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Signs And Symptoms Of HIV In Males
Signs of HIV that affect males include penile ulcers, erectile dysfunction, proctitis, hypogonadism, and prostatitis. Other symptoms can also include a fever, sore throat, rashes, and more.
HIV is a virus that affects white blood cells known as CD4 cells, which play a major role in the body's immunity. Since HIV attacks the body's immunity, people with the condition are more likely to develop infections and other conditions.
As numerous conditions can cause the same signs and symptoms of HIV, it is important to determine the cause. A doctor can perform tests to diagnose HIV and rule out other possible conditions.
Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of HIV in males. This article also looks at other common symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and more.
Most signs and symptoms of HIV are the same for anyone. However, some are unique to males.
Penile ulcersA 2017 case report details a person with HIV developing penile ulcers. This can cause painful sores or lesions on the penis and enlarge the lymph node in the groin area.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) may help heal penile ulcers.
Learn more about ART.
Infectious proctitisAccording to a 2018 study, infectious proctitis — inflammation of the rectum — occurs frequently in males with HIV who have sex with other males.
Symptoms of infectious proctitis include:
Treatment for infectious proctitis typically involves antimicrobial therapy.
Learn more about proctitis.
Erectile dysfunctionResearch from 2021 indicates that erectile dysfunction has a prevalence rate of anywhere from 13–86% among males with HIV.
Symptoms can include a lack of erection or a partial erection. Erectile dysfunction can also affect a person's sex life and cause a loss of interest in sex.
A doctor may recommend medication for a person with erectile dysfunction. Talk therapy may also be beneficial.
Learn more about erectile dysfunction.
HypogonadismHypogonadism, or low testosterone levels, may occur in males with either treated or untreated HIV.
Common symptoms of hypogonadism include:
Testosterone replacement therapy can help treat hypogonadism.
Learn more about hypogonadism.
ProstatitisHIV is a risk factor for acute prostatitis. The condition refers to swelling or inflammation of the prostate gland.
Symptoms of prostatitis include:
Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics for prostatitis. In severe cases, a person may need to stay in the hospital.
Learn more about prostatitis.
Doctors diagnose HIV with various blood tests. These can include:
Learn more about HIV tests.
The main treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy (ART).
ART involves taking a combination of HIV medications known as HIV treatment regimen. While ART cannot cure HIV, it can help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives.
Learn more about HIV treatments.
A person may be able to reduce their risk of HIV by:
Here are some common questions about HIV.
Are there early warning signs of HIV?A person may initially experience flu-like symptoms. These can include fatigue, chills, night sweats, and a sore throat.
How long does it take for HIV to show up in males?The first symptoms of HIV usually appear 2–4 weeks after exposure to the virus. However, some people may not experience any symptoms.
It is best for a person to contact a doctor for advice if they believe they may have been exposed to HIV, even if they do not have any symptoms.
What are the 5 main symptoms of HIV?The symptoms of HIV can be nonspecific. Not everybody with HIV will have the same symptoms. However, the main symptoms that do occur in the early stage can resemble the flu.
Signs of HIV in males can include proctitis, penile ulcers, prostatitis, hypogonadism, and erectile dysfunction.
Other symptoms of HIV can include a fever, muscle aches, sore throat, chills, and a rash. In some cases, a person may not experience any symptoms.
A doctor will typically use blood tests to test for and diagnose HIV. The main treatment for HIV is ART therapy. Doctors may also recommend treatments for specific symptoms.
Rashes And Skin Conditions Associated With HIV And AIDS: Symptoms And More
HIV may cause skin conditions that lead to rashes, sores, and lesions. These symptoms may manifest in the disease's primary stage, or later indicate its progression. Several types of treatments could help relieve symptoms.
About 90 percent of people with HIV will develop a skin condition during the course of their disease. These skin conditions usually fall into one of three categories:
As a general rule, skin conditions caused by HIV are improved with antiretroviral therapy.
HIV usually progresses through three stages:
A person is most likely to experience skin conditions during stage 1 and stage 3 of HIV.
Fungal infections are especially common when the immune system is at its weakest, in the third stage. Infections that appear during this stage are often called opportunistic infections.
Dermatitis is the most common symptom of HIV. Treatments normally include one or more of the following:
Some types of dermatitis include:
XerosisXerosis is skin dryness, which often appears as itchy, scaly patches on the arms and legs. This condition is extremely common, even in people without HIV. It can be caused by dry or hot weather, overexposure to the sun, or even hot showers.
Xerosis can be treated with moisturizers and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding long, hot showers or baths. More serious cases may require prescription ointments or creams.
Atopic dermatitisAtopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that often causes red, scaly, and itchy rashes. It can appear on many parts of the body, including the:
It affects about 30 percent of people in the United States, and it appears to be more common in dry or urban environments.
