27.03.2009
The symptoms of LGV are very different from the typical chlamydia symptoms of urethritis and cervicitis (see the section on chlamydia). Men are more likely than women to have noticeable symptoms.
Three stages of symptoms can occur with LGV. In the first stage, a small red bump or ulcer occurs in the genital or anal area; it is painless, transient, and usually missed. The lesion appears a few days to a few weeks after infection; it can occur on skin outside the genital and anal areas, but it occurs more commonly on the head of the penis or on the cervix or labia. The bump usually heals without a scar.
The second stage (and the most commonly noticed symptom of LGV) consists of lymph node swelling in the groin area. This stage usually occurs within ten days to six months after infection. At this point, the bacterium also enters the bloodstream, and it can cause infection at sites distant from the site of initial infection, such as the liver, lung, and brain. Although the lymph node swelling usually occurs on one side of the groin, it can occur on both sides at the same time. The lymph nodes are usually painful; they may rupture and drain pus, and the person may experience fever.
During this stage, men and women may also experience inflammation and infection of the urethra, which is usually symptom free. Women can also have infection and inflammation of the cervix.
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