Gynecological conditions and HIV / AIDS

October 2005     View PDF     En español

Gynecological (GYN) conditions are common in women living with HIV and AIDS. They affect a woman’s reproductive organs including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, cervix and vulva (see graphic). For women living with HIV, GYN conditions can be more frequent, serious and difficult to treat. They can range from chronic, repeated yeast infections (candidiasis), abnormal periods, vaginal warts to cervical cancer. For many women, frequent GYN conditions are the first signs of immune suppression due to HIV infection.

This publication contains information about the symptoms, tests and treatments for common GYN conditions. It is a tool you can use when discussing your GYN health with your doctor, and it can assist in routine self-monitoring.