Atopic dermatitis can be treated with corticosteroid creams, skin-repairing creams known as calcineurin inhibitors, or anti-itch medications. Antibiotics may be prescribed for infections. However, recurrence is common in people with HIV.
Seborrheic dermatitisSeborrheic dermatitis mostly affects the face and scalp, resulting in redness, scales, and dandruff. The condition is also known as seborrheic eczema.
While it occurs in around 5 percent of the general population, the condition is seen in 85 to 90 percent of people with HIV.
Treatment helps to relieve symptoms and typically consists of topical methods, such as antidandruff shampoos and barrier repair creams.
PhotodermatitisPhotodermatitis occurs when UV rays from sunlight cause rashes, blisters, or dry patches on the skin. In addition to skin outbreaks, a person with photodermatitis might also experience pain, headaches, nausea, or fever.
This condition is common during antiretroviral therapy, when the immune system becomes hyperactive, as well as during severe immunodeficiency.
Eosinophillic folliculitisEosinophillic folliculitis is characterized by itchy, red bumps centered on hair follicles on the scalp and upper body. This form of dermatitis is found most frequently in people in later stages of HIV.
Oral medications, creams, and medicated shampoos may be used to help manage symptoms, but the condition is typically difficult to treat.
Prurigo nodularisPrurigo nodularis is a condition in which lumps on the skin cause itchiness and a scab-like appearance. It mostly appears on the legs and arms.
This type of dermatitis affects people with extremely compromised immune systems. Itching can become so severe that repeated scratching causes bleeding, open wounds, and further infection.
Prurigo nodularis can be treated with steroid creams or antihistamines. In severe cases, a healthcare provider may recommend cryotherapy (freezing the lumps). Antibiotics may also be prescribed for infections caused by intense scratching.
DID YOU KNOW?
Photodermatitis is most common in people of color. People of color are also more likely to develop prurigo nodularis.
A number of bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections affect people with HIV. The most commonly reported infections include:
SyphilisSyphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It leads to painless sores, or chancres, on the genitalia or inside the mouth. The secondary stage of syphilis also results in sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. The rash won't itch and typically appears on the palms or soles.
A person can only contract syphilis through direct contact, such as sexual contact, with syphilitic sores. Syphilis is usually treated with an injection of penicillin. In the case of a penicillin allergy, another antibiotic will be used.
Because syphilis and HIV share the same risk factors, people who receive a syphilis diagnosis may want to consider an HIV screening test as well.
CandidiasisHIV can lead to oral thrush, a type of skin infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans (C. Albicans). This recurrent infection causes painful cracks at the corners of the mouth (known as angular cheilitis) or a thick white layer on the tongue.
It occurs at lower CD4 cell counts. The preferred treatment method is antiretroviral therapy and an increase in the CD4 count.
Other fungal infections seen in people with HIV include:
A variety of antifungal medications can be used to treat these infections.
Other treatments for thrush include oral rinses and oral lozenges. Vaginal yeast infections can also be treated with alternative remedies such as boric acid and tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a popular remedy for nail fungus as well.
Herpes zoster virus (shingles)Herpes zoster virus is also known as shingles. It's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same underlying virus as chickenpox. Shingles can lead to painful skin rashes and blisters appearing. It may appear when a person is in the early or late stages of HIV.
A person diagnosed with shingles may want to consider an HIV screening test if their HIV status is unknown. Shingles is more common and more severe in people living with HIV, especially those with more advanced forms of HIV.
Treatment often involves antiviral drug regimens. However, pain related to the lesions may persist long after the lesions heal.
People at high risk for shingles may want to discuss the vaccine with their medical provider. Since the risk of shingles increases with age, the vaccine is also strongly recommended for adults over 50.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)Chronic and persistent herpes simplex virus (HSV) is an AIDS-defining condition. Its presence indicates that a person has reached this most advanced stage of HIV.
HSV causes cold sores on the mouth and face as well as genital lesions. Lesions from HSV are more severe and persistent in people with advanced, untreated HIV.
Treatment may be administered episodically — as outbreaks occur — or on a daily basis. Daily treatment is known as suppressive therapy.
Molluscum contagiosumMolluscum contagiosum is characterized by pink or flesh-colored bumps on the skin. This highly contagious skin virus often affects people with HIV. Repetitive treatments may be necessary to completely rid the body of these unwanted bumps.
Bumps caused by molluscum contagiosum are usually painless and tend to appear on the:
The condition can be present at any stage of HIV, but the rapid growth and spread of molluscum contagiosum is a marker of disease progression. It's often seen when the CD4 count dips below 200 cells per mm3 (which is also the point when a person will be diagnosed with AIDS).
