Early Signs of HIV: What Women and Men Should Look Out For

Published on: 3rd October 2024
Medically reviewed by: Dr Huda Hassan Khan

Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV affects a person’s immune system by weakening it. The infection is transmittable through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Early detection of the virus can facilitate timely treatment to suppress HIV and slow the advancement into the later stages of the infection. Stage 3, which is AIDS, can be avoided or delayed using certain medications. Also, noticing signs of HIV virus early and seeking treatment through antiretroviral medicines can deter transmission to other individuals.

In this post, we will discuss the common and specific HIV symptoms in men and women, along with the importance of early diagnosis of HIV.

Understanding the Symptoms of HIV

Acute retroviral syndrome or the early signs of HIV virus, resembles the effects of flu. The condition damages CD4 T cells and impacts the immune system adversely. While signs of HIV in women and men are almost the same, there are a few differences. But the common problems both genders may encounter are:

Joint pain
Nausea
Muscle aches
Unexplainable bleeding
Diarrhea
Rash
Thrush
Hormonal changes
Gum disease
Splotches on skin
Shortness of breath
Skin discoloration
Malaise
Weight loss
Swollen lymph nodes
Fever
Ulcers on the genitals
Headache
Sore throat
Loss of appetite
Night sweats
Fatigue or tiredness

Why is Early Diagnosis of HIV Crucial?

The infected person becomes vulnerable to all kinds of illnesses and infections upon contracting HIV. The virus not only affects the quality of life but overall well-being as well. So, why is it crucial to diagnose HIV at the earliest? And how much time does it take for the symptoms to occur?

It can take 2 to 4 weeks from transmission for symptoms of HIV to show in people. For others, they remain asymptomatic and face no noticeable struggle after contracting the infection.
The early signs and symptoms of HIV may be confused with general sickness. Thus, many may not understand that they have been infected.
Lack of symptoms can stretch for 10 to 15 years. However, the virus is still present and if untreated it can progress to AIDS even if there are no signs.
Early diagnosis of HIV symptoms in women and men can prevent chronic diseases, which are immediate effects of weakened immune systems, restrict transmission to others, and increase the life expectancy of the person.

Signs and Symptoms of HIV in Women

Because of biological differences between genders, the signs of HIV in women are different from those of males in the following ways:

1. Disturbances in the Menstrual Cycle

Changes in the menstrual cycle such as heavier or lighter bleeding, skipped periods, etc. may occur due to hormonal changes from the virus’s impact on the immune system.

2. Infection of the Vagina

Vaginal yeast infection is one of the early signs of HIV in females, which causes pain during intercourse and peeing, soreness and burning feeling of the vagina, and thick white discharge from the vagina.

3. Intercourse Related Issues

Pelvic inflammatory disease, genital herpes, and chancroid due to sexually transmitted diseases may lead to fever, pain during intercourse, unusual vaginal discharge, irregular periods, etc.

4. Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is due to an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina leading to a burning sensation when urinating, vaginal pain/itching/discharge, fishy and strong vaginal odor, or watery and thin discharge.

5. HIV Positive Pregnant Women

If an infected pregnant woman, early intervention by noticing the signs of HIV virus can save the baby as well from the condition by the use of proper medicines, C-section delivery, and additional measures.

HIV Symptoms in Men: What to Watch Out For?

The HIV symptoms in men are again distinct as they have different genitals than their female counterparts. Below we will discuss what they may encounter through the infection:

1. Low Libido

One of the early signs and symptoms of HIV in males is low libido, which is probably because of hypogonadism. This occurs when the testicles do not produce a sufficient amount of testosterone.

2. Sores and Ulcers

Penile organ sores, ulcers on the esophagus, and painful open sores on the mouth and rectum may happen. However, these may heal but return later on.

3. Prostatitis

Prostatitis is painful peeing due to a swollen prostate. It is one of the HIV symptoms in men, especially older males. The prostate is situated under the bladder, and bacterial infection of this gland leads to frequent urination, painful ejaculation, pain in the belly/lower back/groin/testicles/rectum/scrotum, etc.

4. Testosterone Related Problems

The signs and symptoms of HIV in males also include infertility, hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, less muscle mass, breast tissue growth, depression, more body fat, tiredness, less hair growth on the body, and smaller testicles.

5. STDs and Urinary Infections

Common signs of HIV infection in men are a burning sensation and pain during urination because of a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, etc. Or, urinary tract infection because of a weak immune system.

Doctor on Call by First Response Healthcare

For those concerned about the early signs of HIV, First Response Healthcare’s doctor on call service provides expert medical consultation right at your doorstep. Our experienced doctors can evaluate symptoms, offer guidance on the next steps, and recommend appropriate testing, all from the comfort of your home. This service ensures that you receive timely, confidential care and support, helping you address potential health issues effectively and with minimal disruption to your daily life.

Conclusion: Importance of Detecting Symptoms of HIV Early

Detecting signs of HIV early is life-saving in more than one way because it not only adds several years to your life even after getting a serious infection but makes your life worth every moment while coping with this complication, and delaying the last stage — AIDS disease.

According to Dubai Health Authority, all health facilities must provide the required data on HIV-positive individuals. This data along with that on particular infectious diseases will be used to ensure a healthy environment for Dubai residents. Thus, if you encounter symptoms of HIV, speak to your healthcare provider, and get tested for the disease at the nearest center.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q. After how many days do HIV symptoms start to appear?

It can take 2-6 weeks for signs of HIV to first appear. The symptoms are like the flu. But it is best to get tested for the virus if you have indulged in risky behaviors such as unprotected intercourse, sharing needles, etc.

Q. How do you know if a man is HIV positive?

The only way to know if a person is HIV positive is to get tested for HIV. But it is always wise to act quickly on seeking medical assistance if HIV symptoms in men start showing.

Q. What color is HIV discharge in females?

Vaginal discharge in HIV-infected women is usually thick with a cottage cheese-like texture, which is yellow and white. This is among the first HIV symptoms in women, likely due to vaginal infection.

Q. Can HIV be cured at an early stage?

Once infected, there is no cure for HIV. However, keeping track of early signs and symptoms of HIV can provide a better life and health to the person through adequate treatment.