7 Health Concerns for Men With HIV

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Sandra Gordon and Greg McConnell on April 22, 2021

Men account for 81% Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source of all new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections in the U.S. If you're among them, you can take certain steps to stay as healthy as possible. There's no cure for HIV, but addressing these concerns can help you cope with the illness and take charge of your health.

  • male talking to doctor
    1. Seeking Medical Care
    Of all the gay and bisexual men in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with HIV, only half receive medical care for the infection. If you're HIV-positive, get treatment. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) uses medicine to keep HIV from growing in your body. It can help you live longer and reduce the spread of HIV.
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    2. Affording Treatment
    If you're HIV-positive, medical care is available even if you don't have health insurance or money to pay for health services. To find help in your area, including housing assistance and substance abuse and mental health services, visit  http://hab.hrsa.gov/gethelp/index.html.
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    3. Managing Treatment Side Effects
    ART drugs may cause mild, short-term side effects, such as anemia (low red blood cells), diarrhea, dizziness, tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, pain, and nerve problems. If your drug reactions are severe or long-lasting, tell your doctor. He or she may be able to change your medications to make ART more tolerable.
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    4. Managing Your Mental Health
    If you have a positive attitude while living with HIV, you're more likely to take your medicines, keep your health appointments, and take better care of yourself overall. If you feel down or anxious, tell your health care provider so you can get the help you need to feel better.
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    5. Disclosing Your HIV Status
    If you have HIV, it's important to tell your health care providers, current and past sexual partners, and anyone with whom you've shared drug-injecting needles. If you don't want to tell them yourself, you can contact your local health department. They can inform your sexual and needle-sharing partners about their possible HIV exposure without sharing your name.
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    6. Telling Your Friends and Family
    Sharing your HIV status with people you trust can improve your mental health. When deciding whom to tell, consider your relationship and whether that person is likely to be supportive. Timing is important, too. Ask yourself if that person needs to know now, or whether it's better to wait.
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    7. Protecting Your HIV-Negative Partner
    To protect your partner from HIV, take your ART medicine and see your doctor on schedule. ART can help you stay as healthy as possible and reduce the spread of HIV. Also, use condoms every time you have sex and talk with your partner about PrEP— medicines used to prevent HIV.
7 Health Concerns for Men With HIV
HIV
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Last Review Date: 2021 Apr 22
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.