Signs of HIV that affect males include penile ulcers, erectile dysfunction, proctitis, hypogonadism, and prostatitis. Other symptoms include a fever, sore throat, rashes, and more.
HIV is a virus that affects white blood cells known as CD4 cells, which play a major role in the body’s immunity. Since HIV attacks the body’s immunity, people with the condition are more likely to develop infections and other conditions.
As numerous conditions can cause the same signs and symptoms of HIV, it is important to determine the cause. A doctor can perform tests to diagnose HIV and rule out other possible conditions.
Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of HIV in males. This article also examines other common symptoms, diagnoses, treatment options, and more.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
Most signs and symptoms of HIV are the same for anyone. The most common symptoms of HIV are:
However, some are unique to males.
Penile ulcers
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Antiretroviral therapy (ART) may help heal penile ulcers.
Learn more about ART.
Infectious proctitis
Infectious proctitis — inflammation of the rectum —
Symptoms of infectious proctitis include:
- continuous urge to have a bowel movement
- anal discharge
- anorectal pain
- rectal bleeding
- constipation
Treatment for infectious proctitis typically involves antimicrobial therapy.
Learn more about proctitis.
Erectile dysfunction
Research from 2021 indicates that erectile dysfunction has a prevalence rate of anywhere from
Symptoms can include a lack of erection or a partial erection. Erectile dysfunction can also affect a person’s sex life and cause a loss of interest in sex.
A doctor may recommend medication for a person with erectile dysfunction. Talk therapy may also be beneficial.
Learn more about erectile dysfunction.
Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism, or low testosterone levels, may occur in males with either treated or untreated HIV.
Common symptoms of hypogonadism
- reduced libido
- erectile dysfunction
- fatigue
- low mood
Testosterone replacement therapy can help treat hypogonadism.
Learn more about hypogonadism.
Prostatitis
HIV is a risk factor for acute prostatitis. The condition refers to swelling or inflammation of the prostate gland.
Symptoms of prostatitis include:
- pain during urination
- inability to urinate
- pain when passing stool
- pain during ejaculation
- pain in the bladder, penis, testicle, and groin area
- generally feeling unwell
Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics for prostatitis. In severe cases, a person may need to stay in the hospital.
Learn more about prostatitis.
Some common symptoms of HIV can occur in both males and females. They can include:
Learn more about the symptoms of HIV.
Doctors diagnose HIV with various blood tests. These
- Antibody test: Most HIV rapid test kits are antibody tests.Antibody tests can take 23–90 days to detect HIV after exposure.
- Antigen-antibody test: This looks for HIV antigens and antibodies in the blood. An antigen-antibody test can usually detect HIV 18–45 days after exposure.
- Nucleic acid test (NAT): The doctor will recommend a NAT for people who have had recent exposure. A NAT can usually detect HIV 10–33 days after exposure.
Learn more about HIV tests.
The main treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy (ART).
ART involves taking a combination of HIV medications known as an HIV treatment regimen. While ART cannot cure HIV, it can help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives.
Learn more about HIV treatments.
A person may be able to reduce their risk of HIV by:
- getting tested for HIV before having sex
- avoiding injecting drugs
- getting tested and treated for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as STIs can increase the risk of
- using condoms or other protection correctly during sex
- speaking with the doctor about postexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which can reduce the risk of HIV
Are there early warning signs of HIV?
A person may initially experience flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, chills, night sweats, and a sore throat.
How long does it take for HIV to show up in males?
The first symptoms of HIV usually appear
It is best for a person to contact a doctor for advice if they believe HIV exposure is possible, even if they do not have any symptoms.
What are the five main symptoms of HIV?
The symptoms of HIV can be nonspecific. Not everybody with HIV will have the same symptoms. However, the main symptoms that occur in the early stage can resemble the flu.
Signs of HIV in males can include proctitis, penile ulcers, prostatitis, hypogonadism, and erectile dysfunction.
Other symptoms of HIV can include a fever, muscle aches, sore throat, chills, and a rash. In some cases, a person may not experience any symptoms.
A doctor will typically use blood tests to test for and diagnose HIV. The main treatment for HIV is ART therapy. Doctors may also recommend treatments for specific symptoms.
