Since PrEP's prevalence has emerged, scientists have noted an increase in sexually transmitted infections other than HIV among gay/bi men in the U.S. The conventional wisdom is that men who have sex with men are forgoing condoms, which is then considered to pave the way for other diseases like Chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, a new study have recently dismantled previous research and suggests that the use of PrEP is in-fact lowering rates of other STIs by up to 40 percent.
What Is Chlamydia?
According to reports revealed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, long before, chlamydia has been well regarded as a sexually transmitted infection that is mainly caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Experts say that Chlamydia is an infection that has the ability of causing serious, permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible for her to get pregnant later on that is considered to cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy. Additionally, a significant number of health professionals suggest that anyone who has sex can have the possibility of getting chlamydia through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex , thus it is just but important to use latex condoms the right way every time you have sex.
PrEP For Chlamydia
Meanwhile, as of the press time, those on PrEP are being required to get screened for STIs every six months. In one of his statements reported by OUT, study lead author Dr. Samuel Jenness says that the key is making sure guidelines are adhered to across the board especially that there is now a tremendous amount of diversity in terms of how the STI testing is being performed by these clinicians.As PrEP has been implemented in smaller practice groups or by individual clinicians outside of large metropolitan areas, the study author reveals that they have some suggestions that the guidelines aren't being adhered to with respect to STI testing as much.
Furthermore, it was found that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has been even more actively educating healthcare providers and providing PrEP users with a hotline to easily answer their questions with the hopes of properly implementing the widespread adherence of PrEP-related processes. Ultimately, Dr. Jenness has highlighted the need for more research to be conducted about whether or not smaller practices are following proper PrEP guidelines.
