PrEP changes the view of sexual health
How does life and self‑image change when HIV is no longer perceived as a constant threat? In a new study, Nicklas Dennermalm, researcher at the Department of Social Work, together with colleagues from Lund University, Uppsala University and Karolinska Institutet, investigates what it means to live as a PrEP‑user in Sweden.
Since 2018, PrEP (pre‑exposure prophylaxis for HIV) – a treatment that effectively and safely prevents HIV infection – has been available for men who have sex with men in Sweden. Despite this, access has been marked by several challenges, including limited availability and inequality within healthcare. To deepen the understanding of users’ experiences, in‑depth interviews were conducted with 16 participants in Uppsala’s PrEP program, the first in the country.
The analysis of the interviews shows an overarching theme: how PrEP reshapes the landscape of sexual health. Under this theme, three central experiences emerge:
- the image of the “deserving” PrEP‑user" in relation to healthcare providers
- the process of redefining what HIV is in relation to old notions
- how participants reshape their sexual self‑image and their self‑perception as responsible individuals
The results indicate that PrEP use provides several clear benefits, such as increased sexual freedom and reduced anxiety about HIV. At the same time, challenges remain in the form of continued HIV‑related worry, risks of bacterial sexually transmitted deseases, and experiences of stigma and control. The study thus highlights the need for continued efforts to create inclusive support and accessible healthcare for PrEP‑users.
Read the article "Transforming the sexual health landscape through PrEP"
Last updated: 2026-02-03
Source: Department of Social Work