Antibiotic can help prevent common sexually transmitted infections

Does HIV Cause Urinary Symptoms?

HIV doesn't cause urinary symptoms on its own but may increase your risk of a health condition, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney damage, that can lead to symptoms.

Living with HIV can potentially raise your risk of certain health conditions that can affect your urinary tract. These complications may result from its effects on the immune system or from certain medications used to treat HIV.

These conditions can include:

infections

kidney damage

prostate inflammation, if you have a prostate

People who are on stable antiretroviral therapy regimens will have less compromised immune systems. However, they may still have a risk of certain urinary tract complications.

Keep reading to learn more about possible urinary symptoms associated with HIV, how to manage them, and when to get medical attention.

Some people with HIV may have an increased risk of certain infections, including UTIs. This can include people following their ART regimen. Research suggests UTIs are more likely in people with a lower CD4 count and a higher viral load.

UTIs develop when there's too many bacteria or the wrong bacteria in the urinary tract. They typically cause symptoms that can include:

In people with HIV with compromised immune systems, UTIs are typically considered complicated. Complicated UTIs are more serious and may require longer antibiotic treatment. They are more likely to cause additional symptoms, such as:

fever

chills

lower back or side pain

feeling sick (malaise)

nausea or vomiting

UTIs are more likely to develop in females, including among people with HIV. This is because females have a shorter urethra. However, when they develop in males, UTIs are more likely to be considered complicated and more serious.

Doctors often treat complicated UTIs with oral antibiotics. However, if a UTI progresses and a person develops symptoms that affect their body systems, they may need intravenous (IV) antibiotics and necessary fluids.

People with HIV may have an increased risk of damage to the kidneys. This may be due to:

the HIV itself

other medical conditions

effects of HIV medications

Having certain other health conditions in addition to HIV can increase the risk. These can include:

hepatitis C

diabetes

high blood pressure

Kidney damage can result in symptoms that can affect urination, including:

frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)

urine that's frothy or foamy

Kidney damage can also cause other symptoms that may affect other areas of the body as it gets worse. These can include:

If you have HIV, your regular monitoring appointments likely include tests to monitor your kidney function. If doctors notice signs of kidney damage, they may adjust your medications. It's best to talk with a doctor if you notice changes in your urination or other concerning symptoms, especially if you have HIV.

HIV may increase the risk of certain types of prostatitis, or prostate inflammation, in people with prostates who have HIV. This is likely due to HIV's effects on the immune system.

Prostatitis can result from a bacterial or viral infection and can become chronic, or long lasting.

Prostatitis causes urinary symptoms that can include:

a burning or stinging feeling while peeing

difficulty peeing

a weak urine stream

urinary frequency

It may also cause additional symptoms, such as:

pain when ejaculating

pain in the penis, scrotum, testicles, or between the scrotum and anus

pain in the lower back or pelvic area

Treatment for prostatitis can depend on the type of prostatitis you have. It can involve medication, physical therapy, and at-home care.

8 Early Symptoms Of Gonorrhoea In Women, Expert Reveals What To Look Out For

Gonorrhoea, commonly known as 'the clap,' is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) that spreads through vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner. While some individuals may experience no symptoms, others may notice painful urination and abnormal vaginal discharge.

Interestingly, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhoea thrives in various warm and moist parts of the body, not just the reproductive tract but also the mouth and throat.

For women, gonorrhoea symptoms can differ from those in men, making it crucial to recognise early warning signs. We spoke with Dr Vandana Nikkam, Senior Medical Officer at SDM Kshemavana, Bengaluru, who shared key symptoms women should watch out for.

8 Early Symptoms Of Gonorrhoea In Women

Dr Vandana Nikkam explains that gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. While it affects both men and women, early detection in women can be challenging due to mild or no symptoms. However, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.

Common Symptoms of Gonorrhoea in Women:

Unusual Vaginal Discharge: May appear watery, yellow, or green with an unpleasant odour.

Pain or Burning During Urination: A sign of urinary tract irritation or infection.

Frequent Urination:An increased urge to urinate, which may indicate a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) related to gonorrhoea.

Painful Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sex, often due to inflammation of the cervix or vaginal walls.

Bleeding Between Periods: Unusual spotting or bleeding outside of regular menstrual cycles, signalling a cervical infection.

Lower Abdominal Pain: A possible indication that the infection has spread to reproductive organs, potentially leading to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

Rectal Discomfort: This may include itching, pain, discharge, or bleeding from the rectum.

Fever: A low-grade fever may accompany the infection.

Complications Of Untreated Gonorrhoea

If gonorrhoea is left untreated, it can lead to several serious health issues, particularly in women. According to Dr Nikkam, early detection and timely treatment are crucial to prevent complications that can affect reproductive health.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): The infection can spread to the fallopian tubes, causing inflammation and scarring. In severe cases, it can also affect the ovaries, resulting in further complications.

Chronic Pelvic Pain: Long-term pelvic pain is a common consequence of untreated PID, making daily activities uncomfortable.

Infertility: Scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes can prevent fertilisation, leading to difficulty in conceiving.

Ectopic Pregnancy: When a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes, it can pose serious health risks and requires immediate medical intervention.

Higher Risk of HIV Transmission: Dr. Nikkam highlights that untreated gonorrhoea increases the risk of HIV, making the body more vulnerable to infections.

