LGV gets inside the body through the mucous lining of the mouth, penis or inside of the rectum. Anal sex without condoms is the easiest way this happens, but using dildos in more than one man’s rectum without cleaning can also spread LGV.
Not everyone with LGV has symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they usually evolve in three stages and it is very important to catch it early:
Three days to three weeks after infection, there may be a small painless sore on the penis, mouth or anus at the site of the original contact. If infection is in the penis, there may be pain when urinating or a discharge.
Ten to 30 days later (or even longer), glands may become painfully swollen. Different symptoms relate to different sites of infection.
Over time, the bacteria will cause inflammation, scarring and tissue damage that can have serious effects on the area around the genitals and inside the anus. Haemorrhoid-like growths can develop in the anus and tissue damage can narrow the rectum. The genitals can swell dramatically.
LGV will show up as chlamydia in a penile or anal swab. However, it may be missed in the throat because throat swabs for Chlamydia are not standard. If a test shows positive for chlamydia, further tests will need to be done to confirm LGV.
If treated before it gets to the third stage, LGV is quickly cured with antibiotics and leaves no lasting damage.
Having LGV makes it easier to pass on HIV because of the bleeding and skin damage LGV causes. It also puts you at higher risk of other STIs like syphilis and possibly hepatitis C.
Condoms reduce the chance of getting LGV as does using latex gloves while fisting. When more than two men are having sex a new condom should be used with each man to prevent infection being passed from one to another. Dildos and other sex toys should not be shared or should be covered with a condom that is changed with every new person they are used on or washed between partners. Washing your hands with soap and water immediately after sex can help prevent infection.
Molloscum Contagiosum
Molloscum Contagiosum (MC) is a virus that causes pimple-like lumps on the body.
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Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Pubic Lice (Crabs) are small parasites that grip onto the hair in the genital area.
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Scabies
Scabies are tiny mites (smaller than crabs) that burrow under the skin to lay eggs.
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Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that infects the penis, vagina, throat or anus and then spreads to different parts of the body through the bloodstream.
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Thrush
Thrush (or Candidiasis) is a yeast infection that irritates the mucous membranes around the genitals.
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Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can infect the mucous lining of the penis, anus, or vagina.
Keep reading…6/11
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that lives in the mucous lining of the penis, throat, anus, vagina or eyes.
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Gut Infections
Gut Infections are caused by bacteria (such as amoebiasis, shigellosis, giardiasis and salmonellosis).
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Hepatitis A, B & C
Hepatitis A, B & C are all viruses that cause inflammation of the liver. There are three different kinds of Hepatitis. Each has different symptoms and different treatments.
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Herpes (HSV)
Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus, HSV) presents in two different types: cold sores or genital herpes.
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Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that can cause warts on the penis, anus or surrounding areas.
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