Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major concern throughout the world, affecting millions of people across genders, ages, and regions. HIV, also known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, has symptoms, progression, and complications regardless of who contracts it; it can differ between men and women. Knowing these differences is essential for early detection, proper treatment, and the prevention of long-term complications.

This Blog will help you understand HIV symptoms between men and women, common signs in both, which are gender-specific, and why these differences occur.

What Is HIV?

It is the virus of the immune system that spreads due to infected blood, sexual fluids like semen, or unprotected sexual intercourse, which increases the risk of HIV.

HIV attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T-cells), which help the body fight infections. The untreated form can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of infection, which affects the immune system badly, leading to severe complications.

Stages Of HIV Progression

HIV typically appears within 2-4 weeks. If left unscreened or untreated, this condition progresses through 3 primary stages, each with unique features. These are:-

1.Acute Stage

Early stage of infection, showing flu-like symptoms, characterised by rapid viral DNA replication, leading to high infection rates.

Symptoms include fever, rash, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and cough.
At this stage, the body begins to produce HIV antibodies(which can be used for diagnosis)

2. Chronic Stage

Asymptomatic and shows a slow rate of viral progression. The person may not feel sick but can still transmit the disease to others,

Lasts upto approx.10 years to advance to stage 3, which is the last stage of infection(time period may vary from person to person)

3.Advanced Stage(AIDS)

HIV transformed into its more severe form, AIDS(Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), characterised bya very low count of CD4 cells through testing

The immune system is severely compromised, making the person susceptible to a variety of infections, thereby reducing life expectancy.

Common Signs of AIDS you shouldnot ignore

• Chronic Diarrhoea
• Severe weight Loss
• Memory loss
• Extreme fatigue
• Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Night sweats and fever
• Tuberculosis and Pneumonia

Note: Requires prompt medical attention and care for the above symptoms. Always go for the right screening test after a brief consultation with the doctor.

Symptoms of HIV in Men

Although there are some similarities in symptoms for men and women,n below are some of the conditions that can be seen more commonly in men, including:-

Testicular Pain or Swelling

Some men with HIV might experience discomfort, swelling, or inflammation in the testicles, usually caused by infections resulting from a weakened immune system.

Sores in the genital area

Painful sores in the oral or anal region may indicate infection with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which is more commonly seen in HIV Positive people.

Reduced Testosterone Levels

Not a direct indicator, but this condition can point out conditions linked with this hormone such as Low sexual drive(low libido), erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and muscle loss.

Painful Urination

Inflammation in the urethral region may cause discomfort during urination and is associated with HIBV infections.

Kaposi Sarcoma

A cancer associated with HIV, more commonly linked to men, early signs show purple or dark lesions on the skin or inside the mouth.

Symptoms of HIV in Women

Recurrent Vaginal Infections

Frequent or severe vaginal infections
It can be an early sign of immune suppression. These may include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and persistent vaginal discharge.

Menstrual Irregularities

HIV can disrupt hormonal levels required for a proper menstrual cycle to follow, leading to missed periods, irregular cycles, and heavier or lighter bleeding.
While stress or weight changes can also affect the cycle, persistent irregularities require medical attention.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is a disorder linked with pelvic infections, leading to inflammation of the reproductive organs, causing abdominal pain and discomfort during intercourse, along with unusual discharge, an indicator of HIV infection

Risk Of Cervical Changes

HIV weakens the immune system’s ability to fight HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which increases the risk of cervical dysplasia (abnormal, precancerous lesions) and Cervical cancer
This test requires HPV testing, routine PAP smears (book now) for better diagnosis

Causes of HIV

• Unprotected Sex- If your partner is HIV positive or not using protection(condom)
• Surgical Needles- Using the same needle repeatedly or without sterilisation
• Through Fluid- Sexual fluid from a person carrying HIV can be transmitted to a healthy person.
• Blood Transfusion/organ transplantation- Contaminated Blood from a person or during organ transplantation may cause this virus to contract.

Who Should Get Tested For HIV Infection

Below are some of the conditions that require HIV testing

• Unprotected sex
• Shares needles Blood transfusion from unknkwn source
• A person with multiple sexual partners
• Experiences unexplained flu-like symptoms after potential exposure
• Is pregnant or planning pregnancy

Note: Not alone. Symptoms. A diagnostic test can help confirm the condition. Consult with your doctor if symptoms persist.

Tests to Diagnose HIV

Below are some of the test that can be recommended based upon symptoms and patient condition

• HIV 1 & 2 Antibody Test (ELISA)
• Rapid HIV Test
• HIV RNA Viral Load Test
• CD4 Cell Count Test
• Western Blot Confirmatory Test
• HIV Drug Resistance Test
• Complete STD Panel (Including HIV)

Book Now with MAX@Home for Reliable HIV & AIDS Testing at Home

Why Do HIV Symptoms Differ Between Men and Women?

Differences in HIV symptoms are influenced by several factors:

Biological Differences

Hormonal differences between the sexes, such as Estrogen and progesterone, can influence immune activity, leading to different symptoms.

Different Anatomy

Women’s reproductive anatomy makes them more susceptible to certain infections like Human papillomavirus (HPV) that may become more severe when immunity declines.

Social and behavioural factors

Healthcare access, stigma, and health-seeking behaviour affect the timing of diagnosis. Women are often diagnosed earlier, for example, during pregnancy, whereas men may be diagnosed later.

Myths Vs Fact- HIV

Below are some of the myths that people are unaware of and that should be addressed if a person has symptoms and a condition associated with HIV

Myth 1: HIV spreads through hugging or shaking hands.
Fact: HIV does not spread through touch, hugging, sharing utensils, or sitting next to someone.

Myth 2: Only certain groups can get HIV.
Fact: Anyone can contract HIV regardless of gender, age, or lifestyle.

Myth 3: You can tell if someone has HIV by looking at them.
Fact: Many people with HIV look completely healthy, especially in the early stages.

Myth 4: Mosquito bites can transmit HIV.
Fact: HIV cannot reproduce and survive inside insects.

Myth 5: HIV is the same as AIDS.
Fact: HIV is a form of retrovirus known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus; AIDS is the most advanced stage of infection when untreated.

Myth 6: HIV can be cured.
Fact: There is no permanent cure yet, but treatment can control the virus and allow people to live long, healthy lives.

Myth 8: HIV treatment is only needed when symptoms appear.
Fact: Early treatment should be started immediately after diagnosis, even if no symptoms are present.

Myth 9: People with HIV can’t have children.
Fact: This requires proper medical care; people living with HIV can have HIV-negative babies.

Myth 10: HIV always leads to death.
Fact: With modern antiretroviral therapy, many people with HIV live near-normal life spans.

Final Thoughts

Are HIV symptoms different in men and women? The answer is both yes and no. Most early HIV symptoms are the same across genders, especially during the acute stage. However, hormonal, anatomical, and reproductive differences can lead to additional or more noticeable symptoms in women, while men may experience hormonal or testicular-related signs.

Because HIV symptoms can be mild, vague, or absent for years, relying on symptoms alone is risky. Regular testing, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment are the keys to living a long and healthy life with HIV.