What Happened
A study in Panama has found that pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, remains highly effective against HIV but does not protect users from other sexually transmitted infections. The findings highlight a growing public health challenge as more people rely on the preventive pill while continuing to face high rates of syphilis, gonorrhea and other infections.
The research was carried out at the El Chorrillo Health Center, one of 12 public facilities in Panama that offer PrEP free of charge. It was led by Caja de Seguro Social physician Eloy Torres, with guidance from Fermina Chamorro of the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies.
Based on data from 172 PrEP users, the study found that sexually transmitted infections remained common in this population. Syphilis was the most frequent diagnosis, followed by gonorrhea and HIV.
Key Findings
The study’s main conclusion is that PrEP prevents HIV infection, but it does not prevent other STIs. Researchers also identified a pattern of risk linked to behavior rather than to the medication itself.
Among the factors associated with infection were being male, having multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use and being single. Not using condoms regularly increased the likelihood of infection more than fivefold, according to the findings.
The data also showed that men who have sex with men accounted for most of the sample, reflecting a population that remains especially vulnerable to STIs in Panama and across the region. Coinfections were also recorded, including cases where syphilis appeared together with HIV or gonorrhea.
Some findings pointed to the need for broader inclusion in prevention efforts. Indigenous participants, though a small share of the sample, showed a significant association with STIs, underscoring the importance of adapting health strategies to different communities.
Why It Matters
PrEP has become one of the most effective tools in HIV prevention, with the potential to reduce infection risk dramatically when used correctly. In Panama, the treatment is offered through public health services and is aimed at people at higher risk, including those with multiple partners and groups such as men who have sex with men, transgender women and sex workers.
Still, the study suggests that prevention efforts cannot stop with access to medication. Health experts say the real challenge is ensuring that PrEP use is paired with condoms, sexual health education and regular clinical follow-up.
Public health data show why that matters. In 2025, Panama recorded 1,750 new HIV cases, with the largest concentration in the Metropolitan Region and Guna Yala. About 24,400 people in the country are living with HIV, and roughly 22,000 are receiving antiretroviral treatment.
The message from the findings is straightforward: PrEP is a major advance against HIV, but it is not a shield against the broader STI burden. Reducing that burden will require prevention strategies that go beyond a single pill.