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Doxy-PEP is a simple way to help reduce your risk of getting certain STIs after sex. It involves taking a dose of the antibiotic doxycycline within 72 hours after condomless sex to lower the chance of infections like chlamydia, syphilis, and (to a lesser extent) gonorrhoea.
It’s not a replacement for condoms or regular STI testing, but it’s another tool you can use to take charge of your sexual health. Some people use it occasionally, while others make it part of their regular routine, depending on their risk and what feels right for them.
Doxy-PEP can be an empowering option for anyone who’s sexually active, whether you’re queer, trans, non-binary, or just exploring safer ways to play.
Smart protection for real bodies
Doxy-PEP works by stopping certain bacteria from taking hold in your body after sex. You take a single dose of doxycycline (usually 200 mg) within 72 hours after condomless sex to help prevent infections like chlamydia, syphilis, and sometimes gonorrhoea.
Think of it as post-sex protection! No hormones, no barriers, just a simple, science-backed option that fits into the way you already live and love. It’s another tool that helps keep sex fun, safe, and on your terms.
Spoiler: very (when used in time)
Research shows that Doxy-PEP can significantly lower the risk of getting certain bacterial STIs. In studies with gay, bi, and trans people who have sex with men, it reduced cases of chlamydia and syphilis by around 70%, and gonorrhoea by about 50%.
It’s not perfect and doesn’t protect against viral STIs like HIV or herpes, but it’s a powerful extra layer of protection for people at higher risk. When combined with regular testing, condoms, and honest conversations about sex, it can make a real difference in keeping you and your partners healthy.
For the lovers, the players, and the planners
Doxy-PEP is recommended for people who have a higher chance of being exposed to bacterial STIs. Statistically this includes gay, bi, and trans people with penises who have sex with men, or anyone who’s part of a community where STI rates are high.
It can also be a good option for people who sometimes have condomless sex, have multiple partners, or just want more control over their sexual health.
Right now, access and guidelines can vary depending on where you live, so it’s best to chat with a sexual health nurse or doctor who understands your needs. They can help you figure out if Doxy-PEP is right for you and how to use it safely.
The appointment lowdown
Doxy-PEP is not a one-size-fits-all option so it’s important to chat with a clinician or sexual health nurse before you start. They can help you figure out if it’s right for you and how to take it safely.
Doxycycline can cause side effects like nausea, sun sensitivity, or stomach upset for some people, especially if taken on an empty stomach. Taking it with food and a full glass of water usually helps.
Like any antibiotic, there is a risk of antibiotic resistance over time. That is why Doxy-PEP should be used under medical guidance and paired with regular STI testing. It also does not protect against viral STIs like HIV or herpes. Doxy-PEP works best as part of a broader safer sex plan that includes testing, PrEP or condoms, and open conversations with partners.
Used thoughtfully, Doxy-PEP can be a game changer. It is a flexible, evidence-based tool that helps you protect your health without compromising your pleasure.
The power is in your hand and you're a total baddy
To start Doxy-PEP, you will need to talk with a healthcare provider who understands sexual health and your specific needs. This could be a sexual health nurse, doctor, or clinic that offers STI prevention services.
They can prescribe the medication and explain how and when to take it safely. Depending on where you live, access might vary. Some clinics have it available right away while in other places you might need a referral or a prescription from your GP.
If you are interested, it is a good idea to book a sexual health check-up at the same time. This way you can get tested regularly and keep on top of your overall sexual health.
The big question on everyones minds
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change and become harder to kill with antibiotics. This can happen if antibiotics are used too often or not taken properly.
With Doxy-PEP, there is a risk that using antibiotics regularly could contribute to resistance. That is why it is important to use Doxy-PEP only under medical supervision and as part of a broader sexual health plan.
Your healthcare provider will recommend regular STI testing and discuss how to use Doxy-PEP responsibly. Taking care with antibiotics helps keep them effective for everyone
Some more articles written by us for our community
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Clinical guidelines on the use of doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis (doxy‑PEP) for bacterial sexually transmitted infections. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/rr/rr7302a1.htm CDC
Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM). (2023). 2023 Consensus Statement on doxycycline prophylaxis (Doxy‑PEP) for the prevention of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Australia. Retrieved from https://ashm.org.au/initiatives/doxy-pep-statement/ ASHM Health+1
Cohen, M.D., et al. (2024). Doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis and sexually transmitted infection incidence among men who have sex with men and transgender women in San Francisco, California. JAMA Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.xxx (exact DOI may vary) JAMA Network
Sexual Health Victoria. (2024). Doxy‑PEP (Doxycycline Post‑Exposure Prophylaxis). Retrieved from https://shvic.org.au/for-you/doxy-pep-doxycycline-post-exposure-prophylaxis Sexual Health Victoria
Sexual Health Quarters. (2024). Doxy‑PEP: Information sheet. Retrieved from https://shq.org.au/resources/health-info/info-sheets/doxy-pep/ shq.org.au
