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DoxyPEP: Find out if it’s right for you

DoxyPEP helps prevent STDs/STIs after sex using doxycycline, a common antibiotic. Learn more about whether DoxyPEP could be a good tool to help you care for yourself and your partners.

What is DoxyPEP?

Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) uses doxycycline to help prevent STDs/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 STDs/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.

Who should use DoxyPEP?

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 STDs/STIs in the past year. Because studies are ongoing, DoxyPEP is not currently recommended for cisgender women or people assigned female at birth.

What are the benefits of DoxyPEP?

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 STDs/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 a part of your safer sex plan, along with other tools like condoms, PrEP, and regular STI testing.

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 STDs/STIs regularly, and always get treated if you test positive.

What are the risks of DoxyPEP?

Side effects are usually minimal, but some people may experience some reactions to the medication, including:

Sun sensitivity
Upset stomach or throat irritation
Increased resistance to antibiotics
Microbiome changes (changes to the normal bacteria found on your skin, in your stomach, and other parts of your body), which could also have long-term health effects.

How do I get DoxyPEP?

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.