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PrEP surfing common among MSM

Reliance on partners’ PrEP use was more common among younger men and those who had used PrEP in the previous 6 months.

  • By

  • Julie Greenbaum

  • August 31, 2026

  • 6 min

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Clinical Report: PrEP Surfing Common Among MSM

Overview

A study found that 'PrEP surfing' occurred in 25% of visits among men who have sex with men (MSM) using event-driven PrEP or no PrEP, according to a study published in AIDS. Factors such as the number of sexual partners and recent PrEP use were associated with this behavior.

Background

PrEP surfing, defined as relying on a partner's PrEP use during condomless anal sex, raises concerns about HIV prevention strategies among MSM.

Data Highlights

FindingValue
Recent PrEP surfing visits25%
Participants reporting PrEP surfing at least once42%
Odds of PrEP surfing with 3-8 partners~4 times
Odds of PrEP surfing with recent PrEP use~3 times
High intention to surf27%

Key Findings

  • 25% of study visits reported recent PrEP surfing.
  • 42% of participants engaged in PrEP surfing at least once.
  • Participants with 3-8 sexual partners had approximately four times the odds of PrEP surfing.
  • Recent PrEP use increased the odds of PrEP surfing by approximately three times.
  • High intention to practice PrEP surfing was reported in 27% of visits.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the prevalence of PrEP surfing among MSM and the associated risk factors.

Conclusion

The findings indicate a significant occurrence of PrEP surfing among MSM.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Amsterdam UMC, AIDS, 2026 -- PrEP surfing: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use of sex partners as HIV prevention strategy among men who have sex with men
  2. MDSpire News — PrEP Use Linked to Higher Gonorrhea Rate
  3. International Journal of Infectious Diseases — PrEP discontinuation among sex workers: Gender disparities and the impact of housing instability in a prospective cohort study
  4. MDSpire News — HIV Prevention Landscape Shifts: PrEP Study Insights
  5. Infection — Reduced Rates of HIV and Declining Sexually Transmitted Infections Among PrEP Users in Germany During 2020
  6. Clinical Guidance for PrEP | HIV Nexus | CDC
  7. MDSpire News — PrEP Use Linked to Higher Gonorrhea Rate
  8. MDSpire News — HIV Prevention Landscape Shifts: PrEP Study Insights
  9. Preexposure Chemoprophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Men Who Have Sex with Men | New England Journal of Medicine
  10. PrEP surfing: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use of sex partners as HIV prevention strategy among men who have sex with men - Amsterdam UMC

Original Source(s)

PrEP surfing common among MSM

  • by Julie Greenbaum

  • August 31, 2026

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