ABSTRACT:

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to determine if the initiation of HIV prophylaxis is associated with an increased incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men.

Methods: A PubMed literature search was conducted with search terms “HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis”(PrEP), “Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Increase” and “Men Who Have Sex With Men”(MSM). Fourteen pertinent articles were retrieved, and they serve as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: Since the introduction of HIV prophylaxis in the MSM population, there has been an increased incidence in other STIs in this population, likely due to changes in sexual behavior.

Conclusion: The goal of continuing to reduce the incidence of HIV infection with the use of HIV prophylaxis in MSM should be coupled with decreasing the incidence of other concurrent STIs. With these goals in mind, an opportunity arises for healthcare providers to have meaningful conversations with patients about their sexual behaviors. Better patient education, more frequent STI screening and treatment, and other potential interventions like bacterial prophylaxis and a more overall proactive approach to patients at risk may help to reduce the incidence of HIV infection as well as the incidence of other STIs improving overall population health and helping to contain healthcare costs.