Doxy-PEP emerges as an innovative strategy for preventing certain sexually transmitted infections (STI) between homosexuals and Bi+ in Australia.
Doxy-Pep has made the rounds in San Francisco by 2022, which results in one Falling on STDs in the area. Seeing this Doxy-Pep impact makes us very excited that we have it!
Supported by the latest elements and guidance, we will dive on how Doxy-PEP works, who it is and how to maximize its benefits while remaining safe. If you are someone who has recently has a syphilis or has sex without condoms, this could be a player for your sexual health.
Basic information:
- Doxy-PEP significantly reduces the risk of syphilis and chlamydia, but is not very effective against gonorrhea.
- Doxy-PEP does not block HIV.
- Doxy-PEP can benefit people at a higher risk of syphilis, especially anyone who recently had syphilis or many other STDs.
- Includes 200 mg of doxycycline within 72 hours – this is up to 3 days – after sex.
- Doxy-PEP should not be taken more than once every three days.
- You still need to go for regular sexual health tests when using Doxy-Pep.
What is Doxy-Pep?
Doxy-PEP involves taking the doxycycline antibiotic shortly after sex to help reduce the risk of some STDs.
Doxy-pep offers decent protection against syphilis (70-80%reduction) and chlamydia (70-90%reduction) but not gonorrhea (50-55%reduction). Doxy-PEP does not block HIV, so make sure you still use a HIV prevention method.
It is important to continue taking regular Sti tests when using Doxy-PEP. This will determine every SMS they slip, especially gonorrhea, which doxy-pep is less effective in prevention. If you are regularly testing for HIV anyway, why not stick to a STI test at the same time?
Is the doxy-pep right for me?
Australian sexual health experts have released a Consensus Statement for Doxy-PEP. This provides preliminary guidance on who could benefit more than that.
Doxy-PEP can be a good choice if you are gay or bi+ cisgender man or trans woman and have:
Doxy-PEP is safe and suitable for people living with HIV (when they also meet one or more of the above points).
Currently, there is not enough research on whether Doxy-PEP is effective for transmasculine people and cisgender women. Therefore, it is not recommended for these peoples until we have more elements.
Remember that STDs, including syphilis, are therapeutic. If the risk of getting syphilis is low, you may not need Doxy-PEP.
Where can I get Doxy-Pep?
Australia is not yet prescribed guidelines for Doxy-Pep, so not all doctors will know it. If you think Doxy-Pep could be right for you, discuss it with your doctor and show them this information from Australia’s top body for sexual health medical health.
Also, not all doctors can be comfortable to prescribe doxy-pep. You may need to go to a different doctor or check with the local sexual health organization, where you might get a Doxy-Pep recipe.
How much does doxycycline cost?
Doxycycline is not currently subsidized under the PHS (PBS) program for the prevention of STI. This means that even if you have Medicare, you will not be able to buy doxycycline at a government-priced price. However, a private recipe for doxycycline usually costs less than $ 20 for 28 tablets. You can also buy a private doxycycline recipe without Medicare card.
How do I get doxycycline as a PEP?
The correct Doxy-PEP dosage involves taking a single dose of 200 mg doxycycline within 72 hours after sex. Doxycycline usually comes in 100 mg pills, so check the label and take two 100 mg pills to create a single dose of 200 mg as required.
Keep your dose simple. If you had multiple meetings during the weekend, taking a dose of 200 mg on Monday morning it can cover all sex in the previous 72 hours. Avoid taking more than one full dose (200 mg) Every 3 days.
“Doxy-pep is as easy as 1, 2, 3. This is 1 dose of 2 pills up to 3 days after sex.”
Example of dosage guide:
Doxycycline side effects
Doxycycline is generally safe and well tolerated. It is widely used to treat certain infections, acne control and prevent malaria. If you are thinking of using it for Doxy-Pep, here you should know:
- Nausea It is the most likely side effect. Doxycycline is best taken with a little food and a large glass of water to avoid reflux and stomach.
- Photosensitivity: Doxycycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, causing a rash or sunburn. Limit exposure to the sun and use the appropriate sunscreen.
- Rare serious reactions: Esophageal ulcers are rare and typically resolved after discontinuation of use. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing prolonged discomfort.
- Bowel germ: Like other antibiotics, doxycycline can affect the “good bacteria” in your stomach. However, there is limited elements that suggest that Doxy-PEP would have greatly affected your gut.
- Antimicrobial Resistance: Like all antibiotics, frequent use of doxycycline can contribute to resistance, making some infections more difficult to cure. That is why regular Sti tests are necessary. Re-examine your need for Doxy-Pep with your doctor every 3-6 months.
Although not for everyone, Doxy-PEP offers a new and exciting way to avoid some STDs between certain gays and dichotomies in Australia.
The use of Doxy-PEP is just one way to prevent STD prevention. The use of condoms, lubricant and transition to regular sexual health tests are other ways in which you can help prevent, test and treatment of STDs. Doxy-PEP does not block HIV, so make sure you still use a HIV prevention method. The good news is that they are all compatible with Doxy-Pep!
For more information on sexual health issues for homosexuals and bi+ guys (cis and trans), refer to our knowledge node.
