Quick read
Key points
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Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a specific strain of chlamydia bacteria, causing symptoms that can include genital or rectal sores, and swollen, sometimes painful lymph nodes in the groin. It's less common than standard chlamydia but has become more frequently recognised in certain populations in recent years.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You notice genital or rectal sores, or swollen, painful lymph nodes in the groin
01 · Know
What is Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)?
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a specific strain of chlamydia bacteria, causing symptoms that can include genital or rectal sores, and swollen, sometimes painful lymph nodes in the groin. It's less common than standard chlamydia but has become more frequently recognised in certain populations in recent years.
LGV is treated with a longer course of antibiotics than standard chlamydia, and prompt treatment is important to prevent complications. As with other STIs, testing partners and completing the full treatment course are important parts of management.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
It needs a longer antibiotic course than standard chlamydia
LGV requires a longer course of antibiotics (typically around three weeks) compared with standard chlamydia infections, which is why an accurate diagnosis distinguishing LGV from other chlamydia infections matters for effective treatment.
03 · Act
When to Get Tested
- 1You notice genital or rectal sores, or swollen, painful lymph nodes in the groin
- 2You're sexually active with new or multiple partners and would like sexual health screening
- 3A partner has been diagnosed with LGV or chlamydia
- 4You have symptoms that concern you following unprotected sex
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Complete the Full, Longer Course of Antibiotics
Because LGV needs a longer treatment course than standard chlamydia, completing the entire prescribed course — even if symptoms improve earlier — is essential for fully clearing the infection.
- 1See a sexual health clinic or doctor for testing and diagnosis.Specific testing can confirm LGV and guide appropriate, longer antibiotic treatment.
- 2Complete the full prescribed antibiotic course.This is longer than for standard chlamydia and needs to be completed fully.
- 3Notify recent sexual partners.This allows them to get tested and treated, helping stop further transmission.
- 4Avoid sex until treatment is complete.This prevents passing the infection to a partner.
- 5Attend follow-up testing if advised.This confirms the infection has fully cleared.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
LGV is treatable with a longer course of antibiotics, and prompt diagnosis and treatment help prevent complications.
Completing the full, longer antibiotic course is essential, even if symptoms improve before treatment is finished.