Lymphogranuloma Venereum - Essay Example

The actual number of LGV patients is not available, a few cases of LGV are diagnosed in the United States every year (Lymphogranuloma Venereum). Central and South America are most affected by LGV bacterial infection as compared to North America.
The development of this disease can be grouped under two phases such as primary phase and secondary phase. Doctors say that appearance of symptoms of LGV may vary from a few days to a month after the sexual contact occurred. The LGV would start as a painless genital ulcer after the 3-12 days of infection mainly at the contact site. Both men and women rarely notice the disease in its primary stage as it does not produce any specific symptoms. The second phase normally occurs 10-30 days later. In the course of this disease, lymph nodes may swell and cause pain. After a few days of infection, swelling and redness of the skin may appear in the groin area. In addition to the above, ‘blood or pus from rectum and painful bowel movements are other symptoms of LGV (Lymphogranuloma Venereum). Scientists have proved that this disease may lead to diarrhea and abdominal pain. In the case of women, LGV generally produces some abnormal connections or fistulas in the rectal area. A detailed check-up can diagnose LGV; it is suggestible for a patient to tell the doctor if he/she had any sexual contact with an LGV-affected person.
As discussed above, ulcers on the genitals and abnormal connections in the rectal area are the direct signs of LGV. Biopsy of the lymph node is considered the most effective test for LGV. In addition, blood and laboratory tests are recommendable for the detection of Chlamydia. The most common antibiotics that are used to treat LGV infection include tetracycline, doxycycline, and erythromycin. Sometimes, LGV may produce catastrophic complications if it turns to brain inflammation. Similarly, LGV may lead to scarring and shortening of the rectum.
The increasing awareness of LGV and other sexually transmitted diseases would contribute to effective HIV and STI prevention strategies. We know that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) which is highly dreadful as no effective vaccine has been developed to prevent this. Other forms of Sexually Transmitting Infections (STI) also raise many adverse impacts on the human body and often destroy the reproductive capacity of affected persons. Proper awareness given on these diseases would alter the unhealthy way of people’s sexual life. Safe sex, including the use of contraceptives like condoms, may avert the transmission of sexual diseases (Sexually transmitted diseases). Read More