HIV Symptoms in Men - An Overview

Introduction

HIV (human immuno-deficiency virus) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is primarily transmitted through body fluids like blood, semen, vaginal secretion, rectal fluids, and breast milk. Currently, there is no cure for HIV disease, but treatment includes managing the virus and preventing it from progressing to AIDS (acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome). Certain treatments can also help in reducing the risks of transmitting the virus to others.

While both men and women can be infected with HIV, there are some differences in the symptoms experienced by men and women. This article will explore the symptoms of HIV in men.

What Are the Modes of Transmission of HIV?

HIV is primarily transmitted via sexual contact with an infected partner. HIV can also be transmitted through the sharing of needles or syringes with an infected person, by a blood transfusion via an infected donor, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

What Are the Signs And Symptoms of HIV In Men?

The initial symptoms of HIV after two to four weeks of exposure to the virus in men are as follows

• Flu-like symptoms.

• Fever.

• Sore throat.

• Headache.

• Muscle aches.

• Generalized fatigue.

These symptoms can last for a few days to several weeks depending upon the immunity of the person and the virus load. After the initial symptoms, some men might not experience any symptoms for several years or months, or days. This phase is called the asymptomatic phase, but it is important to note that all this time the virus is targeting and weakening the immune system leading to the development of opportunistic infections or HIV-related complications.

As the virus progresses, further symptoms are as follows:

• Fatigue – HIV can cause persistent exhaustion and a lack of energy, which may be caused due to the immune system being compromised or overworking immune systems.

• Swollen Lymph Nodes – As the disease progresses, HIV can cause the lymph nodes to become more swollen and tender, particularly in the neck, armpits, and groin.

• Night Sweats – Bed-soaking night is a classic feature of HIV. HIV can cause excessive sweating at night, which can be severe enough to disrupt sleep or can lead to improper sleep.

• Weight Loss – HIV can cause unexplained weight loss, which may be due to a loss of appetite or malabsorption of nutrients.

• Skin Rash – HIV can cause a rash on the skin, which may be itchy or painful. A rash can be present anywhere on the body and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or swollen lymph nodes. A painful rash with blisters can also occur on the skin known as shingles.

• Diarrhea – HIV infection can cause diarrhea (loose, watery stools).

• Thrush – HIV can cause an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called candida due to weakened immunity which can lead to a thick white coating on the tongue or inside the mouth, also known as oral thrush.

• Genital ulcers – HIV can increase the risk of genital ulcers. It causes painful ulcers or sores on the penis or around the anus or in the perianal area, which can increase the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners.

• Testicular Pain – HIV can cause inflammation of the testicles, which can lead to pain or swelling in the scrotum.

• Neurological Symptoms – HIV can cause damage to the nerves, which can lead to symptoms such as numbness in the hands and feet, or difficulty with balance and coordination.

• Cognitive Symptoms – HIV can cause cognitive problems such as forgetfulness, loss of memory, confusion, or difficulty concentrating.

• Pneumonia – HIV can cause different opportunistic infections, one of them is pneumonia which causes fluid buildup in the lungs.

• AIDS – Full- form is acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome. It is the last stage of HIV.

In addition to the above symptoms erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, infertility issues, reduced hair growth on the body, and breast tissue growth can also occur.

Are Men More Susceptible to Getting Infected By HIV Than Females?

HIV does not specifically infect men more than women, but the risk of acquiring HIV can differ based on various factors that can differ between men and women.

Men have higher rates of HIV than females due to the following reason:

1. High-Risk Behavior: Men are more sexually active as compared to females. Anal sex is the most common cause of HIV transmission. Having sex puts men at a higher risk of HIV transmission because sex may cause tearing and bleeding which increases the risk of HIV transmission.

2. Unawareness: One in seven men has HIV (according to CDC). Men who are unaware of the disease cannot receive treatment and transmit HIV.

3. Biological Factor: Women have a natural defense mechanism against HIV due to the presence of cervical mucus, which makes it challenging for the virus to penetrate their bodies. Men do not have any protection, which makes them more vulnerable to transmission.

4. Injection or Syringes Use: Men are more prone to use shared needles and syringes that cause HIV.

5. Lack of Circumcision: Men who are not circumcised are at a higher risk of HIV through heterosexual sex because the foreskin can be more susceptible to tearing and inflammation, which can increase the risk of HIV transmission.

How to Diagnose HIV?

Various tests are as follows:

• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): This is the most commonly used test for detecting HIV antibodies. It is a laboratory-based test that detects the presence of antibodies to HIV in a person's blood, saliva, or urine.

• Rapid Antibody Tests: These are point-of-care tests that can provide results within 20 minutes. They work by detecting antibodies to HIV in a person's blood or oral fluids.

• Western Blot Test: This is a confirmatory test that is used to confirm a positive ELISA or rapid antibody test result. It involves separating HIV proteins using a gel electrophoresis technique and then detecting the presence of specific HIV antibodies.

• Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA): This is a laboratory-based test that uses fluorescent dyes to detect antibodies to HIV in a person's blood.

• Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CIA): This is a laboratory-based test that uses a chemical reaction to detect HIV antibodies in a person's blood.

• Radioimmunoprecipitation Assay (RIPA): This is a laboratory-based test that uses a radioactive tracer to detect HIV antibodies in a person's blood.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Currently, no cure is available.

Treatment is patient specific depending on the viral load, individual health, and other factors.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used in treating HIV infections which include:

• Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs): These drugs work to block an enzyme that the virus needs to replicate.

• Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs): These drugs work by targeting the enzyme that the virus needs to replicate but they are different from NRTI.

• Protease Inhibitors (PIs): These drugs block another enzyme that the virus needs to replicate.

• Integrase Inhibitors: These drugs target an enzyme that the virus uses for the integration of its genetic material into the DNA of the host cell.

• Entry Inhibitors: These drugs prevent the virus from entering the host cell.

Conclusion

HIV is a viral infection causing AIDS. People suffering from HIV infection need to take ART therapy as prescribed by the doctor. Maintain a healthy lifestyle for proper management of the disease and prevent transmission to others. Early detection and treatment can reduce the impact of HIV and improve the quality of life.