Human immunodeficiency virus is a retrovirus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. According to the World Health Organization, women comprise 50 percent of people living with HIV worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that women are more likely than men to get infected with HIV during vaginal intercourse. According to AIDS.org, gynecological problems are the earliest signs of HIV infection in women.
Vaginal Yeast Infections
According to The Body, a doctor may suspect HIV infection if a woman has recurrent vaginal yeast infections that are not related to the use of antibiotics. Yeast infections are overgrowths of the fungus candida albicans in the vagina and around the vulva. Yeast infections are common in women but occur more frequently in women with HIV. HIV destroys the immune system, leading to overgrowth of fungus in the vagina and other areas of the body. Yeast infections due to HIV are treated with prescription antifungal drugs and antifungal creams.
Gyneocological Infections
According to Aids.org, women with HIV are more likely to suffer from recurrent vaginal infections. Vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, occur more frequently and at greater severity in HIV-positive women. Sexually transmitted diseases are also more severe in HIV-positive women than in uninfected women. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is a virus that normally causes genital warts, may cause cervical cancer in HIV-positive women.
Menstrual Cycle Problems
The Body states that HIV-positive women may experience menstrual problems, such as irregular periods, missed periods, heavy periods or light periods, and darkening of menstrual blood. HIV-positive women may also suffer from severe signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Women with CD4+ cell counts of less than 50 may not have menstrual periods at all.
