Yale University

How Stigma Surrounding the Use of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Undermines Prevention and Pleasure: A Call to Destigmatize "Truvada Whores".

TitleHow Stigma Surrounding the Use of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Undermines Prevention and Pleasure: A Call to Destigmatize "Truvada Whores".
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsCalabrese, Sarah K., and Kristen Underhill
JournalAmerican journal of public health
Paginatione1-e5
Date Published2015 Aug 13
ISSN1541-0048
AbstractAntiretroviral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP; emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [Truvada]) prevents HIV without penalizing sexual pleasure, and may even enhance pleasure (e.g., by reducing HIV-related anxiety). However, concern about sexual risk behavior increasing with PrEP use (risk compensation) and corresponding stereotypes of promiscuity may undermine PrEP's preventive potential. In this commentary, we review literature on sexual behavior change accompanying PrEP use, discuss risk compensation concerns and the "Truvada whore" stereotype as PrEP barriers, question the appropriateness of restricting PrEP access because of risk compensation, and consider sexual pleasure as a benefit of PrEP, an acceptable motive for seeking PrEP, and a core element of health. It is essential for science to trump stereotypes and sex-negative messaging in guiding decision-making affecting PrEP access and uptake. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print August 13, 2015: e1-e5. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2015.302816).
DOI10.2105/AJPH.2015.302816
Alternate JournalAm J Public Health

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