HIV doesn’t cause urinary symptoms on its own but may increase your risk of a health condition, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney damage, that can lead to symptoms.
Living with HIV can potentially raise your risk of certain health conditions that can affect your urinary tract. These complications may result from its effects on the immune system or from certain medications used to treat HIV.
These conditions can include:
- infections
- kidney damage
- prostate inflammation, if you have a prostate
People who are on stable antiretroviral therapy regimens will have less compromised immune systems. However, they may still have a risk of certain urinary tract complications.
Keep reading to learn more about possible urinary symptoms associated with HIV, how to manage them, and when to get medical attention.
Some people with HIV may have an increased risk of certain infections, including UTIs. This can include people following their ART regimen. Research suggests UTIs are
UTIs develop when there’s too many bacteria or the wrong bacteria in the urinary tract. They typically cause symptoms that can include:
- a burning feeling when you pee
- frequent or urgent urination
- pain in the lower abdomen
- changes in urine, including urine that’s cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling
In people with HIV with compromised immune systems, UTIs are
- fever
- chills
- lower back or side pain
- feeling sick (malaise)
- nausea or vomiting
UTIs are more likely to develop in females, including among people with HIV. This is because females have a shorter urethra. However, when they develop in males, UTIs are more likely to be considered complicated and more serious.
Doctors often treat complicated UTIs with oral antibiotics. However, if a UTI progresses and a person develops symptoms that affect their body systems, they may need intravenous (IV) antibiotics and necessary fluids.
People with HIV may have an increased risk of damage to the kidneys. This may be due to:
- the HIV itself
- other medical conditions
- effects of HIV medications
Having certain other health conditions in addition to HIV can increase the risk. These can include:
- hepatitis C
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
Kidney damage can result in symptoms that can affect urination, including:
Kidney damage can also cause other symptoms that may affect other areas of the body as it gets worse. These can include:
- swelling (edema), especially in the legs, ankles, and feet
- unexplained fatigue
- itchiness
- bone or joint pain
- shortness of breath
If you have HIV, your regular monitoring appointments likely include tests to monitor your kidney function. If doctors notice signs of kidney damage, they may adjust your medications. It’s best to talk with a doctor if you notice changes in your urination or other concerning symptoms, especially if you have HIV.
HIV
Prostatitis can result from a bacterial or viral infection and can become chronic, or long lasting.
Prostatitis causes urinary symptoms that can include:
- a burning or stinging feeling while peeing
- difficulty peeing
- a weak urine stream
- urinary frequency
It may also cause additional symptoms, such as:
- pain when ejaculating
- pain in the penis, scrotum, testicles, or between the scrotum and anus
- pain in the lower back or pelvic area
Treatment for prostatitis can depend on the type of prostatitis you have. It can involve medication, physical therapy, and at-home care.
While HIV does not specifically cause changes to your urination, certain health conditions and infections that affect urination may be more likely if you have HIV.
If you have urinary tract symptoms, it’s best to talk with a doctor. Some causes can get worse without quick treatment. Having HIV can also make certain types of infections more likely or more serious, so it is best to get medical attention as soon as you can.