Lymphogranuloma Venereum Overview
Learn About Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
LGV; Lymphogranuloma inguinale; Lymphopathia venereum
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.
LGV is more common in Central and South America than in North America.
LGV is more common in men than in women. The main risk factor is being HIV-positive.
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
- 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)
LGV is treated with antibiotics, including doxycycline and erythromycin.
Daniel Goldenberger practices in Basel, Switzerland. Mr. Goldenberger is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Lymphogranuloma Venereum. His top areas of expertise are Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Diphtheria, Chlamydia, and Empyema.
Henry De Vries practices in Amsterdam, Netherlands. De Vries is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Lymphogranuloma Venereum. Their top areas of expertise are Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Chlamydia, Proctitis, and Gonorrhea.
Bertille De Barbeyrac practices in Bordeaux, France. Ms. De Barbeyrac is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Lymphogranuloma Venereum. Her top areas of expertise are Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Chlamydia, Psittacosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and Intrauterine Device Insertion.
With treatment, the outlook is good, and complete recovery can be expected.
Health problems that may result from LGV infection include:
- Abnormal connections between the rectum and vagina (fistula)
- Brain inflammation (encephalitis - very rare)
- Infections in the joints, eyes, heart, or liver
- Long-term inflammation and swelling of the genitals
- Scarring and narrowing of the rectum
Complications can occur many years after you are first infected.
Contact your provider if:
- You have been in contact with someone who may have an STI, including LGV
- You develop symptoms of LGV
Not having any sexual activity is the only way to prevent an STI. Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk.
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.
Objective: To develop and validate a predictive model for acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in individuals using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) within the national program providing this strategy.
Summary: The goal of this study is 1. to improve the accuracy of chlamydia multi-site testing in men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans-women, whilst saving diagnostic costs, by comparing two new pooling methods with the 3-samples tested separately 2. to assess the diagnostic accuracy of pooled specimens for lymphogranuloma venereum detection (LGV) - a type of chlamydia infection Chlamydia and gonorrhoe...
Published Date: August 05, 2025
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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.
James WD. Bacterial infections. In: James WD, ed. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin. 14th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2026:chap 12.
Reno HEL, Geisler WM. Diseases caused by chlamydiae. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 294.
Tan M, Jordan SJ. Chlamydia trachomatis (urogenital infections and trachoma). In: Blaser MJ, Cohen JI, Holland SM, et al, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 186.