Doxy-PEP is a preventive treatment that uses the antibiotic doxycycline to reduce the risk of getting certain bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—specifically chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It can be taken as a single dose within 72 hours after condomless sex OR as part of a prevention plan if there is known risk. Note this medication will not help prevent pregnancy.

The goal of this medication is to stop the bacterial STI infections BEFORE they start.

Studies show Doxy/PEP reduces the risk of gonorrhea by about 55-60%. It also decreases the risk of developing chlamydia and syphilis by about 80% (Luetkemeyer et al., 2023). It should also be noted research is ongoing for gonorrhea prevention at this time due to rising resistance being noted (Soge et al., 2025).

Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to assess and address your individual need. Checkout the other tools for how to start this conversation.

Consider - “Am I at risk for a bacterial STI?”. Doxy/PEP is not for everyone. It is currently recommended for adult gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) with a history of an STI, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis, within the last 12 months.

If you will be participating in sexual activities (oral, vaginal, &/OR anal penetrative sex) that may put you at higher risk for exposure to STIs, talk to your doctor about whether Doxy/PEP may still be a good choice for you.

Doxy/PEP does NOT protect against HIV infection or other viral infections such as Herpes or HPV (a virus that can cause warts or pre-cancer changes in cells).  PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication taken to prevent HIV infection. Learn more about PrEP here.

Note: Doxy/PEP is for individuals who are at least 12 years old.

It has dangerous side-effects: FALSE - While it’s true that all medications can have side effects, Doxy/PEP’s regimen, typically a short course of doxycycline, is well-tolerated by most individuals. Most common side effects (including nausea) can be addressed by taking the medication with a meal and a full glass of water..

It encourages risky behaviors: FALSE - Research and real-world experiences have shown that access to preventive measures like Doxy/PEP actually encourage more responsible sexual health practices and starts conversations about risk and protection.

STIs only impact others, not people like me: FALSE - STI’s such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea are on the rise and impacting many including rural communities.

Doxy/PEP will protect me from HIV: FALSE - Doxy/PEP does NOT protect against HIV infection or other viral infections such as Herpes or HPV (a virus that can cause warts or pre-cancer changes in cells).  PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication taken to prevent HIV infection. Learn more about PrEP here.

Doxy/PEP is billable to most insurances and generic versions are available. The average prescription will likely be less than $20 through insurance or GoodRX.

• This is Unlike HIV PrEP, Doxy/PEP is not a daily medication. It is meant to be taken as needed within 72 hours of a condomless sexual encounter.

• For best results research has shown taking Doxy/PEP directly after sex but can be taken up to 72 hours after. Research also supports it can be taken as often as once per day.

• Daily doses should NOT be more than 200mg in a day.

• Take with a full glass of water or other non-alcoholic drink.

• Avoid dairy products (like milk or cheese), calcium, antacids, and multivitamins for two hours before and after taking doxycycline.

• Take with food if your stomach gets upset by the medication.

• Wear sunscreen or sun protective clothing and limit the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight it can make your skin more sensitive to the sunlight.

• Only take medication that was prescribed

• You do not need to visit your doctor or pharmacy every time you need Doxy/PEP. Your doctor will (Note: you can request this also) write you a prescription for usually 10-14 tablets that you can have on-hand to take as needed.

• Consider what you need as you know when you’ll be at risk. The prescription should account for enough doses on the basis of your anticipated sexual activity until their next visit. Ongoing need for Doxy/PEP should be assessed every 3–6 months

Before starting Doxy/PEP, talk to your health care provider about any other medications you are currently taking.

Try This: Connect it to something you know they care about -

If you are at a general/regular health visit:

“My health is important to both of us. I know I have some risk factors that put me at higher risk for getting an STI. I would like to talk about starting some medications that can lower my risk. Could we please talk about Doxy/PEP?”

If you are at an appointment for STI testing, connect it to that:

“So I’m here for STIs today because I may have been exposed. I know that there are things we can do to lower my risk of in the future and prevent some bacterial STIs. I would like to talk about these options including Doxy/PEP.”

These conversations could also lend themselves to talking about PrEP to prevent HIV.

Use this link and QR code to share information about Doxy/PEP. Pro tip: they may not be comfortable saying, “I dont know” or have myths needing busting.

-P.S. You can look there too.