symptoms of HIV. Indeed, the manifestations associated with HIV are generally identical for both genders. There are, however, some differences between genders.
Women’s HIV Signs and Symptoms
Some indications only occur for women, usually during the latter stages of the infection.
Changes in your menstrual cycle. You may have heavier or lighter bleeding, have irregular periods, or suffer from extreme PMS. Stress and different STDs, often associated with HIV, may cause these symptoms. They can also occur due to the virus’s effects on immunity and can affect the hormones in your body.
Lower belly discomfort. It is among the symptoms of an infection in the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes called pelvic inflammatory disorder (PID). PID may also trigger:
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Fever
- Irregular times
- Pain during sex
- Aches in your upper belly
The vaginal yeast infection. Many women living with HIV have these issues frequently and sometimes more than once a year. If you develop a yeast infection, there are several symptoms you could experience:
- A thick white discharge comes emanating from the vagina
- Pain during sex
- The pain when you pee
- Burning in the vagina or soreness
Early Signs and Symptoms
Both for women and men, between 2 and 4 weeks after being sick, you’ll experience symptoms similar to an illness called influenza. This is a sign that your body is reacting to fight the flu. It could last for a few weeks.
Signs of a brand recent HIV disease can include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle pains
- Sleepy nights
- Rash
- A sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
Women and men who have HIV are susceptible to the candidiasis in your mouth known as the thrush, also known as oral candidiasis. It can cause swelling and a white, thick coating covering the mouth, tongue and throat.
Confident people do not have any symptoms that suggest earlier HIV infection. However, you should be tested if you think you might have been exposed to HIV.
Visit your physician or visit an emergency room immediately if you believe you may have come in contact with the virus within the last few days. The medications known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) will help you stay from developing HIV. However, they only work when you use them within 72 hours of contracting the virus. Your doctor will provide you with a prescription for PEP, and you’ll need to take the pills once or twice a daily for 28 days.
Later HIV Stages
When you start experiencing flu-like symptoms in the initial few weeks, you’ll enter what doctors refer to as the clinical latency phase, which is also known as the asymptomatic HIV illness as well as persistent HIV infection. It’s when you start feeling better as the virus creates copies of itself inside your body. The majority of people don’t experience any symptoms at this point.
Antiretroviral treatment ( ART) drugs will ensure your health and help you avoid spreading HIV to other people. If you are taking the medication in the prescribed manner, you will remain in latency for years and may even live a chance to live everyday life.
Be open about your HIV status with your potential partners. They should be checked for HIV. Utilize a condom right every time you have sex to safeguard yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted illnesses.