Boston Clinic Finds Key to Protecting Young Women from HIV

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital just uncovered a fixable problem that could prevent new HIV cases in young women across the country.

The team studied nearly 8,000 visits to Boston's Sexual Health Clinic and found something striking. Among young women at increased risk for HIV, only 20% received prescriptions for PrEP, the highly effective prevention medication. Meanwhile, 86% of young men in similar situations got the protection they needed.

The gap gets even wider for the youngest patients. Just 17% of women under 22 who qualified for PrEP actually received it during their visits.

PrEP is a game changer for HIV prevention. When taken as directed, it reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. The medication has been available for years and works equally well for everyone, regardless of gender.

The study examined data from six hospital and community sites offering free, comprehensive sexual health services between 2019 and 2021. The clinic served over 4,000 patients during that time, providing a clear window into who gets preventive care and who doesn't.

Young women face real HIV risk. Despite making up just a quarter of sexually active Americans, teens and young adults account for half of all new sexually transmitted infections. Understanding their access to prevention is critical for keeping them healthy.

The Ripple Effect

The researchers believe multiple barriers might explain the gap. Some are practical, like the need for quarterly clinic visits or concerns about cost. Others involve provider awareness, since PrEP prescribing has historically focused on men who have sex with men.

But here's the encouraging part. The same clinic successfully prescribes PrEP to the vast majority of young men who need it. That means the systems, medications, and expertise already exist. The path forward involves applying what's already working to reach young women too.

Dr. Anne Neilan and Dr. Kevin Ard, who led the research published in Sexually Transmitted Diseases, emphasize that closing this gap could prevent new HIV diagnoses. Their findings give healthcare providers nationwide a clear target for improvement.

The study shows exactly where help is needed most and proves that effective HIV prevention for young people is absolutely possible when the right support reaches them.