LGV stands for ‘lymphogranuloma venereum’. It’s a sexually transmitted infection caused by a certain type of chlamydia bacteria. It’s started to spread among gay men so we need to be looking out for it.

It’s common in places like Africa, Asia and the Caribbean but was very rare in the UK. There have been outbreaks among gay men in some European cities (especially in the Netherlands, Belgium and France). LGV cases first appeared in the UK in 2004. Cases are now being reported from around the country.

So far, the infection’s mostly been in gay men who:
• Fuck or get fucked without condoms
• Fist without gloves
• Have lots of sexual partners
• Go to sex parties, sex clubs or saunas

Most of the men infected so far have been HIV positive.