symptoms of LGV can begin a few days to a month after coming in contact with the bacteria. Symptoms include:Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in the groin Painful bowel movements Painful bowel movementsTenesmus is the feeling that you need to pass stools, even though your bowels are already empty. It may involve straining, pain, and cramping....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Small painless sore on the male genitals or in the female genital tract Swelling and redness of the skin in the groin area Swelling of the labia (in women) Swollen groin lymph nodes on one or both sides; it may also affect lymph nodes around the rectum in people who have anal intercourse Blood or pus from the rectum (blood in the stools)Blood in the stoolsBlack or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Your health care provider will examine you. You will be asked about your medical and sexual history. Tell your provider if you had sexual contact with someone you think has had symptoms of LGV.A physical exam may show:An oozing, abnormal connection (fistula) in the rectal area A sore on the genitals Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in the groin Swelling of the vulva or labia in women Swollen lymph nodes in the groinTests may include:Biopsy of the lymph node BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood test for the bacteria that causes LGV Laboratory test to detect chlamydia from genital lesions, pharyngeal, rectal and lymph node specimens Treatment LGV is treated with antibiotics, including doxycycline and erythromycin. Outlook (Prognosis) With treatment, the outlook is good and complete recovery can be expected. Possible Complications Health problems that may result from LGV infection include:Abnormal connections between the rectum and vagina (fistula) FistulaA fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel and another structure. Fistulas are usually the result ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Brain inflammation (encephalitis - very rare) EncephalitisEncephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, most often due to infections.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections in the joints, eyes, heart, or liver Long-term inflammation and swelling of the genitals Scarring and narrowing of the rectumComplications can occur many years after you are first infected. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You have been in contact with someone who may have an STI, including LGV You develop symptoms of LGV Prevention Not having any sexual activity is the only way to prevent an STI. Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk.Safer sex behaviorsSafe sex means taking steps before and during sex that can prevent you from getting an infection, or from giving an infection to your partner....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The proper use of condoms, either the male or female type, greatly decreases the risk of catching an STI. You need to wear the condom from the beginning to the end of each sexual activity.MaleA condom is a thin cover worn on the penis during intercourse. Using a condom will help prevent:Female partners from becoming pregnant. Getting an i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article FemaleThe female condom is a device used for birth control. Like a male condom, it creates a barrier to prevent the sperm from getting to the egg....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesBatteiger BE, Tan M. Chlamydia trachomatis (trachoma, urogenital infections). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 180.Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.AllVideoImagesTogLymphatic system - illustration The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).Lymphatic systemillustrationLymphatic system - illustration The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).Lymphatic systemillustrationRelated Information Blindness and vision loss(Symptoms)Chlamydia(Condition)Erosion(Symptoms)Chancroid(Condition)Swollen lymph nodes(Symptoms)Systemic(Special Topic)Malaise(Symptoms)Tenesmus(Symptoms)Vagina(Special Topic) Review Date: 8/26/2023 Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. 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Lymphogranuloma venereumLGV; Lymphogranuloma inguinale; Lymphopathia venereumLymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Causes LGV is a long-term (chronic) infection of the lymphatic system. It is caused by certain strains of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria are spread by sexual contact. The infection is not caused by the same strain of bacteria that causes genital chlamydia.ChlamydiaChlamydia is an infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is most often spread through sexual contact.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LGV is more common in Central and South America than in North America. LGV is more common in men than women. The main risk factor is being HIV-positive. Symptoms Symptoms of LGV can begin a few days to a month after coming in contact with the bacteria. Symptoms include:Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in the groin Painful bowel movements Painful bowel movementsTenesmus is the feeling that you need to pass stools, even though your bowels are already empty. It may involve straining, pain, and cramping....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Small painless sore on the male genitals or in the female genital tract Swelling and redness of the skin in the groin area Swelling of the labia (in women) Swollen groin lymph nodes on one or both sides; it may also affect lymph nodes around the rectum in people who have anal intercourse Blood or pus from the rectum (blood in the stools)Blood in the stoolsBlack or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Your health care provider will examine you. You will be asked about your medical and sexual history. Tell your provider if you had sexual contact with someone you think has had symptoms of LGV.A physical exam may show:An oozing, abnormal connection (fistula) in the rectal area A sore on the genitals Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in the groin Swelling of the vulva or labia in women Swollen lymph nodes in the groinTests may include:Biopsy of the lymph node BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood test for the bacteria that causes LGV Laboratory test to detect chlamydia from genital lesions, pharyngeal, rectal and lymph node specimens Treatment LGV is treated with antibiotics, including doxycycline and erythromycin. Outlook (Prognosis) With treatment, the outlook is good and complete recovery can be expected. Possible Complications Health problems that may result from LGV infection include:Abnormal connections between the rectum and vagina (fistula) FistulaA fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel and another structure. Fistulas are usually the result ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Brain inflammation (encephalitis - very rare) EncephalitisEncephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, most often due to infections.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections in the joints, eyes, heart, or liver Long-term inflammation and swelling of the genitals Scarring and narrowing of the rectumComplications can occur many years after you are first infected. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You have been in contact with someone who may have an STI, including LGV You develop symptoms of LGV Prevention Not having any sexual activity is the only way to prevent an STI. Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk.Safer sex behaviorsSafe sex means taking steps before and during sex that can prevent you from getting an infection, or from giving an infection to your partner....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The proper use of condoms, either the male or female type, greatly decreases the risk of catching an STI. You need to wear the condom from the beginning to the end of each sexual activity.MaleA condom is a thin cover worn on the penis during intercourse. Using a condom will help prevent:Female partners from becoming pregnant. Getting an i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article FemaleThe female condom is a device used for birth control. Like a male condom, it creates a barrier to prevent the sperm from getting to the egg....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesBatteiger BE, Tan M. Chlamydia trachomatis (trachoma, urogenital infections). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 180.Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.