Over the last few weeks, we have been discussing STDs/STIs caused by bacteria. Today, we conclude on that chapter by focusing on Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV), an uncommon sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by chlamydia trachomatis. Researchers have labelled this STI uncommon because it is rare or we could say endemic in certain areas across the globe. In the last decade however, the disease has been confirmed in some areas in North America, Europe and the United Kingdom among men who engage in sexual intimacy with other men. Such men develop protocolitis, which is a general term for inflammation of the rectum and colon. It often leads to rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, discharge and continuous feeling that the bowel needs to be emptied.
In heterosexuals who do not engage in anal sex, individuals with LGV may develop ulcers, bumps (genital papules) and swelling of the lymph glands around the genitals. When left undiagnosed and untreated, LGV can lead to ulcers and extreme swelling of the external parts of the genitalia and a blockage in the channel of lymph fluid through the body. These complications can cause substantial swelling (elephantiasis) of the genitalia.
LGV can be successfully treated through the use of antibiotics provided to patients upon diagnosis. It is therefore recommended that every sexually active person should do a routine STI/STD test to know their status and get early treatment. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers can also be treated with antibiotics, when it is detected that they may have contracted the disease. Even though treatment is effective, LGV can be contracted by someone who’s had the infection once before and successfully treated it.
To lower your chances of infection, you should embark on the following measures;
1. Again, abstinence is the only effective way to prevent the spread of STDs, especially for young and unmarried persons.
2. Reduce your number of sexual partners to one who has been tested for LGV and does not have LGV
3. Use a new condom each time you have sex and be sure to wear it correctly.
4. Seek medical care during pregnancy.
5. Get tested and treated for other STDs and encourage your partners to do the same.
Do join us in our subsequent posts as we discuss other STIs caused by viruses and preventive measures as well as the treatment options that are available to combat STDs.
Dialogue Genitalia - Ghana 
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