HIV/AIDS: What Are the Signs of HIV in Men and Women?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a sexually transmitted infection that affects millions of people worldwide, including Malaysia. In this article, we will look at the symptoms of HIV in both men and women, as well as the best way to treat this infection. Let us start by learning about HIV infection and its statistics in Malaysia.

What is HIV and AIDS?

HIV is a virus that infects the human body and causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). The virus spreads through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, breast milk, and vaginal fluids. HIV cannot be cured, but with the right treatment, people with HIV can live a normal life.

HIV in Malaysia

According to Malaysian Ministry of Health data, there were approximately 102,257 HIV cases in Malaysia in 2020. Women account for 22% of all HIV cases. This report demonstrates that HIV is a serious health problem in Malaysia, and it is critical to detect HIV symptoms early.

Health Before HIV Diagnosis

Individuals may not experience any specific symptoms before being diagnosed with HIV. However, several factors can increase the risk of HIV infection such as:

• Having a partner who is HIV positive
• Having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) history
• Ever had unprotected sex
• Syringe sharing

If you have these risk factors, seek a further examination from a doctor to confirm your infection status.

Signs of HIV in Women

• Pain in the upper and lower abdomen

Pain or bloating in the upper and lower abdomen can be an early sign of HIV. Infections in the uterus or cervix frequently cause pain in the lower abdomen in women. Pain in the upper abdomen indicates a problem with the liver or pancreas.

• Menstrual changes

HIV-positive women may notice changes in their menstrual cycle. They may have more or less bleeding than usual, or they may have irregular periods.

• Vaginal discharge

Excessive and unusual vaginal discharge can also be a sign of HIV in women. These symptoms are usually caused by HIV affecting a woman's immune system. This discharge could also be a sign of another condition, such as a bacterial infection, which requires immediate treatment. Yeast infections can cause discharge and itching on the genitals and inside the mouth.

• Pain during sex

In women, pain or discomfort during sex can also be an indication of HIV. This is because HIV can cause nervous system problems and pain during sex. Women who are experiencing this issue should seek treatment as soon as possible and get tested for HIV.

Signs of HIV in Men

Men infected with HIV may experience the following early signs:

• Loss of interest in sexual activity

Many HIV-infected men experience a loss of libido and a lack of interest in sexual activity, either abruptly or gradually. This can be caused by virus-induced hormonal changes, fatigue, or other side effects of treatment medications.

• Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the prostate or prostate gland in men. It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, such as HIV, and if not treated properly, it can become chronic. Individuals with prostatitis who also have HIV risk factors should get tested for HIV.

• Sexually transmitted infections

One of the first signs of HIV in men is sexual infection. Infections like syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and herpes can raise a person's chances of contracting HIV.

A person who has this infection should see a doctor right away to get an HIV screening test. Sexually transmitted infections should be avoided with precautions such as usage of condoms when having sex.

• Proctitis

Proctitis is an infection that causes inflammation in the anus and rectum. Symptoms include pain during defecation, anus pain or discomfort, and anal discharge. Proctitis can also be an early sign of HIV infection in men.

• Penile Cancer

This cancer is extremely rare; however, men with HIV are at a higher risk of developing it. Penile cancer symptoms include a lump on the penis, pain in the penile area, and discomfort when urinating. Men experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention and be tested for HIV.

Common Symptoms of HIV

• Cold-like symptoms

Individuals may exhibit these symptoms as early signs of HIV infection. It usually appears 2-4 weeks after virus exposure and can last for several weeks. Among the possible symptoms are:

• Persistent headaches that do not go away with regular medication.

• Fever or a slightly elevated body temperature 

• Patients can also experience a prolonged cough that does not heal for a long period.

• Frequent sneezing accompanied by a runny or stuffy nose

• Low energy and tired

A lack of energy or fatigue is a common symptom of HIV. Even after adequate rest, these symptoms persist. If you have these symptoms for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor to have your health checked.

• Swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are components of the body's immune system that aid in the fight against infection. In HIV patients, the lymph nodes can become blocked as a result of the virus attacking the body's immune cells. Lymph nodes that swell are most commonly found in the neck, armpit, or groyne.

• Weight loss

Individuals infected with HIV frequently lose a lot of weight. This is caused by immune system disorders in the body caused by HIV, which supplies white blood cells, causing the body's metabolism to malfunction.

• Frequent fever

Recurrent fevers indicate that the body's immune system is attempting to combat a viral infection. A fever occurs when the body's temperature rises as a result of an infection. Fever caused by HIV can strike suddenly and last for a long time.

•  Night sweats

Individuals infected with HIV may also sweat excessively at night. Sweating can make bedclothes and clothing wet and sticky. Excessive night sweating indicates that the body's immune system is working to combat the virus. It can also be brought on by hormonal changes in the body as a result of HIV infection.

• Oral thrush 

Oral thrush is a fungus infection of the mouth that most commonly affects people with weakened immune systems, such as HIV patients.

It appears as a white lesion in the mouth and, if left untreated, can spread to other areas such as the throat, oesophagus, and stomach lining.

• Skin rash

A skin rash or peeling skin that is difficult to heal is one of the symptoms of HIV. This skin rash can appear anywhere on the body and usually appears 2 to 3 weeks after HIV exposure. Fever, headache, sore throat, and fatigue may accompany this skin rash.

• Short-term memory loss

Sudden short-term memory loss is another early indicator of HIV. Individuals living with HIV may experience short-term memory problems and take longer to remember new information.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you encounter any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. You should also see a doctor if you have unprotected sex, share needles with other drug users, or have a history of sexually transmitted diseases.

The doctor will examine you and perform a blood test to determine whether or not you have HIV. If the blood test reveals that you're positive for HIV, the doctor will discuss the best treatment options for your condition.

Don't Wait Any Longer!

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Although an HIV diagnosis can cause fear and anxiety in many people, it is critical to seek treatment as soon as possible. The earlier a person receives treatment, the better the prognosis and the lower the risk of contracting AIDS. So don't wait any longer; take action today!