STI incidence among MSM using PrEP Men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly those who have indications for pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV (PrEP), are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI). In a study of nearly 3000 MSM in Australia who were initiating PrEP, the incidence of new chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis over the subsequent year was 92 cases per 100 person-years [2]. Nearly half of the participants were diagnosed with an STI during the study period, with 25 percent of participants accounting for 75 percent of all STIs diagnosed; the risk of STI was proportional to the number of sexual partners and frequency of group sex. These data highlight the importance of frequent STI screening for MSM using PrEP.
2. Traeger MW, Cornelisse VJ, Asselin J, et al. Association of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis With Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Individuals at High Risk of HIV Infection. JAMA 2019; 321:1380.
But as more people start using PrEP and get tested regularly due to the general requirements, it is possible that STD rates will decline, but we're probably a few years away from seeing that in the statistics.