LGV

Nearly all LGV infections in the UK have been in the rectum. Within a few weeks of becoming infected most people get painful inflammation in the rectum (known as ‘proctitis’) with bleeding, pus, constipation, ulcers or abscesses. They can also get a fever and feel unwell.

A small sore might appear where the bacteria got into the body but most people don’t get or notice one. Left untreated LGV can cause lasting damage in the rectum that may require surgery.

LGV in the penis might cause a discharge and pain when urinating, with swollen glands in the groin.

LGV in the mouth or throat is rare but it can cause swollen glands in the neck.

LGV bacterium usually enter the body through the delicate, moist skin of the rectum and penis. Women can also get infected through the vagina. Infection through the mouth and throat is possible but rare.

Gay and bisexual men have contracted LGV from having anal sex without condoms and from 'fisting' - when a hand is inserted into a partner's rectum.

The bacteria can also be carried from one rectum to another during group sex, on objects such as sex toys, fingers, enema equipment, condoms or latex gloves.

Cover anything which is moved from one rectum to another with a fresh condom or fresh latex glove for each new person it enters, or clean it with warm water and anti-bacterial soap. Enema equipment should not be shared.

Having LGV makes it easier for you to get or pass on HIV.

If you’re a gay or bisexual man with possible LGV symptoms, a sexual health clinic will use a swab (a small cotton bud) to take a sample from your rectum and penis. This is initially tested for Chlamydia. If it tests ‘positive’ it is then also tested for LGV.

Antibiotics cure LGV with no lasting effects, as long as the infection is treated early enough. Don’t have sex until treatment has finished or you could pass on the infection.

People you’ve had sex with also need to get checked - a clinic can do this for you if you don’t want to. If you have had LGV once you can get it again.

Most people get tested and treated for infections like LGV at sexual health (or ‘GUM’) clinics. It is free and confidential - no one else, including your GP will be told about your visit. However, it is best to go to a sexual health clinic if you have any possible LGV symptoms, as some GPs have misdiagnosed LGV.

The more people you have sex with, especially unprotected sex, the more chance you have of contracting infections such as LGV. You can have them without knowing, so regular check-ups are a good idea, especially if starting a new relationship and/or you want to stop using condoms with your partner.