Most people stopped taking PrEP because they weren't having casual sex. But there's concern a lack of knowledge around starting and stopping the medication could increase risks of HIV transmission. The survey found men who discontinued using PrEP were more likely to have stopped having sex with casual partners during the coronavirus pandemic, but that one in six men reported still doing so.
However, of this group, nearly all participants described themselves as having less sex during COVID-19 restrictions — and generally, men who stopped taking PrEP were far less likely to have casual sex compared to those who continued using the medication.
Dr Hammoud said although there had been a substantial reduction in casual sex when social distancing restrictions first came into place, patterns of sexual activity were likely to change as COVID-19 restrictions did.
"Between April and now, sexual behaviour has fluctuated … really depending on the restrictions," he said. "So we're going to see changes in the way PrEP is used." One of the major concerns about changes in PrEP use was that most men who stopped using the medication during the COVID-19 pandemic had no previous experience of stopping and then restarting PrEP. headtopics.
Will you ever do a story on hetero couples? RobertY48424239
NSW records 11 new cases of COVID-19, six locally acquiredJUST IN: New South Wales has recorded six new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. 9News
PrEP use and casual sex
The survey found men who discontinued using PrEP were more likely to have stopped having sex with casual partners during the coronavirus pandemic, but that one in six men reported still doing so.
However, of this group, nearly all participants described themselves as having less sex during COVID-19 restrictions — and generally, men who stopped taking PrEP were far less likely to have casual sex compared to those who continued using the medication.
Dr Hammoud said although there had been a substantial reduction in casual sex when social distancing restrictions first came into place, patterns of sexual activity were likely to change as COVID-19 restrictions did.
"Between April and now, sexual behaviour has fluctuated … really depending on the restrictions," he said. "So we're going to see changes in the way PrEP is used."
One of the major concerns about changes in PrEP use was that most men who stopped using the medication during the COVID-19 pandemic had no previous experience of stopping and then restarting PrEP.
"Potential issues include the length of time required from initiation [of drug use]
to protective coverage, potential side effects of restarting, and the need for HIV testing prior to reinitiation of PrEP," they wrote.
PrEP is a HIV prevention method in which people who do not have HIV take a pill every day to reduce their risk.ABC Radio Darwin: Jesse ThompsonNicolas Parkhill, CEO of LGBTIQ community health organisation ACON, said targeted messaging about recommencement of PrEP was critical.
"With restrictions easing, it's vital that men resume PrEP in a way that works for them.
Most people take PrEP medication daily, but it is also possible to use it intermittently — known as "on-demand" use. This requires taking PrEP between two and 24 hours before having sex, and then again afterwards.
If people were unsure or had questions about the regimens, Dr Hammoud said it was important to speak to a doctor or a community sexual health organisation.
"The main thing is that we ensure men who start having sex are getting the right information on how to commence [PrEP] before they actually engage in sexual activity," he said.Get the latest health news and information from across the ABC.