Doxy-PEP is a way to help prevent syphilis and chlamydia among gay and bi+ men in Australia.
What is doxy-PEP?
- Doxy-PEP significantly reduces your risk of syphilis and chlamydia.
- Doxy-PEP is not very effective against gonorrhoea.
- Doxy-PEP does not prevent HIV.
- Doxy-PEP can benefit people at higher risk of syphilis, especially anyone who has recently had syphilis or multiple other STIs.
- It involves taking 200 mg of doxycycline within 72 hours — that’s up to 3 days — after sex.
- Doxy-PEP should not be taken more than once every three days.
- You’ll still need to go for regular sexual health tests when using doxy-PEP.
- Pro tip: Wear sunscreen. Doxy increases sun sensitivity, trust me on this, I found out the hard way.
Where can I get doxy-PEP?
Australia does not yet have prescribing guidelines for doxy-PEP, so not all doctors will know about it. If you think doxy-PEP could be right for you, discuss it with your doctor and show them this Patient Support Letter (via Emen8).
Also, not all doctors may be comfortable prescribing doxy-PEP. You may need to go to a different doctor or check with your local sexual health organisation (via Emen8) where you might be able to get a doxy-PEP prescription.
Why take doxy-PEP?
Syphilis rates are rising fast in our community — and it can be hard to spot. Symptoms aren’t always obvious, so you can have it without knowing. Even when it’s diagnosed and treated, you’ll need to pause sex while the infection clears. Syphilis can also increase the risk of HIV transmission during sex, particularly if HIV is not undetectable or PrEP isn’t being used consistently.
How do I take doxy-PEP?
The correct doxy-PEP dosage involves taking a single dose of 200 mg doxycycline within 72 hours after sexual activity (including oral and anal play).
Keep your dosing simple.
If you’ve had multiple encounters over the weekend, taking a single 200 mg dose on Monday morning can cover all sex within the previous 72 hours.
Avoid taking more than one full dose (200 mg) every 3 days.