| Basic Information |
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| Description |
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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.
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| Frequent Signs and Symptoms |
The following begin 1 to 4 weeks after exposure and progress in order:
- A painless blister on the genitals which ulcerates (becomes an
open and runny sore) and then 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.
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| Causes |
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The bacterium Chlamydia, which is transmitted by sexual activity.
Incubation period is about 3 to l2 days.
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| Risk Increases With |
- Travel to a country with a tropical or subtropical climate.
- Anal intercourse.
- Unprotected sexual activity with new partners.
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| Preventive Measures |
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse with new partners.
- Don't engage in sexual activity with an infected person.
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| Expected Outcome |
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Usually curable in 6 months if treatment is successful. If not,
the disorder is incurable, although it does not reduce life
expectancy.
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| Possible Complications |
- Chronic infection.
- Interference with bowel and bladder function.
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- Diagnostic tests may include laboratory blood studies and culture
of the vaginal discharge; pelvic ultrasound; and surgical diagnostic
procedures, such as laparoscopy (a telescopic instrument with fiber
optic light is used to examine the abdominal cavity) or culdocentesis
(passage of a needle through the cervix into the peritoneal cavity to
obtain a fluid sample).
- Treatment may be done on an outpatient basis if infection is mild.
It is important to adhere to your treatment and medication schedule.
Close medical follow-up care is necessary.
- Use heat to relieve pain, such as warm baths. This may, also reduce
the bad odor of the vaginal discharge, as well as relax muscles and
relieve discomfort. Sit in a tub of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes as
often as needed.
- Use sanitary pads to absorb the discharge or menstrual flow; don't
douche during treatment.
- Hospitalization may be required for severe illness, further
diagnostic studies, suspected abscess or appendicitis, or patient's
failure to comply or to respond to outpatient therapy, or in case of
pregnancy.
- Surgery to drain a pelvic abscess (sometimes).
- Hysterectomy may be recommended for older patients who desire no
more children.
- Psychotherapy or counseling, if infertility occurs.
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| Medication |
- Antibiotics to fight infection are taken for 21 days.
- For minor discomfort, you may use nonprescription drugs such as acetaminophen.
- Stronger pain relievers may be prescribed.
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| Activity |
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After treatment, resume normal activity as soon as symptoms improve.
Don't resume sexual relations until completely healed.
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| Diet |
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No special diet.
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
- You or a family member has symptoms of Lymphogranuloma venereum.
- The following occur during treatment:
Temperature rises to 101oF (38.3oC) or
higher. Pain cannot be relieved with simple pain medicine.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment
may produce side effects.
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