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Stanford Health Care

Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)

What Is Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)?

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by three strains of the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis.

Symptoms of LGV

Patients with LGV may notice changes in the genital area, including:

  • Genital papule(s), which are raised surfaces or bumps
  • Ulcers
  • Swelling of the lymph glands

LGV may also produce other symptoms, especially among those who practice receptive anal intercourse:

  • Rectal ulcers
  • Bleeding
  • Pain
  • Discharge

Learn more about symptoms of LGV.

Causes of LGV

LGV is passed from person to person from direct contact with lesions. It is often transmitted during sexual intercourse or other skin-to-skin contact. Learn more about the causes of LGV.

Diagnosing LGV

LGV can be complex to diagnosis. The genital lesions caused by LGV are similar to other STDs, such as syphilis, genital herpes and chancroid. Our health care providers work closely with the state health department and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to help advance diagnostic procedures for this disease. Learn more about diagnosing LGV.

LGV Treatment

It is important to receive treatment as soon as possible for LGV. Complications of untreated LGV may include:

  • Enlargement and ulcerations of the external genitalia
  • Lymphatic obstruction (a blockage in the passage of lymph fluid through your system)

These complications can lead to elephantiasis (substantial swelling) of the genitalia. We treat LGV using antibiotics. Learn more about LGV treatment, including treatment for pregnant women and for HIV-positive patients.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2006. MMWR 2006;55 (no. RR-11).

Lymphogranuloma Venereum Among Men Who Have Sex with Men -- Netherlands, 2003-2004. MMWR, October 29, 2004.

Perine, PL, Stann, WE. Lymphogranuloma venereum. In: K. Holmes, P. Sparling, P. Mardh et al (eds). Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 3rd edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1999, p. 423–432.

Clinics for LGV (Lymphogranuloma Venereum)