LYMPHOGRANULOMA VENEREUM

General Information

DEFINITION--A contagious venereal disease that involves the genitals and lymph glands. This disease is found mostly in tropical and subtropical areas. It is rare in North America.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Genitals; lymph glands.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes of adults, but most common in men aged 20 to 40.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

The following begin 1 to 4 weeks after exposure and progress in order:

• A painless blister on the genitals that ulcerates and heals quickly.
• Enlarged lymph glands in the groin that form large, red, tender masses.
• Multiple areas of deep infection that discharge thick pus and blood-stained material. Other symptoms include:
• Fever.
• Muscle aches and pain, including backache.
• Headaches.
• Joint pain.
• Appetite loss.
• Vomiting.

CAUSES--The bacterium, Chlamydia, which is transmitted by sexual activity. Incubation period is about 3-12 days.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Travel to a country with a tropical or subtropical climate.
• Anal intercourse.
• Unprotected sexual activity with new partners.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Use condoms during sexual intercourse with new partners.
• Don't engage in sexual activity with an infected person.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies, such as a blood study to rule out syphilis, culture of the discharge from lesions and Frei test (See Glossary) and antibody tests for the chlamydia organism.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to drain affected lymph glands or remove abscesses and fistulas.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Chronic infection.
• Interference with bowel and bladder function.
• Impotence (sometimes).

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable in 6 months if treatment is successful. If not, the disorder is incurable, although it does not reduce life expectancy.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Your sexual contacts should be examined also.
• Heat applied to affected area may help discomfort.

MEDICATION--

• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.
• Your doctor may prescribe: Antibiotics to fight infection, taken for 21 days. Pain relievers.

ACTIVITY--After treatment, resume normal activity as soon as symptoms improve. Don't resume sexual relations until completely healed.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of lymphogranuloma venereum.
• The following occurs during treatment: Fever spikes to 101F (38.3C) or higher. Pain cannot be relieved with simple pain medicine. You develop symptoms of malabsorption (see Malabsorption in Illness section).
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.