DoxyPEP, a.k.a. the “gay morning after pill”, set to receive CDC stamp-of-approval in preventing STIs
doxycycline can lessen the chance of contracting STIs like chlamydia, syphilis, or gonorrhea if taken within three days of unprotected sex.And while DoxyPEP was discussed at a sexual health conference back in February, health officials in the country are now moving to officially endorse it as “more tools are desperately needed” to fight against STIs.
The guideline was proposed by the CDC on Monday, and will be finalized after a 45-day period for public commentary. However, the endorsement specifically applies to gay and bisexual men and transgender women.
Current studies have not yet shown the same success rates for heterosexual men and women.The recommendation comes amidst a spike in STDs across the United States, with reported infections increasing 11% from 2016 to 2020, according to the CDC.
The inexpensive antibiotic has already been successful in preventing infections in San Francisco, where subjects who used it were nearly 90% less likely to get chlamydia, around 80% less likely to contract syphilis, and more than 50% less likely to get gonorrhea.
