HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching an information booklet to warn gay and bisexual men of an aggressive form of chlamydia that is becoming increasingly widespread within the gay community.

LGV (lymphogranuloma venereum) is a serious sexually transmitted infection (STI) that attacks the lymph nodes. It has been spreading among gay and bisexual men since arriving in the UK around 2004. In 2009, 193 men were diagnosed with the infection and, in the first six months of 2010 alone, 190 men have been diagnosed, many of whom also have HIV.

The majority of men infected with LGV develop symptoms within a few weeks, and nearly all have been infected rectally. Symptoms can include bleeding and discharge from the rectum, painful inflammation (called ‘proctitis’), and painful anal abscesses or ulcers. Left untreated, LGV can cause lasting damage. The inside of the rectum can become so seriously affected it might require surgery.

LGV bacteria are passed on through unprotected anal sex, fisting or on sex toys shared between partners. The best way gay men can guard against the infection is to use condoms for anal sex and latex gloves for fisting. Men should avoid sharing sex toys, or put a fresh condom on them between each new partner. Any man experiencing anal discomfort should consult a GUM clinic, rather than their GP who may misdiagnose the problem. As long as LGV is treated soon enough, it can be cured with three weeks of antibiotics.

Alan Wardle, Head of Health Promotion at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “LGV is a newcomer to the gay scene, and a particularly nasty one. Not only are its symptoms pretty unpleasant, having LGV means it’s much easier to pick up or pass on other STIs, including HIV, Hep C, and syphilis.

“Early warning signs that you may have LGV include constipation, inflammation, pain or bleeding from the rectum. If you start showing these symptoms, the best thing to do is quickly get yourself to the nearest GUM clinic for a test. When going for a check-up, ask for your bum to be checked for chlamydia if the clinic doesn’t already do this. And don’t have any kind of sex until you’ve been checked and treated.”

THT’s new booklet ‘LGV: A new infection affecting gay and bisexual men’ will be launched on Wednesday 14th July. It has been made with the support of BHIVA (British HIV Association) and BASHH (British Association for Sexual Health and HIV) and is funded by CHAPS. It will be available from sexual health clinics, saunas, sex clubs and other selected gay venues across England, and to download here.

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Notes to Editor

1. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity with centres across The CHAPS programme is funded by the Department of Health and co-ordinated by THT in partnership with GMFA, Lesbian and Gay Foundation, Yorkshire MESMAC, Trade Men's Sexual Health Project, the Armistead Project, Sheffield Centre for HIV and Sexual Health, the Eddystone Trust, and Sigma Research England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk