TeenThreads Real‑Talk Guide to a Rare but Serious STI

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) sounds like a word from a medical drama, not real life—but it’s a real sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect teens and young adults, especially in certain sexual networks.

LGV is less common than chlamydia or gonorrhea, but it can cause serious complications if it’s missed or ignored.

TeenThreads mission:
👉 Make even the “rare” STIs understandable, so nothing catches you off guard.

What Is Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)? (Simple + Real)

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a type of chlamydia infection caused by specific strains of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.

Unlike regular chlamydia (which usually affects the urethra or cervix), LGV:

• can invade deeper tissues
• often affects the lymph nodes in the groin
• can cause painful swelling, rectal symptoms, and long‑term damage if untreated

LGV is more common in certain communities and in people who have receptive anal sex, but anyone who is sexually active can be at risk.

Other Name(s)

• LGV
• Lymphogranuloma venereum infection
• Invasive chlamydial infection

(Same infection, different labels.)

Difference Between LGV and Regular Chlamydia

LGV is caused by specific strains of chlamydia that behave more aggressively.

Regular chlamydia:

• Often mild or no symptoms
• Usually affects cervix, urethra, or throat
• Shorter treatment course

LGV:

• More likely to cause painful lymph node swelling in the groin
• Can cause rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge (especially after anal sex)
• May require longer antibiotic treatment
• Can cause scarring or long‑term damage if untreated

Difference Between Normal and Abnormal State

Normal Genital / Rectal State:

• No painful lumps in the groin
• No unexplained genital sores
• No rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge
• No ongoing pelvic or lower abdominal pain

Possible LGV Signs:

• Small, painless sore or bump on genitals, anus, or nearby skin (may go unnoticed)
• Painful, swollen lymph nodes in the groin (can feel like lumps)
• Rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge (especially after receptive anal sex)
• Feeling unwell, with fever or fatigue
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

Early sores can be tiny and easy to miss—later symptoms are often what bring people in.

Types / Stages of LGV

1️⃣ Primary Stage

• Small, painless sore or bump at the site of infection (genitals, anus, or mouth)
• Often goes unnoticed
• Heals on its own, but infection continues

2️⃣ Secondary Stage

• Swollen, painful lymph nodes in the groin (can form “buboes” or large tender lumps)
• Rectal symptoms if infection is in the rectum: pain, bleeding, discharge, feeling like you always need to poop
• Fever, fatigue, or feeling sick

3️⃣ Late / Chronic Stage

• Scarring and damage to genital or rectal tissues
• Chronic pain or swelling
• Possible strictures (narrowing) or fistulas (abnormal connections)

Early treatment can prevent progression to later stages.

Causes (How LGV Spreads)

LGV spreads through sexual contact with someone who has the infection.

It can spread through:

• vaginal sex
• anal sex (especially receptive anal sex)
• oral sex (less common, but possible)
• genital‑to‑genital contact

LGV is caused by specific chlamydia strains—so it’s still a chlamydia infection, just a more invasive type.

Risk Factors

• Being sexually active without consistent condom use
• Receptive anal sex without protection
• Multiple or anonymous partners
• History of other STIs
• Sexual networks or communities where LGV is more common

Risk ≠ shame. It just means testing and protection are extra important.

Who Is Vulnerable / Susceptible?

• Teens and young adults who are sexually active
• People who have receptive anal sex
• Anyone with partners who don’t test regularly

LGV has been more commonly reported in men who have sex with men, but it can affect any gender.

Complications (If Not Treated)

Untreated LGV can cause:

• Chronic pain in the pelvis or rectum
• Scarring and narrowing of the rectum or genital area
• Fistulas (abnormal connections between organs or tissues)
• Ongoing swelling of lymph nodes
• Increased risk of HIV transmission if exposed

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent most of these complications.

Prevention (Teen‑Realistic)

• Use condoms during vaginal and anal sex
• Use condoms or barriers for oral sex when possible
• Get regular STI testing if sexually active
• Talk openly with partners about STI status and testing
• Don’t ignore rectal or genital symptoms, even if they feel embarrassing

Prevention = protecting your body and your future comfort.

How LGV Develops

Exposure to LGV strain of chlamydia → bacteria enter through genital, anal, or oral tissue → small sore appears (often unnoticed) → bacteria spread to lymph nodes → swelling, pain, and rectal or pelvic symptoms develop.

Testing and treatment interrupt this process.

Common Symptoms (Teen‑Relevant)

• Small, painless sore on genitals or around the anus (may be missed)
• Painful, swollen lumps in the groin (lymph nodes)
• Rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge
• Feeling like you constantly need to poop (rectal urgency)
• Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

Some people may only notice rectal symptoms and think it’s hemorrhoids or something “minor.”

