e-prevention and risk reduction in festive environments. Know more, risk less

LGV

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is an infection caused by a very aggressive bacterium of the Chlamydia Trachomatis family.

Rectal LGV has been increasing in recent years within the gay community. LGV and HIV co-infections account for more than 80% of cases.

Transmission

It is transmitted by unprotected oral or anal sex, but also by simple contact with an infected mucous membrane (anus, rectum, glans penis, mouth, throat). Unprotected fist fucking seems to be a frequent mode of transmission. LGV is a highly contagious infection.

Know more, risk less

What are the symptoms?
Between 2 and 60 days after contamination, a small painless wound (lesion, blister) appears where the bacteria entered your body (anus, urethra, glans penis, mouth). Then adenopathies (large painful lymph nodes) occur, with pain and fever, and sometimes pus flows through holes called fistulas. Anorectal LGV causes painful inflammation of the anus and rectum, along with abscesses, ulcers, pus discharge, fever, severe pain (it may sometimes be impossible to sit down!), and a constant urge to go to the toilet.

Can this be cured?
Yes, thanks to a very effective antibiotic treatment. If untreated, LGV can become chronic, infect the genital organs and require surgery. Partners who have had contact within 60 days from the onset of clinical manifestations, even in the absence of symptoms, should also get tested and treated.

Where and when to consult?
If you have pain and/or lesions, purulent discharge, but also regularly as part of a sexual health check-up, especially if you have many partners, because you may be infected without your knowing. LGV screening is done on a local sample (anus, urethra, throat), or by lymph node puncture. You can consult with your doctor, go to a specialized health centre, a screening center or a Checkpoint*. If you are HIV-positive, it is important to visit a proctologist regularly.

How to prevent LGV with oral sex?
During your treatment, avoid blowjobs. While the condom remains the best protection against the risk of LGV transmission, it does not protect the entire contaminating area. Notifying your partners will allow them to be treated as well if necessary and will prevent you from becoming infected again.

*Checkpoint : Dispositif de dépistage rapide du Kiosque 01 44 78 00 00

In partnership with
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
• In any case call or have somebody call 112 or 15 (in France)
• if the person is conscious :
- keep him/her awake by talking to her.
• if the person is uncounscious : undo his/her tight clothes, check if he/she’s breathing and put him/her in recovery position
• stay with him/her until emergency services arrive and inquire about the location of a defibrillator