Lymphogranuloma Venereum Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Lymphogranuloma venereum, or LGV for short, is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. This condition can cause complications if not handled properly.
Symptom
Signs and symptoms of LGV can start from a few days to a month after coming into contact with the bacteria. These signs and symptoms include:
- The discharge of lymph fluid from the skin, which originates from the lymph nodes in the groin
- Pain when defecating
- Small, painless sores on the male or female genitalia
- 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
- Blood or pus discharge from the rectum
Reason
Lymphogranuloma venereum is a chronic (long-term) infection of the lymphatic system. This infection can be caused by one of several types of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. The bacteria are generally transmitted through sexual contact, which includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
This infection is not caused by the same bacteria that cause genital chlamydia. This condition is more common in men than women. One of the main risk factors is in people who have HIV infection.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of LGV can be determined based on medical interviews, direct physical examination, and supporting examinations if deemed necessary. The health worker will conduct an examination and ask about the complaints experienced and the history of sexual intercourse.
On physical examination of people who experience LGV, you can find:
- There is fluid coming out of the area around the rectum
- Pain in the genitals
- The discharge of lymph fluid from the skin, which comes from the lymph nodes in the groin
- Swelling of the vulva or labia in women
- Swollen lymph nodes in groin
Some of the supporting examinations that can be carried out include:
- Lymph node biopsy
- Blood laboratory tests to evaluate the presence of bacteria that cause LGV
- Laboratory tests to detect chlamydia
Treatment
In most cases of LGV, doctors generally prescribe certain classes of antibiotics for 21 days. In general, signs and symptoms will begin to subside one to two weeks after starting the medication, but this may take longer in people who have been infected for a long period of time.
People diagnosed with LGV or other sexually transmitted infections are also advised to avoid other sexual activities until the results of follow-up tests show that the person is no longer infected.
Sexual partners who are also at risk of contracting the infection should also, whenever possible, be identified, examined, and treated if treatment is needed for their condition.
Prevention
The risk of LGV transmission can be minimized by using condoms consistently and correctly during sexual intercourse. In addition, it is also advised to avoid using sex toys because they can increase the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections.
People who are sexually active are advised to carry out regular sexual health checks.