HIV Symptoms in Men

Each person’s HIV may appear in a distinct way. Not everyone will experience the same set of symptoms, and some people may go months or years without exhibiting any symptoms at all.

In most cases, the symptoms of HIV are similar amongst men and women. It’s not all bad news for males, either.

 

Symptoms Specific to Men

Male-specific symptoms can be indicators of other illnesses, so it’s crucial to keep in mind. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.

Low sex drive. The lack of testosterone production in your testicles is an indication of hypogonadism. HIV is linked to this disease.

In addition, hypogonadism might lead to the following side-effects:

 

Male infertility

Depression

Fatigue

Infertility

On the torso and face, hair growth is reduced

There is an increase in breast tissue.

 

Sores on the penis.  Open sores or ulcers in the mouth or esophagus are classic indicators of HIV infection. Your anus or penis may also be affected. These sores recur frequently.

Pain or burning while peeing.  The majority of the time, this is a sign of a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, and should be treated accordingly. The prostate, a tiny gland located behind the bladder, may be swollen if this occurs. This is referred to as prostatitis. Bacterial infections are sometimes to blame.

Other symptoms of prostatitis include:

When ejaculating, you feel pain

Having to pee more frequently than usual

Pee that is either cloudy or blood-red

Bladder, testicles, penis, or rectum-to-rectum region pain

Back, abdomen, or groin discomfort.

 

Other symptoms, while not exclusive to men, should be monitored.

Early HIV Symptoms

A flu-like sickness can develop within four weeks of contracting the virus. Your body’s natural response to the HIV infection is to produce this type of response.

 

From a few days to several months, it can be a symptom of something more serious. You may have thought:

 

Fever

Headache

Fatigue

A bad case of strep throat.

Itchy skin

Lymph nodes are swollen

Diarrhea

At night, I get hot and bothered by night sweats

Inflamed joints or muscles

There are mouth ulcers.

 

These early flu-like symptoms aren’t seen by everyone living with HIV. Most folks don’t get them. During this time, some people may not feel any different than they normally would.

This stage of HIV infection is known as acute or primary infection by experts. Certain types of white blood cells can become infected with HIV. It multiplies by the billions and disseminates throughout the body. Since there are so many viruses in your bodily fluids at this time, you have a greater potential to infect other people.

 

Later-Stage HIV Symptoms

After defeating your immune system, HIV multiplies more slowly. Chronic or clinical latency refers to this stage. In many circumstances, you will no longer have any symptoms at all..

This stage can extend anywhere from 10 to 15 years without treatment. ART, on the other hand, has the potential to keep you in this stage for decades.

 

AIDS

The final stage of HIV infection is AIDS. This is the point at which your immune system has been severely affected by the virus. Many illnesses can cause symptoms if your body is unable to fight them off.

Signs of AIDS are:

 

I’m dead tired.

Slimming down in a hurry

When the diarrhea lasts more than a week.

Pneumonia

A sore throat, anus, or genitalia

Night sweats and a high temperature that return frequently

Brown, red, pink, or purple spots on the skin or beneath the surface.

 

Later HIV Stages

Doctors call this stage “clinical latency,” which is also known as silent HIV infection or chronic HIV infection, following flu-like symptoms in the first few weeks. While the virus replicates in your body, you’ll start to feel better. During this period, the majority of people have no symptoms.

Your health and the health of others will be protected by ART medication. To remain in latency for decades and even live a normal life span, you must take your medication as instructed.

Be honest with possible sex partners about your medical situation. They need to be tested for HIV. Every time you have s£x, use a condom appropriately to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.