HIV symptoms in women can be similar to those in men, but there are some differences. Some of the common symptoms of HIV in women include:

• Flu-like symptoms: After contracting HIV, the immune system responds to the virus, and symptoms may include fatigue, headache, low-grade fever, coughing, sneezing, a runny nose or congestion, which can resemble those of a cold or flu.

• Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen lymph nodes can be one of the earliest symptoms of HIV after an acute infection. Following an acute HIV infection, the virus continues to multiply at a slower rate. A person may or may not have symptoms.

• Changes in menstrual cycle: Women with HIV may experience lighter or heavier bleeding, skip periods, or have severe PMS. Stress or other STDs, which are common with HIV, can cause these issues. But they may also happen because of the viruss effects on the immune system, which may change hormones.

• Vaginal yeast infections: Many women with HIV get these often, sometimes several times a year. When you get a yeast infection, you can have thick white discharge from your vagina, pain during sex, pain when you pee, and vaginal burning or soreness.

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is an infection of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes that can cause lower belly pain, unusual vaginal discharge, fever, irregular periods, pain during sex, and pain in your upper belly.

• Cervical cancer: While not a symptom of HIV, cervical cancer can be an AIDS-defining condition. Women with HIV should be screened for cervical cancer annually and treated as needed.

It is important to note that many people have no symptoms when they first become infected with HIV, and more severe symptoms may not appear for 10 years or more. Even during the asymptomatic period, the virus is active inside a person’s body and can be passed to another person.