Molluscum contagiosum doesn't cause any significant medical complications, so treatment is primarily cosmetic. Current treatment options include freezing the bumps with liquid nitrogen, topical ointments, and laser removal.
Oral hairy leukoplakiaOral hairy leukoplakia is an infection that's associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). If a person contracts EBV, it'll remain in their body for the rest of their lives. The virus is usually dormant, but it can be reactivated when the immune system is weakened (as it is in HIV).
It's characterized by thick, white lesions on the tongue and is likely caused by tobacco use or smoking.
Oral hairy leukoplakia is typically painless and resolves without treatment.
Although direct treatment of the lesions isn't required, people with HIV may consider ongoing antiretroviral therapy regardless. It'll improve the body's immune system, which may also help the EBV go dormant.
WartsWarts are growths on the top layer of the skin or mucous membrane. They're caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
They usually resemble bumps with black dots on them (known as seeds). These seeds are commonly found on the back of the hands, the nose, or the bottom of the feet.
Genital warts, however, are usually dark or flesh-colored, with tops that look like cauliflower. They can appear on the thighs, mouth, and throat as well as the genital area.
HIV-positive people are at an increased risk of anal and cervical HPV, so it's important that they undergo more frequent anal and cervical Pap smears.
Warts can be treated with a few procedures, including freezing or removal via minor surgery. However, HIV makes it much harder for the immune system to get rid of warts and prevent them in the future.
HIV-positive and HIV-negative people alike can reduce their risk for genital warts by receiving the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is only administered to people age 26 and younger.
HIV increases a person's risk of certain types of cancer, including a few that affect the skin.
CarcinomaPeople with HIV may be more likely than the general population to develop basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). BCC and SCC are the most common types of skin cancer in the United States. However, they're rarely life-threatening.
Both conditions are associated with past sun exposure and tend to affect the head, neck, and arms.
A Danish study of people living with HIV found increased rates of BCC in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Increased rates of SCC were also observed in people with low CD4 counts.
Treatment consists of surgery to remove the skin growths. Cryosurgery may also be performed.
MelanomaMelanoma is a rare but potentially fatal form of skin cancer. It usually causes moles that are asymmetrical, colorful, or relatively large. The appearance of these moles may change over time. Melanoma can cause bands of pigmentation under the nails as well.
Melanoma may be more aggressive in people living with HIV, especially those with fair complexions.
Like carcinomas, melanoma is also treated with surgery to remove the growths or cryosurgery.
Kaposi sarcoma (KS)Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the blood vessels. It appears as dark brown, purple, or reddish skin lesions. This form of cancer can affect the lungs, digestive tract, and liver.
It may cause shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the skin.
These lesions often appear when the white blood cell (WBC) count drops dramatically. Their appearance is often a sign that HIV has turned into AIDS, and that the immune system is severely compromised.
KS responds to chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Antiretroviral medications have significantly reduced the number of new KS cases in people with HIV as well as the severity of existing KS cases.
If a person has HIV, they'll probably experience one or more of these skin conditions and rashes.
However, getting diagnosed in the early stages of HIV, starting treatment soon after, and adhering to a treatment regimen will help people avoid the more severe symptoms. Keep in mind that many skin conditions associated with HIV will improve with antiretroviral therapy.
Side effects of HIV drugsSome common HIV medications can also cause rashes, including:
Based on their environment and the strength of their immune system, an individual can have more than one of these conditions at the same time. Treatment might need to address them individually or all at once.
If a rash is present on the skin, consider discussing symptoms with a healthcare provider. They'll assess the type of rash, consider current medications, and prescribe a treatment plan to relieve the symptoms.
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Signs And Symptoms Of HIV In Women
Early on, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes flu-like symptoms, which are similar across all genders. HIV symptoms in women may differ after the initial infection.
HIV is an infection that attacks cells in your immune system, known as CD4 cells. If untreated, HIV may progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which increases the risk of severe infections.
From changes in menstrual cycles to an increase in vaginal infections, HIV can affect the body in ways that lead to symptoms unique to women. Read on to learn about how HIV affects women, special considerations for women with HIV, and when to consult a healthcare provider.
Getty imagesGenerally, people with HIV do not have symptoms right away. It may take 10 years or longer for people with HIV to notice symptoms or complications.
HIV symptoms progress in stages: acute and chronic HIV. Chronic HIV may progress into AIDS if untreated.
Acute HIV symptoms develop within two to four weeks after HIV exposure. During this stage, HIV quickly multiplies and spreads throughout the body.
Within two to four weeks after exposure, about two-thirds of people with HIV have flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue. Those symptoms are your body's natural response to infection.
