Nov 9 / 2021

Lymphogranuloma venereum

Since it is a disease related to sexual activity, it has a peak incidence among the sexually active population. Although it can occur in both sexes, it is primarily homosexual and, to a large extent, is transmitted by asymptomatic female carriers.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Lymphogranuloma venereum is a sexually transmitted disease that appears in both sexes, although it is, and usually has a complete cure.
It manifests in three phases: in the first, an ulcer appears in the genital area, in the second, the lymph nodes become inflamed, and in the third, anorectal manifestations appear.
Both the patient and their sexual contacts should avoid sexual intercourse until the completion of treatment.

What symptoms does it produce?

After an incubation period of 1 to 4 weeks, the manifestations of this disease are characterized by 3 phases:

First phase: a lesion appears (such as a non-painful gallbladder) in the genital area (foreskin, glans or scrotum, for example) that turns into an ulcer. This injury heals without sequelae and can often go unnoticed. In homosexual patients, lesions may appear in the anorectal area (pain, ulceration, bleeding).

Second phase: 2 to 6 weeks after the appearance of the initial injury, an inflammation of the lymph nodes in the area appears, which manifests as pain, swelling and even suppuration.

Third phase (ano-genital-rectal syndrome): manifestations may appear at the anorectal level in the form of ulcerations, fistulas and abscesses in that area.

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis is basically clinical. It has to go to the doctor in the event of any new lesion in the genital area and by serology (determination of antibody levels in the blood) and culture of the ulcer area or swollen lymph nodes (adenopathies).

How is it treated?

Treatment is based on the use of specific antibiotics for Chlamydia (doxycycline of choice) until clinical cure (generally a minimum of 3 weeks). Suctioning of lymphadenopathies and / or abscesses (collections of pus) may be necessary. Generally the cure is complete with the suitable treatment. Both the patient and their sexual contacts should avoid sexual intercourse until the end of treatment. Recent sexual partners should be evaluated and treated with an appropriate antibiotic regimen (prophylaxis or treatment if they develop symptoms).

Prevention, as in the rest of sexually transmitted diseases, is based on the use of condoms.

(Updated at Apr 14 / 2024)