How stigma surrounding the use of HIV preexposure prophylaxis undermines prevention and pleasure: A call to destigmatize "truvada whores"

S.K. Calabrese and K. Underhill

American Journal of Public Health, 2015, vol. 105, issue 10, 1960-1964

Abstract: Antiretroviral 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-relatedanxiety). 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 "Truvadawhore" 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 sexnegative messaging in guiding decision-making affecting PrEP access and uptake.

Keywords: anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil, female; HIV Infections; human; male; pleasure; pre-exposure prophylaxis; sexual behavior; social stigma; stereotyping, Anti-HIV Agents; Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Drug Combination; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Pleasure; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; Sexual Behavior; Social Stigma; Stereotyping (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2015.302816_0

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302816

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