How Do You Know If a Guy Has HIV?

Symptoms of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can manifest differently for each individual. The indicators of the virus may vary from person to person, and some people may take a long time without showing any symptoms.

Although most of the symptoms are similar for both sexes, there are signs of HIV that are more specific to men than women. Several pieces of research suggest that there may be unique symptoms more common to men who have contracted the virus. Here’s what you need to know.

How do you know if a guy has HIV?

Signs and symptoms specific to men:

Low libido or sex drive. Diminishing sex drive is one of the main symptoms more specific to guys with HIV. The reduction in sexual arousal has been closely tied to low testosterone levels, a reproductive hormone particular to guys. It can also signify hypogonadism or the low testosterone production among this specific sex. Hypogonadism may also link to:

• Depression
• Fatigue
• Infertility
• Less hair-growth
• Growth in breast tissue
• Lower sperm count

Erectile dysfunction. Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction is the constant inability to have an erection. Besides aging, high blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV can also be attributed to erectile dysfunction.

Penile rashes. Rashes can appear on the penis who has HIV. Often, these are recurring.

Painful or burning sensation when peeing. Sometimes caused due to a bacterial infection, prostatitis, or prostate infection can be one of the signs of HIV exclusive to men. Prostatitis may cause:

• Painful ejaculation
• Abnormal peeing
• Cloudy or bloody pee
• Bladder, testicle, penis, and rectum pain
• Pain in the lower back, abdomen, or groin

On the one hand, some general symptoms of HIV that are common to both males and females may include:

• Fever
• Rashes on the skin
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph glands
• Muscle pain
• Join pain
• Thrush
• Ulcers (mouth)
• Excessive sweating
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting

How to know if a guy has HIV?

Although there is no specific way to confirm the HIV status in any patient without a medical test, learning about the typical first signs gives a direction. To clear things out, people of all genders are equally prone to contracting HIV. However, the best way to know is still by getting tested and clinically diagnosed with the help of a medical professional.

Do not ignore these symptoms if you have been experiencing them frequently after a potential contraction with the disease. Consult a doctor and take a test.