Bartholin's Gland Abscess: The infection can lead to a painful abscess in the Bartholin's gland, which may require surgical drainage.

Endometritis: Gonorrhoea can cause inflammation of the uterus lining (endometritis), leading to pain, abnormal bleeding, and discomfort.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: A gonorrhoea diagnosis can result in stress, anxiety, and emotional distress, affecting a person's mental well-being.

Dr Nikkam advises that if you notice any symptoms or believe you've been exposed to gonorrhoea, seeking medical care promptly is essential. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help prevent complications and safeguard reproductive health.

Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.

Credits: Freepik

Overcome Your HIV Test Fears

The numbers are staggering…

: (Tony Daniels, Rea Junior, Larry Madison, Dan Jones):

Narrator

In 2006 almost three million AIDS deaths — 44 million diagnosed worldwide.

: (David L)

Narrator

In the United States, it's estimated that more than a million are currently living with the HIV virus — many don't even know it because they're afraid to be tested. Recent trends show that's a dangerous attitude.

Jeff Lennox, MD

Heterosexual persons, who are having multiple partners, now make up about half of the patients in our clinic with HIV.

Barret Tyson

Being tested and finding out early will save your life, it will prolong it. So it is important to be tested.

Narrator

Barrett Tyson was one of those afraid to be tested — not only because of the possible devastating reality of having the disease, but also because of the impact it would have on his friends, family and lovers.

Jeff Lennox, MD

It's not like getting a positive blood test for diabetes, you don't have to call up everybody you've ever eaten a meal with and tell them you have diabetes… whereas if you come up positive for HIV, you really should call up everybody you've ever had sex with, or ever shared needles with, so that they too get tested.

Narrator

Traditional blood tests can take days to more than a week for a result. For many, the wait is excruciating: Newer oral HIV testing can, more often than not, produce accurate results within minutes — a vast improvement.

Jeff Lennox, MD

You basically have a swab device that's placed in your mouth briefly and then it's taken out and dipped into a small container of chemicals. And those chemicals detect whether your saliva is positive for HIV.

Patient

Whew … thank you. One line means I'm negative, right? Yes. Yes. Thank you.

Narrator

Healthcare providers are hoping the quicker, more convenient procedure will encourage more people to get tested. They also stress that a negative result is not the end of the process. Re-testing at six months, assuming there's been no new exposure, is the only way to know for sure. For Barrett Tyson, that test was not good news.

Barret Tyson

The first person I told was my best friend…he gave me a hug and said, 'we'll get through this'…and that's what happened.

Narrator

In today's world, safe sex means more than wearing condoms. It means having an open, honest dialog with anyone you're planning on having sex with. …and feeling comfortable enough to ask about their HIV status.

Barret Tyson

I'm not going to sleep with someone and not tell them I'm positive — because that's not truthful and it's against the law. And I would never want to put anybody at risk — even having safe-sex and not telling them is wrong

Narrator

For WebMD, I'm Damon Meharg.

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Hide Video Transcript

: (Stanton Cunningham, Tony Lilow)

Narrator

The numbers are staggering…

: (Tony Daniels, Rea Junior, Larry Madison, Dan Jones):

Narrator

In 2006 almost three million AIDS deaths — 44 million diagnosed worldwide.

: (David L)

Narrator

In the United States, it's estimated that more than a million are currently living with the HIV virus — many don't even know it because they're afraid to be tested. Recent trends show that's a dangerous attitude.

Jeff Lennox, MD

Heterosexual persons, who are having multiple partners, now make up about half of the patients in our clinic with HIV.

Barret Tyson

Being tested and finding out early will save your life, it will prolong it. So it is important to be tested.

Narrator

Barrett Tyson was one of those afraid to be tested — not only because of the possible devastating reality of having the disease, but also because of the impact it would have on his friends, family and lovers.

Jeff Lennox, MD

It's not like getting a positive blood test for diabetes, you don't have to call up everybody you've ever eaten a meal with and tell them you have diabetes… whereas if you come up positive for HIV, you really should call up everybody you've ever had sex with, or ever shared needles with, so that they too get tested.

Narrator

Traditional blood tests can take days to more than a week for a result. For many, the wait is excruciating: Newer oral HIV testing can, more often than not, produce accurate results within minutes — a vast improvement.

Jeff Lennox, MD

You basically have a swab device that's placed in your mouth briefly and then it's taken out and dipped into a small container of chemicals. And those chemicals detect whether your saliva is positive for HIV.

Patient

Whew … thank you. One line means I'm negative, right? Yes. Yes. Thank you.

Narrator

Healthcare providers are hoping the quicker, more convenient procedure will encourage more people to get tested. They also stress that a negative result is not the end of the process. Re-testing at six months, assuming there's been no new exposure, is the only way to know for sure. For Barrett Tyson, that test was not good news.

Barret Tyson

The first person I told was my best friend…he gave me a hug and said, 'we'll get through this'…and that's what happened.

Narrator

In today's world, safe sex means more than wearing condoms. It means having an open, honest dialog with anyone you're planning on having sex with. …and feeling comfortable enough to ask about their HIV status.

Barret Tyson

I'm not going to sleep with someone and not tell them I'm positive — because that's not truthful and it's against the law. And I would never want to put anybody at risk — even having safe-sex and not telling them is wrong

Narrator

For WebMD, I'm Damon Meharg.

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