DoxyPEP helps prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), after sex by using a common antibiotic called doxycycline. Learn more about whether DoxyPEP could be a good tool to help you care for yourself and your partners.
DoxyPEP helps prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), after sex by using a common antibiotic called doxycycline. Learn more about whether DoxyPEP could be a good tool to help you care for yourself and your partners.
Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) uses doxycycline to help prevent STIs like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea after condomless sex. It’s most effective when taken soon after sex—think of it as a morning-after pill but for bacterial STIs instead of pregnancy. DoxyPEP does not prevent HIV, mpox, or other viral infections.
If you’re looking for medications to prevent HIV, learn more about PrEP and PEP.
DoxyPEP can be used by men who have sex with men and transgender women who have sex with men who have had one or more STIs in the past year. Because studies are ongoing, DoxyPEP is not currently recommended for cisgender women or people assigned female at birth.
Research shows that DoxyPEP reduces the risk of getting gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis by 65%. Many people who take DoxyPEP feel less anxiety and stigma about STIs.
DoxyPEP can be an empowering addition to your self-care checklist by giving you more control of your sexual health, but it should always be used as one part of your safer sex plan. To keep yourself and your partner(s) as healthy as possible, use condoms, see if HIV PrEP is right for you, get tested for HIV and other STIs regularly, and always get treated if you test positive.
Side effects are usually minimal, but some people may experience some reactions to the medication, including:
DoxyPEP works best if taken within 24 hours of having condomless oral, anal, or vaginal sex, and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after. DoxyPEP is available by prescription only and is covered by most health insurance plans. Discuss DoxyPEP with your health care provider or find a sexual health provider near you.
Find low- to no-cost sexual health services near you, like PrEP, STI testing, and more on the Service Locator Map.
PrEP is a medication that helps prevent HIV. Take a short quiz to find out if it may be right for you.