What Other Problems Can Look Like LGV?

• Regular chlamydia infection
• Gonorrhea
• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures (small tears)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Other causes of swollen lymph nodes or genital sores

Because symptoms overlap, testing is essential for a correct diagnosis.

Diagnosis and Tests

A healthcare professional may:

• Ask about symptoms and sexual history (including anal sex)
• Do a physical exam of the genital and anal area
• Test for chlamydia using swabs (genital, rectal, or throat) or urine
• Send samples to specialized labs to identify LGV strains (in some cases)

LGV is usually diagnosed as a type of chlamydia with specific symptoms and risk factors.

Treatment and Therapies

Good news:
LGV is treatable with antibiotics.

Treatment usually includes:

• Prescription antibiotics for a longer course than regular chlamydia (often several weeks)

Key rules:

• Take all medication exactly as prescribed
• Do not stop early, even if you feel better
• Avoid sex until treatment is complete and cleared
• Make sure partners are tested and treated
• Follow up with your provider if symptoms don’t improve

Early treatment can prevent long‑term damage and complications.

Statistics & Reality

• LGV is less common than many other STIs
• Cases have increased in some regions and communities
• It’s often under‑recognized because symptoms can mimic other conditions

Just because it’s rare doesn’t mean it’s impossible—especially if risk factors are present.

Alternative / Complementary Support

Helpful (with professional guidance):

• Rest and hydration during treatment
• Pain relief as recommended by a provider
• Mental health support if you feel anxious or ashamed

These do not replace antibiotics. LGV requires medical treatment.

New Treatment Approaches

• Improved STI screening, including rectal testing when needed
• Better awareness among providers and communities
• Research into optimal treatment durations and strategies

Cost of Treatment

• STI testing is often low‑cost or free at public clinics
• Antibiotics are usually covered by insurance or available at reduced cost
• Some clinics offer sliding‑scale or no‑cost care for teens

Insurance & Confidentiality

• STI testing and treatment are often confidential
• In many places, teens can access sexual health services without parental notification
• You can ask about privacy before any exam or test

Prognosis

• Good with early diagnosis and full treatment
• Most people recover without long‑term problems if treated in time
• Delays in treatment increase the risk of scarring and chronic issues

LGV is serious—but not hopeless when addressed early.

What Happens If No Treatment?

• Chronic pain in the groin, pelvis, or rectum
• Scarring and narrowing of rectal or genital tissues
• Fistulas (abnormal connections between organs)
• Ongoing swelling of lymph nodes
• Higher risk of HIV transmission if exposed

Ignoring LGV doesn’t make it disappear—it just gives it more time to cause damage.

Living With or After LGV (Teen Life Edition)

• Finish your full course of antibiotics
• Get retested if your provider recommends it
• Use condoms consistently for vaginal and anal sex
• Talk honestly with partners about STI testing
• Remember: an STI diagnosis does not define your worth

Your body is not “ruined” by an infection—it’s responding to something that can be treated.

Myths vs Facts (TeenThreads Reset)

❌ Myth: “LGV is so rare, I don’t need to care.”
✅ Fact: If you’re sexually active—especially with anal sex—knowing about LGV helps you recognize warning signs.

❌ Myth: “It’s just hemorrhoids or irritation.”
✅ Fact: Rectal pain or bleeding can be from many causes—LGV is one of them. Testing matters.

❌ Myth: “If I feel better, I can stop my meds.”
✅ Fact: Stopping antibiotics early can leave infection behind.

❌ Myth: “Talking about anal sex with a doctor is too embarrassing.”
✅ Fact: Being honest helps you get the right tests and treatment.

When to See a Doctor or Clinic Now

Consider getting checked if:

• you have painful, swollen lumps in your groin
• you notice rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge
• you see a sore or bump on your genitals or around your anus
• a partner tells you they have chlamydia or LGV
• you’re sexually active and haven’t been tested in a while

Asking questions about your body is not “too much”—it’s smart, brave, and protective.

Trusted Resources (Learn More)

• CDC – Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)https://www.cdc.gov/std/lgv/default.htm
• MedlinePlus – Chlamydia Infectionshttps://medlineplus.gov/chlamydiainfections.html
• WHO – Sexually Transmitted Infectionshttps://www.who.int/health-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections

TeenThreads Final Word

LGV may be rare, but your health isn’t.

You can:

• learn about even the “uncommon” STIs
• get tested without shame
• protect yourself and your partners
• treat your body like it deserves answers—not silence

Real power is knowing what’s out there—and knowing you’re strong enough to face it.