Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an-HIV prevention strategy and its effects on rates of other STIs: a literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/shp2025222Keywords:
pre-exposure prophylaxis, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, men who have sex con men, transgender individualsAbstract
Background: This study evaluates the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV and its impact on sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates. While PrEP has been highly effective in reducing HIV transmission, its association con increased STI rates has generated debate in the scientific community. Material and methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, drawing from databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, using MeSH-adapted keywords. A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria, con a qualitative analysis conducted to identify patterns in the findings. Results: PrEP has proven effective in preventing HIV in high-risk populations, such as men who have sex con men (MSM) and transgender individuals. However, some studies report an increase in STIs due to a decrease in condom use among PrEP users. Conclusion:
PrEP is a crucial tool for HIV prevention, but its use should be accompanied by educational strategies to reduce STI risk. This analysis highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to sexual health prevention.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Giulia Athayde Bonafé (Author)
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