Title
Does HIV PrEP Use Increase the Risk for Other Sexually Transmitted Infections?
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-21-2023
Source
The Clinical Advisor
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is effective at decreasing the incidence of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM).1-4 However, since the first PrEP formulation was approved in 2012, rates of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased in this population as well as in the general population.5,6 More than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in the United States between 2020 and 2021.7
When left untreated, STIs can lead to long-term, irreversible health issues, such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and in some cases, cancer. Evidence in the literature is compelling and the need for prevention of other STIs is crucial to keeping this population healthy and reducing health care costs.4 Adolescents and young adults, MSM, and pregnant women are disproportionately impacted by STIs as are Black, Hispanic/Latino, and other minority communities.8