HIV/AIDS Symptoms in Men
AIDS and HIV symptoms in men. The signs and symptoms of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) differ in each person. They have the same infection, but the set of symptoms can be different and distinct. Commonly, both men and women have the same signs of the infection, but there are symptoms that are truly unique only to men. Learn more about these warnings and detectable signs here!
Note: Some of the symptoms that will be mentioned below may be associated with other medical conditions. Should these be present to you, contact your health care professional at once.
Hypogonadism
This condition causes a low sex drive or libido in men, which is truly associated with HIV. Hypogonadism happens when the testicles do not produce enough sex hormone testosterone.
Other symptoms that are linked with hypogonadism are:
- Erectile dysfunction – inability to sustain an erection
- Depression – mood disorder
- Fatigue – a feeling of tiredness
Painful sores
One of the common signs of HIV is painful sores. These include ulcers inside the mouth or esophagus. Aside from its presence in the mouth, these painful sores can also be found on the anus and penis. Medications are available to treat them, but they can come back.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a condition where the prostate gland becomes swollen and painful. It is associate with either a bacterial or viral infection, most especially with HIV.
Some symptoms that are linked with prostatitis are:
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Frequent urination
- Pain during ejaculation
- Pain around the base of the penis
- Cloudy urine
- Chills and high fever
The symptoms mentioned are specific only to men. Should you suspect of contracting the human immunodeficiency virus, consult your doctor immediately. Know your status and get tested right away.
Since there is no known cure for HIV, treatments are available to lessen and stop the virus from further complicating the immune system. ART or antiretroviral therapy is introduced to stop HIV from multiplying or making copies of itself. ART gives an infected individual a right to live with an average or normal life expectancy of a human. Add to that the quality health care it provides to HIV-positive people.
Below are the most common symptoms of HIV from its earliest phase to its later stage.
Early Symptoms of HIV
Some of the symptoms of HIV in its earliest stage are recognized as a flu-like illness. These are as follows:
- Fever
- Mild headache
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Sore throat
- Skin rashes
- Swollen lymph glands
- Night sweat
- Stomach discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Mouth ulcers
This stage is referred to as primary HIV infection. While others may feel the mentioned symptoms, not everyone will experience the same. Aside from this fact, HIV transmission is easy and quick during this phase because of the high amount of viral load in an HIV-positive person.
Later-Stage Symptoms of HIV
Once the immune system has done battling the infection and the virus has won, the condition is then referred to as chronic and asymptomatic. During this time, a person with HIV will not experience any more symptoms, but the virus has already multiplied, and the immune system is weakened. This is also where ART needs to be given right away.
Advanced Infection
AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. During this time, the immune system is severely damaged and is also incapable of fighting other infections. Some of its symptoms are:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe diarrhea
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue
- Pneumonia
- Mouth sores
- Genital sores
- Recurrent fever
- Severe night sweats
- Patches on the skin
- Memory loss
Once you’re diagnosed with AIDS, the doctor will most likely prescribe ART. Take your medicine regularly to avoid acquiring more complications that could be fatal to you. A regular visit to the doctor will also keep you posted on the treatment and the progress of your health.
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