Does doxy PEP work? What are the unwanted effects?
Doxy PEP has been confirmed to cut back the danger of bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis). This matched up with the experiences of the doxy PEP customers we interviewed. Maxfield says that they “haven’t examined optimistic for an STI in over two years due to doxy PEP.” Efthimios mentioned they “haven’t actually had something since I began utilizing it.”
All three of the folks we interviewed talked about some unwanted effects of doxy PEP, together with the possibility of it upsetting their stomachs. Maxfield mentioned, “It could actually have some unfavorable results in your gastrointestinal system, however I discover that with the intention to mitigate that, I simply guarantee that I eat one thing.” Not one of the sufferers we interviewed talked about any unwanted effects extreme sufficient to affect their determination to take doxy PEP.
How can well being care suppliers cut back the stigma and judgment round STIs?
One factor that got here up in our interviews was the necessity to make healthcare areas extra welcoming for all folks. Oscar, Efthimios, and Maxwell all highlighted the significance of getting inclusive and educated well being care suppliers. Efthimios put it this manner, “it’s vital [for health care providers] to all the time hear after which assess what might perhaps be dangerous, what may very well be prevented, what may very well be improved, [and] how somebody may very well be helped. So, no judgment and [being] open for everyone and speak about something you need to speak about.”
Maxfield emphasised that sexual well being needs to be destigmatized, saying, “we are able to all discover somewhat bit extra consolation in understanding that intercourse shouldn’t be a unclean factor. I believe if all of us sort of undertake that mindset and simply say, hey, all of us do that. We’re, we’re human beings. We love love. And love needs to be free, not one thing that’s seen as shameful.”
