Frequent HIV Symptoms in Women

While AIDS generally affects more men than women, HIV infection is the number one cause of death for African-American females between the ages of 25 and 34. According to the Illinois Department of Health, men and women typically have many of the same symptoms, but women can experience additional symptoms.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

• Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are typically intense itching, burning and irritation of the vagina. There may or may not be discharge present. Urination and intercourse may also be painful. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases states that a yeast infection is usually treated with anti-fungal creams, suppositories or pills.

Other Vaginal Infections

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It may produce itching, pain, odor, discharge and/or burning. BV may go away on its own but treatment is recommended to avoid complications. Usually a course of antibiotics is all that is necessary. Treatment is especially important if a woman is pregnant.

Sexually-transmitted Diseases

• Women who have HIV are at a greater risk of other sexually-transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and the human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms of sexually-transmitted diseases vary, but many include nausea, fever, lower abdominal pain, low back pain, pain during intercourse or bleeding between menstrual periods. According to the CDC, some STDs produce no symptoms.

Pelivc Inflammatory Disease

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, and usually produces no symptoms while the disease damages organs. Some symptoms may include lower abdominal pain, fever and unusual vaginal discharge.

Menstrual Changes

• Women with HIV can experience a variety of menstrual changes including spotting between periods, heavier or lighter bleeding, and complete cessation of menstruation (amenorrhea).