Before we start talking about HIV symptoms in women first we have to say something about HIV and AIDS in general. AIDS is a virus syndrome which weakens the immune system i.e. it weakens the ability of the human body to defend itself against various infections.
It is generally considered that there are certain groups of people that are in a high risk group to get AIDS. However, that is not true since there are three conditions that have to match in order to transmit the virus from one person to another.
- The virus has to be present in the body
- It has to be present in a large quantity
- It has to enter into the body via the mucus.
This can happen via small wounds in the mouth, vagina or the rectum, via skin cuts or directly through the blood by a needle.
HIV Symptoms in Women
Early symptoms of AIDS in women can appear in the asymptomatic stage of the infection: weight loss, tiredness and skin changes, like seborrhea and dermatitis. During this phase the symptoms can vary, from bronchial infections to tumors in the mouth. It is also possible to get flu, night sweating, and loss of appetite, difficulty when swallowing, headache and diarrhea.
Certain gynecological conditions can also point to an aids infection and they can even be some of the first symptoms of AIDS in women. Most of the women with a good immune system will feel better after a standard gynecological treatment while women with HIV infection will have to be treated more aggressively since the infection can spread rapidly.
Gynecological conditions that can be considered as HIV infection are:
1. Persistent vaginal candidiasis that can precede the appearance of the candidiasis in the mouth.
2. Chronic infections of the inner genitals.
3. Genital herpes of high intensity that spreads rapidly.
There are also gynecological conditions that can be considered as risk factors for HIV infection. There is a better chance to get infected by the HIV virus if we get in touch with it.
- A woman which is infected with any kind of STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) has a greater chance to get infected by HIV. Genital herpes and syphilis make it easier for the HIV virus to get into the blood system. STDs that are not treated increase the risk by 100%.
- Vaginal irritation which is a result of Candida and Trichomonas infection or Bacterial Vaginosis can cause can make micro-damages on the mucus and increase the number of white blood cells. This increases the risk of HIV infection.
It is known that women who become sexually active in an early age and have many partners make a risk group for such virus infections.
It is important to state that HIV and AIDS are not the same. The person, who has HIV, doesn’t have to have AIDS, but the person who has AIDS also has HIV infection.
If you notice any of these HIV Symptoms in Women don’t jump into early conclusions. Do a HIV testing, which will remove any doubts and fears and make you feel safer and more secure.
