Doxy-PEP is rising as an revolutionary technique for stopping some Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) amongst homosexual and bi+ guys in Australia.
Doxy-PEP has been making the rounds in San Francisco since 2022, which has resulted in a drop in STIs in the area. Seeing this impression of doxy-PEP makes us very excited to have it accessible right here!
Supported by the newest proof and steerage, we’ll dive into how doxy-PEP works, who it’s for and easy methods to maximise its advantages whereas staying secure. In case you’re somebody who’s not too long ago had syphilis or has intercourse with out condoms, this could possibly be a game-changer to your sexual well being.
On this article:
Key data
- Doxy-PEP considerably reduces your danger of syphilis and chlamydia however is just not very efficient towards gonorrhoea.
- Doxy-PEP doesn’t forestall HIV.
- Doxy-PEP can profit individuals at larger danger of syphilis, particularly anybody who not too long ago had syphilis or a number of different STIs.
- It entails taking 200 mg of doxycycline inside 72 hours — that’s as much as 3 days — after intercourse.
- Doxy-PEP shouldn’t be taken greater than as soon as each three days.
- You’ll nonetheless have to go for normal sexual well being assessments when utilizing doxy-PEP.
What’s doxy-PEP?
Doxy-PEP entails taking the antibiotic doxycycline quickly after intercourse to assist cut back the chance of some STIs.
Doxy-PEP offers decent protection towards syphilis (70–80% discount) and chlamydia (70–90% discount) however not gonorrhea (50–55% discount). Doxy-PEP doesn’t forestall HIV, so be sure to’re nonetheless utilizing an HIV prevention method as nicely.
It’s vital to proceed getting regular STI tests when utilizing doxy-PEP. It will determine any STIs that sneak by, particularly gonorrhea, which doxy-PEP is much less efficient in stopping. In case you’re getting examined for HIV recurrently anyway, why not tack on an STI check on the identical time?
Is doxy-PEP proper for me?
Australian sexual well being consultants have launched a decision making tool for doxy-PEP. This offers preliminary steerage for medical doctors to grasp doxy-PEP and decide if it’s best for you.
Doxy-PEP could also be a great possibility in case you are a homosexual or bi+ cisgender man or trans girl and have:
Doxy-PEP is secure and appropriate for individuals dwelling with HIV (when additionally assembly a number of of the factors above).
Presently, there may be not sufficient analysis on whether or not Doxy-PEP is efficient for transmasculine individuals and cisgender girls. Subsequently, it isn’t really useful for these people till we’ve got extra proof.
Keep in mind that STIs, together with syphilis, are treatable. In case your danger of getting syphilis is low, you may not want doxy-PEP.
The place can I get doxy-PEP?
Australia doesn’t but have prescribing tips for doxy-PEP, so not all medical doctors will find out about it. In case you assume doxy-PEP could possibly be best for you, focus on it along with your physician and present them this information from Australia’s peak physique for sexual well being drugs.
Additionally, not all medical doctors could also be snug prescribing doxy-PEP. You could have to go to a unique physician or test along with your local sexual health organisation the place you would possibly have the ability to get a doxy-PEP prescription.
How a lot does doxycycline value?
Doxycycline isn’t at the moment subsidised beneath the Pharmaceutical Advantages Scheme (PBS) for STI prevention. Because of this even if in case you have Medicare, you gained’t have the ability to purchase doxycycline at a government-subsidised value. Nevertheless, a personal prescription for doxycycline sometimes prices lower than $20 for 28 tablets. You too can purchase a personal prescription of doxycycline with no Medicare card.
How do I take doxycycline as PEP?
The proper doxy-PEP dosage entails taking a single dose of 200 mg doxycycline inside 72 hours after intercourse. Doxycycline often is available in 100 mg capsules, so test the label and take two 100 mg capsules to make a single 200 mg dose as required.
Preserve your dosing easy. In case you’ve had a number of encounters over the weekend, taking a single 200 mg dose on Monday morning can cowl all intercourse throughout the earlier 72 hours. Keep away from taking a couple of full dose (200 mg) every 3 days.
“Doxy-PEP is as simple as 1, 2, 3. That’s 1 dose of two capsules as much as 3 days after intercourse.”
Instance dosing information
Doxycycline uncomfortable side effects
Doxycycline is usually secure and well-tolerated. It’s extensively used to deal with sure infections, management zits, and stop malaria. In case you’re contemplating utilizing it for doxy-PEP, right here’s what you need to know:
- Nausea is the probably facet impact. Doxycycline is finest taken with slightly meals and a giant glass of water to keep away from reflux and an upset abdomen.
- Photosensitivity: Doxycycline could make your pores and skin extra delicate to daylight, inflicting a rash or sunburn. Restrict solar publicity and use appropriate sunscreen.
- Uncommon critical reactions: Oesophageal ulcers are uncommon and sometimes resolve after stopping use. Discuss to your physician in the event you expertise extended discomfort.
- Intestine microbiome: Like different antibiotics, doxycycline could have an effect on the ‘good micro organism’ in your abdomen. Nevertheless, there may be restricted proof to recommend doxy-PEP would have an effect on your intestine considerably.
- Antimicrobial resistance: Like all antibiotics, frequent doxycycline use can contribute to resistance, making some infections tougher to deal with. That is additionally why regular STI testing is important. Reassess your want for doxy-PEP along with your prescribing physician each 3–6 months.
Though it’s not for everybody, doxy-PEP affords a brand new and thrilling strategy to forestall sure STIs amongst some homosexual and bi+ guys in Australia.
Utilizing doxy-PEP is only one means of serving to forestall STIs. Utilizing condoms, lube and going for regular sexual health tests are different methods you possibly can assist forestall, check for and deal with STIs. Doxy-PEP doesn’t forestall HIV, so be sure to nonetheless use an HIV prevention method. The excellent news is that they’re all appropriate with doxy-PEP!
For extra data on sexual well being subjects for homosexual and bi+ guys (cis and trans), discuss with our Knowledge Hub.
