HIV and GYN health Efforts to understand the relationship between HIV and GYN health have led to as many questions as answers. GYN infections or swelling and tenderness. HIV has also been shown to lead to chronic vaginal inflammation and may lead to increased vaginal discharge. These and other GYN complications women with HIV experience range from being mild and easily treatable to painfully debilitating. Information on some of the most common GYN complications is listed below.
Vaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection common in many women.
Women with HIV are particularly susceptible to vaginal candidiasis. In fact, recurrent vaginal yeast infections are the most common initial symptom of HIV infection disease in women. Recurring yeast infections are a symptom of an already weakened immune system. Intervening to protect the immune system from further damage by HIV and allow the immune system to repair and heal is critical. As the immune system is further weakened and damaged, yeast infections will occur more frequently, be more aggressive and respond less well to therapy.