When pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP (Truvada), first hit the market, critics were skeptical of the pill's claims that it could keep clients HIV-free if it at the same time lured people into believing they could have safe sex condom-free. However, 657 clients and more than two years later, it looks like that has, in fact, been the case: Not one person on the pill caught the virus, The New York Times reports.
However, critics who suggested the security provided by PrEP — which is close to 100 percent successful — would lead to a false sense of security about sexually transmitted diseases appear to have been correct. Gay men in the study did use fewer condoms, and about half became infected with syphilis, gonorrhea, or Chlamydia within a year. Forty percent said their condom use decreased, although the vast majority said their number of sexual partners remained the same. At least there's this: While HIV (which can develop into AIDS) is controlled with antiretroviral drugs taken for life, most other STDs are treated with a run of antibiotics.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
ACA opens 2025 enrollment, enters 2024 raceSpeed Read Mike Johnson promises big changes to the Affordable Care Act if Trump wins the election
-
McDonald's sued over E. coli linked to burgerSpeed Read The outbreak has sickened at least 49 people in 10 states and left one dead
-
4 tips for coping with election anxiety and stressThe Week Recommends Election news is hard to circumvent. But navigating the politically charged season does not have to be stressful.
-
Mold, bugs at listeria-linked Boar's Head meat plantSpeed Read Food safety inspectors reported many violations at a Virginia plant that has been linked to a nationwide deli meat recall
-
Should we be worried about declining birth rates?Talking Points Baby boom or bust
-
WHO declares mpox a global health emergencySpeed Read An outbreak of the viral disease formerly known as monkeypox continues to spread in Africa
-
4 tips for combatting workplace lonelinessThe Week Recommends Feeling left out at work? You're not alone.
-
Study links high cholesterol to dementiaSpeed Read It has been added to a list of 12 previously known risk factors including depression, smoking and loneliness
