Care that fits your life – no video calls, no appointments
Care that fits your life – no video calls, no appointments
DoxyPEP (Doxycycline for STI Prevention)
Taken after sex to help prevent certain STIs — specifically chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. When taken within 72 hours after sex, it works by stopping the growth of bacteria before an infection fully develops. It helps prevent certain bacterial STIs: chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
DoxyPEP is currently recommended for cisgender men (men assigned male at birth who identify as male) and transgender women (people assigned male at birth who identify as female) who have sex with men, and who are at higher risk for STIs. This includes individuals who:
• Have had a recent STI diagnosis
• Were exposed to a partner who tested positive
• Have multiple or new sexual partners
• Engage in condomless sex, group sex, or chemsex
• Are already taking PrEP or living with HIV and want added STI protection.
Note: This is not intended for general antibiotic use after sex. It’s based on CDC-supported data and clinical best practices.
Take one 200 mg tablet of doxycycline as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours — but no later than 72 hours after condomless sex.
Only take it after sex, not before.
You can take it up to once per day, but only when you’ve had condomless anal, oral, or vaginal sex.
If you have sex multiple times in one day, just take one dose after your last encounter.
Swallow with a full glass of water and avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes to prevent stomach irritation.
Avoid using DoxyPEP if:
You’re allergic to doxycycline or other tetracycline antibiotics
You have severe liver disease or were advised to avoid antibiotics
You have a history of esophageal problems (like strictures or severe reflux) unless you can stay upright after swallowing
You’re taking medications that may interact with doxycycline (your provider will check this)
Chlamydia, syphilis, and—to a lesser degree—gonorrhea. It does not prevent viral STIs like HIV, herpes, or HPV.
Current research and guidelines support its use primarily for men who have sex with men and transgender women (MTF) with a recent STI. It is not yet broadly recommended for cisgender women due to insufficient data.
Some women, especially those who engage in anal sex or have a high number of partners, may want to consider it. However, research is still emerging, so we assess this on a case-by-case basis.
Yes, as long as you’re not exceeding one dose every 24 hours. However, if you’re having sex multiple times per day or daily, we may recommend an alternative plan.
Frequent use of antibiotics may contribute to antibiotic resistance. That’s why this treatment is reserved for individuals with high exposure risk and should be used responsibly.
Yes. You’ll need regular STI screening (usually every 3 months) to continue safely using DoxyPEP.
Yes, but if you’re at risk for STIs, you may also benefit from PrEP to prevent HIV. We can guide you on both.
Doxycycline is a common, generic antibiotic and is typically covered. Without insurance, the cash price is low, usually around $5–15, depending on your pharmacy or using GoodRx and Costplusdrugs.com