Other acute HIV symptoms include:
Chronic HIV is also known as asymptomatic HIV infection. It's possible for people not to have any symptoms or feel sick. Severe HIV complications, such as a weak immune system, take years to develop.
With chronic HIV, HIV continues to multiply but at lower levels. Chronic HIV can last about 10 years before progressing to AIDS if untreated.
People with HIV develop AIDS if their CD4 counts fall below a certain level. AIDS increases the risk of opportunistic infections, those that happen more often or severely in people with weak immune systems than others.
In addition to opportunistic infections, AIDS symptoms include:
On average, people with AIDS survive for three years without treatment.
Several HIV-related health changes during chronic HIV infection are specific to women. It's possible not to experience any complications for quite some time. Still, they can eventually develop.
Bone LossPeople with HIV experience faster bone loss than others without HIV, especially women with HIV. Generally, women tend to lose bone faster than men because of the hormonal changes after menopause. Having HIV can affect women's bone loss more so than usual.
Early MenopauseMenopause happens when you do not have a menstrual period for at least 12 months. In the United States, the average age for menopause is 52. People with HIV tend to enter menopause earlier than that.
You may notice various changes, including the onset of hot flashes, during the time leading up to menopause. A hot flash causes sudden heat in the upper part or all of your body. The sensation can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes and can happen at varying frequencies.
Typically, people with HIV have more severe hot flashes than those without the virus.
Menstrual Cycle ChangesYou may notice changes to your menstrual cycle if you have HIV. For example, people with HIV might miss their periods. They might also have lighter or heavier bleeding than before having HIV.
People with HIV are more likely to have severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms than others, such as:
In the United States, about 2% of transgender people make up new HIV diagnoses. Social and medical factors may impact symptoms in transgender women with HIV.
Transgender women may face several obstacles in receiving proper healthcare compared to other women. For example, transgender women may experience discrimination in healthcare settings, such as being called the incorrect name or pronouns.
Some evidence suggests that transgender women with HIV may have concerns over interactions between HIV medicines and gender-affirming treatments. Research has found that transgender women may develop more severe bone loss and have a higher risk of heart disease than others with HIV.
As a result, transgender women with HIV are less likely to take HIV medicine than others. Recognizing those obstacles and taking steps to reduce them may help improve outcomes among transgender women with HIV.
For example, experts advise healthcare providers to consider gender-affirming healthcare history (e.G., past hormone use or surgery) and adjust HIV medicines accordingly.
HIV attacks and weakens the immune system. As a result, women with HIV have a higher risk than others of developing health conditions, such as:
Pregnant or breastfeeding people and those taking HIV medication may be at risk for potential complications.
Transmission to ChildrenHIV can pass from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. Still, people with HIV can have healthy pregnancies. The risk of passing HIV to an infant is less than 1% if you take precautions.
A healthcare provider will likely advise the following precautions:
Pregnant people with HIV—and their children once they are born—need to take HIV medicine to reduce the risk of transmission.
HIV Medicine ComplicationsPeople with HIV can take antiretroviral therapy (ART) to bring and keep HIV at undetectable levels. ART allows people to live with few complications and minimal risk of passing HIV to others.
Generally, women taking ART may have different—sometimes more severe— side effects from HIV medicines. Certain HIV medicines may cause nausea, rashes, and vomiting at higher rates in women than others.
Some HIV medicines can interact with hormonal birth control and increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. You can use any form of birth control if you have HIV. Still, you might need a secondary form of protection if you typically use hormonal methods like implants, pills, or shots.
Talk with a healthcare provider about the best birth control option if you take ART.
Consult a healthcare provider or go to a clinic to receive a blood test if you suspect that you have had exposure to HIV and have flu-like symptoms. Any number of illnesses may cause those early symptoms and do not necessarily mean you have HIV. Still, the only way to know for sure is a blood test.
Some people with HIV never develop early symptoms. A blood test is essential if you think you have had exposure to HIV and do not have flu-like systems.
Early diagnosis is vital for HIV. The sooner you receive a blood test and diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment to bring and keep HIV at undetectable levels.
Staying in close contact with healthcare providers is essential. Reach out if you notice any changes to your health, including seemingly unrelated or minor things like an increase in vaginal infections or menstrual cycle changes.
HIV puts you at an increased risk of complications from infections. Talk to a healthcare provider about what to do if there is a change in your health, such as if you get the flu.
Women with HIV may notice early menopause, menstrual cycle changes, and more frequent vaginal infections than average. HIV may impact bone loss and cervical cancer risk.
Consult a healthcare provider if you think you have had exposure to HIV. A blood test is the only way to know if you have HIV. The sooner you know you have HIV, the sooner you can begin treatment to bring and keep HIV at undetectable levels.
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