Gay and bisexual men who use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) experience lower levels of HIV-related anxiety during sexual encounters, a Sydney study suggests.

Analysis of survey responses from 1500 men who have sex with men provide the strongest evidence to date that, as well as eliminating the risk of infection, PrEP can improve mental health, researchers say.

Using data from the ongoing Flux (Following Lives Undergoing Change) study of licit and illicit drug use among gay and bisexual men, the UNSW Kirby Institute-led team assessed the impact of PrEP use on HIV-related anxiety.

The average age of respondents was 37, most had been tested for HIV, and more than one-third (37%) were using the once-daily HIV prophylactic medication.