STI watch – myths about LGV
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a particularly aggressive form of the chlamydia bacteria. It has been relatively rare in NSW but there have been several cases reported in Sydney over the past year
Some popular misconceptions about STIs like LGV are:
• If you have a sexually transmissible infection (STI) such as LGV you will know. Wrong: most times STIs will have vague symptoms which can be confused for other things or have no symptoms at all.
• Having LGV is not curable. This is totally wrong: LGV is treatable. It’s very important to treat this infection earlier rather than later to avoid further transmission and also the development of more serious symptoms.
• LGV is something that only guys who have lots of sex get. Not true: all it takes is one guy. Most guys who have an STI don’t even know that they have it, so always use condoms with your casual sexual partners.
The most important thing is to get a sexual health check at least yearly.
Next week: Hep C
info: Information on LGV and other STIs is available at www.thedramadownunder.info. You can also find your closest Sexual Health Clinic and sign up for a sexual health check reminder.
