Gay Men's Health: Scotland's Charity for Gay Men |lgv

WELCOME TO GAY MEN’S HEALTH

SCOTLAND’S CHARITY FOR GAY MEN

LGV

LGV is an abbreviation of Lymphogranuloma Venereum, and it is closely related to Chlamydia. It is relatively new to Scotland but is quickly taking hold here. It can affect the cock and arse, and is passed on through fucking and sucking without condoms.

Having LGV can make it easier for you to pick up or pass on HIV.

Symptoms

The majority of gay and bi men who have been diagnosed with LGV had the infection inside their arses.

Within 3 - 21 days of infection you might find a small, painless sore at the site the bacteria entered your body. This would most likely be within your mouth, cock or arse. However, it is quite possible that you would not notice this sore, and not everyone gets one anyway. If you have the infection in your cock you may notice an unusual discharge or pain when pissing.

Around 10 days to a month later you might notice that your glands are swollen and/or sore. You could also feel ill and get a fever.

If you have LGV in your arse you may notice an inflammation there, with blood or pus coming from it. You may also notice pain and constipation, and possibly painful abscesses and ulcers. It’s likely you’ll feel feverish and ill.

If you have LGV in your cock you might notice discharge and/or swollen glands in your groin. The swelling in your glands could be so severe that they push through the skin and leak fluid.

If you have LGV in your mouth or throat, the glands in your neck or armpit may swell.

Left untreated, LGV can cause very serious problems.

Treatment

LGV can be easily and quickly treated with antibiotics. Providing it is not left untreated for too long it is unlikely that there will be any lasting damage.

Prevention

Using condoms and lube for fucking and sucking cock will offer good protection. If fisting, latex (or other appropriate) gloves are advisable. Avoid using sex toys such as dildos on more than one guy’s arse.