Sometimes it takes years to notice the effects of HIV. After the early stages, HIV is still active, but copies itself at lower levels. This period is called asymptomatic infection.
For guys who aren’t getting treated for HIV, the virus can weaken the body’s immune system even further and lead to AIDS. It can get so weak that people can get all kinds of different serious illnesses and opportunistic infections.
If you think you’re HIV-negative but you haven’t been tested in a while, remember that it’s important to get tested for HIV frequently if you’re having sex, whether or not you have symptoms. Being diagnosed early is one of the best ways to access treatment quicker and better support your overall health in the long run.