LGV

LGV stands for lymphogranuloma venereum. It's a type of chlamydia bacteria that attacks the lymph nodes, which are an important part of your body's defence against infections.

LGV is very rarely seen in heterosexual men and women in the UK but cases are being seen among gay and bisexual men.

Antibiotics cure LGV with no lasting effects as long as the infection is treated early enough. Left untreated, LGV can cause lasting damage to the rectum that may require surgery.

For more information on LGV, visit the Terrence Higgins Trust website, or read the BASHH guidelines.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infection that affects the skin. Around nine out of 10 cases happen in children, although it can occur at any age.

The virus can be spread through close direct contact, touching contaminated objects, or sexual contact.

MC is generally a harmless condition that normally gets better in a few months without any specific treatment.

Find out more information about molluscum contagiosum on the NHS website.

Mycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) is a curable sexually transmitted infection. It is a type of bacterium or germ that can infect the water passage (urethritis), the neck of the womb (cervicitis), the womb and fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease). Less commonly it can be found in the rectum (back passage).

However, most people who carry the infection do not experience any problems, and many get rid of MGen infection without any treatment.

Find out more information on mycoplasma genitalium.

Shigella

Shigella is an infection which causes diarrhoea and is caught from contact with the faeces (poo) of an infected person. You can pick up the bacteria if you drink water or swallow food that is contaminated with faecal matter. This isn't common in the UK and is often associated with overseas travel.

You can also pick up the bacteria if you get faecal matter in your mouth during sex - for instance, through rimming (licking) or fingering the anus.  Around half of shigellosis cases seen in the UK are caught this way. Gay and bisexual men are particularly at risk.