What is Lymphogranuloma venereum?
'''Lymphogranuloma venereum''' (LGV) is a [[chronic]] (long-term) [[infection]] of the [[lymphatic system]] caused by three different types of the bacterium [[Chlamydia trachomatis]]. The [[bacteria]] spread through [[sexual intercourse|sexual contact]]. The infection is not caused by the same bacteria that cause [[chlamydia infection|genital chlamydia]]. LGV is more common in Central and South America than in North America. Every year, a few hundred cases of LGV are diagnosed in the United States. However, the actual number of infections is unknown. LGV is more common in men than women. The main [[Factor (medicine)|risk factor]] is being [[HIV]]-positive. [[Symptom]]s of LGV can begin a few days to a month after coming in contact with the bacteria. Symptoms include: * Blood or [[pus]] from the [[rectum]] (blood in the stools) * Drainage through the skin from [[lymph node]]s in the [[groin]] * Painful [[bowel movement]]s (tenesmus) * Small painless sore on the [[Genital#Men|male genitals]] or in the [[Genital#Women|female genital tract]] * [[Inflammation|Swelling]] and redness of the skin in the groin area * Swelling of the [[labia]] * Swollen groin lymph nodes on one or both sides; it may also affect lymph nodes around the rectum in people who have [[anal sex|anal intercourse]] * [[Diarrhea]] and lower [[abdomen|abdominal]] pain. [[Category:Sexually transmitted diseases]] [[Category:Lymphatic system]] [[Category:Diseases caused by bacteria]]