Report: Many young gay men already had an STI before taking PrEP

Posted on December 12, 2019 by Staff Writer - RN1 in Australian News, Health, LGBT, men’s health // 0 Comments

Many young gay men are taking action to prevent getting HIV and spreading HIV by taking preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), however according to new Australian led research a lot of these young men already carry a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

The review of data found that in studies reporting the combined incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or early syphilis, of almost 24 per cent of people had at least one of these STIs before starting PrEP.

The report highlights the opportunities for active integration of services for sexually transmitted infections and HIV preexposure prophylaxis.

The researchers say given the high number of STIs among individuals initiating PrEP, as well as persistent users of PrEP, this study highlights the need for active integration of HIV and STI services for an at-risk and under-served population.

The report highlighted that despite a global increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there is limited focus and investment in STI management within HIV programs, in which risks for STIs are likely to be elevated.