Washington, DC — New research released this week suggests that testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STDs) as part of routine care for gay and bisexual men using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention may also reduce some bacterial STDs, even if there is some reduction in condom use.

 “We celebrate this news as well as other research showing a drop in new HIV infections in the United States over the past six years,” says David C. Harvey, Executive Director of the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD). “This is a hard-fought win that demonstrates the value of investments in HIV prevention and PrEP.  The current narrative is that PrEP will result in increased STDs in people taking PrEP.  This new research suggests that on a population level, increased testing and treatment may ultimately reduce STDs, thereby highlighting the importance of STD testing every three months with PrEP care visits,” Harvey says.

“However, we currently have the highest combined rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis (STDs) in the United States in 20 years, disproportionately impacting gay and bisexual men.  We need integrated approaches to HIV prevention that include STD testing and treatment, investment in STD clinic infrastructure to support STD-related HIV prevention, and more research and funding to combat STDs if we are truly to declare victory,” Harvey says.

Specifically, NCSD believes that this new research means that we must continue to invest in PrEP and PrEP and STD research, provide routine STD testing (including extra-genital testing), and invest more resources in state and local STD programs.  As part of routine PrEP care, STD testing should also be done every three months in order to find and address more STDs, which often have no symptoms.  This differs from current PrEP care recommendations issued by the CDC which call for STD testing every six months.

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The National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) advocates for state, local, and territorial health department STD directors, their staff, and community-based partners.  For more information, or to connect with an NCSD member, visit NCSDDC.org.