7 HIV Symptoms In Women: Expert Reveals The First Warning Signs

Early signs of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be mild and often go unnoticed. However, even in the absence of obvious symptoms, an HIV-positive person can still transmit the virus to others. This highlights the importance of knowing one's HIV status. 

HIV remains a major global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. While both men and women can contract and spread the virus, the symptoms experienced by women can differ significantly from those seen in men.

In this context, female doctors play a crucial role in recognising these gender-specific symptoms and providing timely medical interventions. By understanding the unique challenges that women face, healthcare professionals can enhance treatment outcomes and work towards reducing the stigma surrounding HIV. To gain more insight into this topic, we spoke to Dr Vandana Nikkam, Senior Medical Officer - BNYS, MD Clinical Yoga, SDM Kshemavana, Bangalore, who shared her expertise on the matter.

Early Symptoms Of HIV In Women

The early stage of HIV infection, called acute retroviral syndrome (ARS), typically develops within two-four weeks after exposure. During this phase, individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, which can often be mistaken for common viral infections. According to Dr Nikkam, women may exhibit certain unique symptoms that are sometimes overlooked.

Some of the early signs of ARS include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches
• Skin rashes
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort (specific to women, often dismissed as a minor issue)

Recognising these symptoms early can help in timely diagnosis and medical intervention, preventing further complications.

Progression of HIV Symptoms

If left untreated, HIV advances to a chronic phase, during which symptoms become more persistent. According to Dr Nikkam, women in this stage may experience ongoing health issues that can impact their overall well-being.

Some of the common symptoms during this phase include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Recurrent infections (such as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and frequent yeast infections)

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Gynaecological Symptoms in Women

Women with HIV are more prone to gynaecological complications due to a weakened immune system. Dr. Nikkam emphasises that certain infections and conditions are more frequent and severe in HIV-positive women.

Some common gynaecological issues include:

• Recurrent vaginal yeast infections
• Higher risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Increased chances of cervical cancer
• Abnormal Pap smears and cervical dysplasia (precancerous cervical changes)

These factors highlight the importance of routine gynaecological checkups and screenings for women with HIV.

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Impact on Pregnancy

HIV in pregnant women poses risks to the unborn baby, as the virus can be transmitted during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, with timely antiretroviral treatment (ART), the risk of mother-to-child transmission can be greatly minimised.

Proper medical care and ART during pregnancy are crucial in ensuring both maternal health and the baby's well-being.

Regular HIV screenings and gynaecological check-ups play a key role in early detection and management. By raising awareness and ensuring timely medical intervention, we can help improve the quality of life for women with HIV and reduce its spread.

Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.

Credits: Freepik