Health
What does Doxy-PEP mean?
Doxy-PEP is a dose of the antibiotic doxycycline taken after sex to reduce the risk of some bacterial STIs.
Also: doxypep, doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis
Doxy-PEP means taking a single dose of the antibiotic doxycycline within about 72 hours after condomless sex to lower the chance of acquiring certain bacterial STIs, notably chlamydia and syphilis, with a smaller effect on gonorrhea.
It is a newer tool that some sexual health clinicians recommend for people at higher risk of STIs. It is prescribed and monitored by a provider, who weighs benefits against considerations like antibiotic resistance.
Doxy-PEP targets bacterial STIs only and does not prevent HIV — that is what PrEP is for. A clinician can advise whether it fits someone's situation.
"Talked to my clinic about doxy-PEP."