Lymphogranuloma Venereum

It is an infection caused by a bacterium, a specific subtype of Chlamydia trachomatis, which causes a chronic disease. Particularly widespread in tropical and subtropical areas.
The infection occurs through any lesion of the skin or mucous membranes during sexual intercourse.

How is it transmitted?

- With unprotected sex: they are at risk ALL types of relationship (oral, anal, vaginal).
- Using contaminated genital instruments.
- With exchange and use of contaminated sex toys.

What are the symptoms?

First stage:
- Small swelling (vesicle) similar to a pimple on the genitals.
- This vesicle is transformed into a small painless ulcer that quickly disappears.
- Inflammation of the urinary tract.
- Frequent anal ulcer.

Second stage (from 10 days to 6 months after infection):
- Swelling of the inguinal lymph nodes.
- Pain in the groin.
- Fever, malaise, headache.
- The glands can open up and let out the pus.

What if you do not treat?

If left untreated, it enters the third stage of the disease, in which reappear the genital ulcers. After years we assist to chronic swelling of the genitals and anus narrowing.

How is it diagnosed?

In the laboratory we can analyse blood and fluid that oozes from ulcers. It’s important to submit to investigations the sexual partners of the previous months.

How is it treated?

Given the chronic nature of the disease, the treatment consists of repeated cycles with targeted antibiotics.

How to prevent it?

- Use a condom during sexual intercourse.
- Use a condom from the beginning of sexual intercourse and not just at the very end.
- Use a condom to protect the objects used for the sexual practice.
- Use a condom from the beginning even during oral sex.

The condom is still the best way to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), although in the case of Linfogranuloma venereum it does not guarantee full protection guarantees.