LGV is an STI that often causes symptoms, especially in the anus. Therefore, always treat LGV with medication. LGV occurs almost exclusively in men who have sex with men.
You can get LGV through anal and oral sex. The STI is then present in your penis or anus, or in your throat. LGV almost exclusively occurs in men who have sex with men. Although LGV can certainly occur in the throat or penis, this STI is almost exclusively found in the anus.
LGV often causes symptoms, but not always. These symptoms appear 1 to 5 weeks after you have contracted the STI.
Common symptoms of LGV:
Do you have other symptoms? Your symptoms could also be caused by something else. It is therefore a good idea to see your doctor or the GGD. Don't wait too long and make an appointment.
If you have multiple sexual partners, get tested for HIV and STIs twice a year.
Get an extra test done:
You can arrange an STI test with your GP, the Municipal Health Service (GGD) or Testlab. At Testlab, you can easily arrange your STI test online. Do you have symptoms? Then make an appointment with your GP or the GGD.
A cotton swab is used to take a sample from your anus. This is called a smear test. If the test shows that you have chlamydia in your anus, the doctor will examine whether it is LGV.
If your regular sexual partner has LGV in his anus, a doctor can also test whether you have LGV in your urethra. To do this, you will need to provide a urine sample at your GP or GGD. LGV is almost never found in the urethra.
Please note: Man tot Man Testlab only tests for LGV in the anus.
For LGV, you will be given medication that you must take for three weeks. This medication will ensure that the STI and your symptoms disappear. LGV does not go away on its own. The sooner you start treatment, the better it is for you. This will prevent you from developing severe symptoms. The treatment does not prevent you from contracting the STI again. You can always contract LGV again.
Wait until your treatment is completely finished before having sex again. If you still have symptoms 1 week after treatment, make a new appointment with your doctor.
Condoms work well against LGV and other STIs. Use latex gloves when fisting and do not share dildos and other sex toys (or put a condom on them).
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You can have an STD, even when you have no symptoms. Get tested for STDs 2 times a year. This way you protect yourself and your sexual partners.
