Symptoms of lymphogranuloma venereum start 1-3 weeks after sexual contact with an infected person. The symptoms occur in 3 stages.

Symptoms of the first, or primary, stage of lymphogranuloma venereum include:

• Genital sores:
• Painless blisters or ulcers on the surface of the genitals
• Occurs 3 days to 3 weeks after exposure
• Genital sores disappear in a few days, leaving no scar.

Symptoms of the secondary, or bubonic, stage of lymphogranuloma venereum include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin:
• Lymph nodes are tender and painful
• Within 2 weeks, an abscess may form in the swollen glands.
• The abscess may rupture and drain cloudy fluid.
• Fever
• Headache
• Chills

Symptoms of the third, or tertiary, stage of lymphogranuloma venereum include:

• Anal pain:
• Worse during bowel movements
• Anal discharge:
• Pus draining from the anus
• Fever