People often use methods like condoms and regular testing. But medical advances offer new options.

You've heard of Plan B for pregnancy; now there's DoxyPEP for STIs.

What Is DoxyPEP?

Many call it the morning-after pill for STIs. DoxyPEP contains doxycycline.

Take it soon after unprotected sex, but within 72 hours. DoxyPEP is usually one 200mg tablet or two 100mg pills.

Like HIV PEP, it helps prevent STI contraction after exposure.

DoxyPEP is a medication taken after possible exposure to STIs, preventing serious health issues. It targets bacteria-caused STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

DoxyPEP: Who Should Consider It?

Sexually active individuals at risk of STIs could benefit from DoxyPEP. Researchers recommend it for transwomen and cis-men who have sex with men or trans women, with prior STI cases.

While DoxyPEP may be prescribed to cis-gender men, it's important to acknowledge that efficacy data for this population is currently lacking, underscoring the need for further study.

Unfortunately, DoxyPEP research shows it's not effective for women. Hopefully, the development of DoxyPEP helps pave the way for STI-preventing medications that protect a wider array of people.

While it’s generally recommended, it’s not required that you’ve had a recent STI to take DoxyPEP. Some providers may recommend it if you have multiple sexual partners.

Common Questions About DoxyPEP

Q: Where can you get DoxyPEP?

It may depend on what country or area you’re in, but because it’s an antibiotic, you generally need a prescription to get DoxyPEP.

Luckily, DoxyPEP is generally covered by insurance or may be provided free of charge at certain clinics.

Q: How effective is DoxyPEP?

DoxyPEP has been found to reduce the risk of chlamydia and syphilis by at least 80%, and gonorrhea by 55-60%. Again, it’s only been found to be effective in cis-men, primarily queer men, and transwomen.

Q: How often can you take DoxyPEP?

Although studies on DoxyPEP are limited, some providers claim you can take it as often as every day, as long as you don’t exceed the daily dosage.

As with other antibiotics, it may be possible to develop drug resistance to doxycycline, however, studies that followed patients for a year showed no signs of drug resistance.

Many people experience no side effects after taking DoxyPEP, but some may develop an upset stomach or sensitivity to the sun, especially if they have fair skin.

If you have an allergy to certain types of antibiotics, you may want to avoid taking DoxyPEP.

In more serious cases, some people develop side effects like bad headaches or changes to their vision. It’s important to note that vision and hearing changes are possible signs of syphilis, so you may need to get tested if those develop.

Q: Does DoxyPEP have any side effects?

Q: Does DoxyPEP protect against HIV?

No, DoxyPEP, which is an antibiotic, does not protect against HIV, which is a virus. It also doesn’t protect against herpes or HPV.

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, it’s important to your provider as soon as possible to get HIV PEP. There is also a medication you can take to prevent HIV before having sex, called HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP.

Other Ways To Practice Safer Sex

There’s no such thing as entirely “safe sex”, but you can practice “safer sex”. Since DoxyPEP has only been found to be effective in certain populations, mostly queer cis-men and transwomen, it’s important to take other steps to help prevent the transmission of STIs.

Here are some of our top safer sex tips:

Use barrier methods like condoms and dental dams Get tested after having sex with a new partner Openly discuss STI testing and any infections you have with new partners

Sex is an opportunity for pleasure and connection. It’s so much easier to feel good in your body when you’re actively taking steps to protect yourself and your partner from STIs.

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