DoxyPEP Prevents STIs

DoxyPEP is Self-Care!

What is DoxyPEP?

DoxyPEP, which stands for Doxycycline (doxy for short) Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a pill you can take after sex to help prevent certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and syphilis. It’s similar to a “morning-after pill” but for these specific STIs. DoxyPEP’s cousin is HIV PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis). PrEP prevents HIV and can be taken at the same time as DoxyPEP, increasing your protection against STIs like syphilis and HIV.

Who Should Use DoxyPEP?

Anyone who has sex and wants an extra layer of protection against STIs can consider using DoxyPEP. Studies have shown it to be most effective for men, people who have sex with a penis, and transgender women. Research is ongoing to determine its effectiveness for people who have sex with a vagina and teenagers.

How Do I Take DoxyPEP?

For maximum effectiveness, take DoxyPEP within 24 to 72 hours of your last sexual activity. If you have multiple partners within 24 hours or engage in a variety of activities, one dose of DoxyPEP is enough. In fact, do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period. The most common option for DoxyPEP is two 100mg immediate-release tablets taken at the same time. [An illustration on a calendar can be inserted here to represent this information visually]

Where Can I Get DoxyPEP?

All Indian Health Service (IHS) healthcare facilities and clinicians can prescribe and provide DoxyPEP for free. If you’re already taking PrEP, your PrEP provider can also prescribe DoxyPEP. Simply let them know you’d like it.

What if My Provider Doesn’t Know About DoxyPEP? How Do I Advocate?

If your healthcare provider isn’t familiar with DoxyPEP, you can explain it to them using the following information. We recommended printing this out and bringing it with you to your appointment:

• DoxyPEP is a medication approved to help prevent certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• The Indian Health Service (IHS) formulary covers DoxyPEP, meaning it’s readily available for those who qualify.
• Adult men, people who have sex with a penis, and transgender women qualify for DoxyPEP.
• My identities, sexual partners, and the sexual activities I engage in lead me to believe I am eligible for DoxyPEP.

DoxyPEP and STI Testing

It’s important to remember that DoxyPEP is not a substitute for STI testing. The only way to know for sure if you have an STI is to get tested. Even if you use DoxyPEP, you should still get tested regularly for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV (if you don’t already know your status) every three months.

Safer Sex Reminder!

Safer sex practices are essential for protecting yourself and your partners from STIs. They can even enhance your sexual experiences by reducing stress and worry. There are various ways to make oral, anal, and vaginal sex safer. Using barriers like condoms, dental dams, or latex/nitrile gloves during sex or any activity that involves sharing sexual fluids like sex toys is crucial. Lube is another great addition to safer sex, as it helps prevent condoms and other barriers from breaking and keeps your body’s tissues smooth and comfortable. To learn more about safer sex, check out this video.

DoxyPEP Side Effects

Here are some common side effects of DoxyPEP. If you experience any concerning symptoms, talk to your doctor:

• Sun sensitivity: Doxycycline can make you more sensitive to sunlight. Be sure to use sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure.
• Upset stomach: Doxycycline may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Taking it with food can help ease these side effects.

Ultimately, using DoxyPEP is a personal decision. Like with any medication, weigh the potential benefits, like preventing STIs, against the possible risks, such as side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if DoxyPEP is right for you.

Key Takeaways

1. Doxycycline is a prescription medication used to prevent certain STIs after sex. When taken after sex, it is called DoxyPEP!
2. DoxyPEP works best for adult men, people who have sex with a penis, and transgender women.
3. Take the ideal dosage of 200mg within 24 hours but no later than 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex or other types of sex where bodily fluids are exchanged.
4. You can repeat this dose daily if necessary, but never take more than 200mg in a single day.
5. DoxyPEP comes in two options: one 200mg delayed-release tablet or two 100mg immediate-release tablets taken simultaneously.

SOURCES:

^{https://www.ncsddc.org/resource/doxy-as-sti-pep-command-center/}

^{https://www.ncsddc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Doxycycline-as-STI-PEP-Toolkit-August-2023.pdf}

^{https://www.ncsddc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Marketing-Toolkit-Doxy-as-STI-PEP-5.pdf}

^{https://aplahealth.org/services/doxypep/}

^{https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/stds/hcp/doxypep.pdf}

^{https://www.sfaf.org/content/doxy-pep/}

^{https://www.sfcityclinic.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/Health%20update_DoxyPEP_FINAL.1.pdf}

^{https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2022/10/25/23402228/doxypep-doxycycline-pep-morning-after-sti-chlamydia-syphilis}

^{https://www.hiv.gov/blog/doxy-pep-research-roundup-for-sti-awareness-week}

^{https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/preventative-antibiotics-for-stis}

^{https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/guidelines-for-doxycycline.htm}

^{http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/dhsp/DPHSexualHealthClinics/HealthEducationLibrary/DoxyPEP/DoxyPEP_Factsheet-EN_FINAL_05.05.2023.pd}