What Is DoxyPEP and How Can It Help Prevent STIs?
- David M-H
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis have been rising across the United States. This increase is especially noticeable among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women. As public health professionals work to reverse this trend, one promising tool has gained attention: DoxyPEP.
So What Is DoxyPEP?
DoxyPEP stands for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. It involves taking a 200 mg dose of the antibiotic doxycycline within 72 hours after unprotected sex or potential STI exposure. The goal is to prevent certain bacterial STIs before they take hold in the body.
Doxycycline is not new. It has been used safely for decades to treat a range of infections, including chlamydia and syphilis. What is new is the way it is being used here, to stop infections before they start.
Is It Effective?
Research shows DoxyPEP can significantly lower the risk of several STIs. A major 2022 study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found the following results among MSM and transgender women who used DoxyPEP after sex:
Chlamydia infections dropped by over 70 percent
Syphilis was reduced by 73 percent
Gonorrhea saw a 55 percent drop, though resistance to antibiotics remains a concern1
Because of these strong results, the study ended early. That’s a powerful indication of the treatment's potential.
Who Might Benefit Most from DoxyPEP?
DoxyPEP is not for everyone, but it may be appropriate for people at higher risk of frequent STI exposure. This includes:
MSM and transgender women with a recent history of STIs
Individuals with multiple sexual partners
People who use condoms inconsistently
Anyone already using HIV PrEP who still faces STI risks
If this sounds like you, DoxyPEP could be a helpful addition to your sexual health routine.
What Are the Risks?
Like any medication, doxycycline comes with side effects. Some of the more common ones include:
Upset stomach or nausea
Sensitivity to sunlight
Risk of antibiotic resistance, especially with gonorrhea
Because of the potential for resistance, DoxyPEP should only be used with guidance from a medical provider. It’s not something to take casually or without a clear plan.
Where Do You Start?
The best way to explore whether DoxyPEP is right for you is to talk with a health professional who understands sexual health. They can help you assess your risk, talk through the pros and cons, and decide whether to include it in your prevention strategy.
Many clinics that offer PrEP services are now also incorporating DoxyPEP into their care options2.
Getting started at Revitalized Wellness is easy, click here for TeleHealth or give our Engene, OR clinic a call to set up an appointment (541-214-2786)
A Smarter Approach to Prevention
DoxyPEP is not meant to replace condoms, PrEP, or regular STI testing. It is one part of a layered prevention strategy. When used thoughtfully and with medical guidance, it can make a real difference in lowering the rates of some STIs; especially in communities that face the highest risk.
If you have questions about DoxyPEP or want to discuss whether it might be a good fit for you, We're here to help. Your sexual health is important and you deserve tools and support that work for your life.
Footnotes
Luetkemeyer, A. F., et al. (2023). Doxycycline Postexposure Prophylaxis for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections. New England Journal of Medicine, 388(14), 1296–1306. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2210213 ↩
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Considerations for the Use of DoxyPEP. https://www.cdc.gov/std/doxypep ↩
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