A new study found that doxycycline for STI prevention might work on cis women

Current guidelines for the use of DoxyPEP recommend it only for bisexual and gay men, and transgender women. However, a new study on cisgender female sex workers in Japan found that taking doxycycline as DoxyPrEP might make this new method effective for cis women.

There are many prevention methods that could help reduce your risk of STIs. Contact us for more information about getting tested and make an appointment with our doctor to receive the treatment that suits you. 

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What is DoxyPEP?

DoxyPEP, or doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, is a new STI prevention method used to help reduce the risk of bacterial infections transmitted through sex. By taking the antibiotic doxycycline right after having sex, DoxyPEP can reduce the risk of bacterial STIs by two-thirds. This could be a great tool for STI prevention and a way to help reduce the rising number of syphilis cases. However, this method is effective only in bisexual men, gay men, and transgender women. The guidelines for DoxyPEP recommend its use only for these groups. A study conducted in Kenya on 449 women found no significant effect in STI prevention when using DoxyPEP.

This discrepancy is due to how our bodies break down medications. Medicines like PrEP for HIV and DoxyPEP need time to build up in our bodies, but it takes longer for the medicine level to become sufficiently concentrated in the vaginal area for the medication to be effective. The guidelines ensure that the use of medications is effective for most people, hence the current recommendation of DoxyPEP only for men and transwomen.

Get your DoxyPEP at PULSE CLINIC

For more information about the medication and ordering process, please contact us at pulseliving@pulse-clinic.com or chat with us on your preferred platform. 

  +66-84-226-2569     @pulserx       PulseClinic

A new study found doxycycline for STI prevention might work in women but with a few differences

A new study in Japan tested the use of doxycycline for bacterial STI prevention in 40 female sex workers. These participants are more likely to come into contact with STIs. The study tracked whether doxycycline helps reduce the positive rate of bacterial STIs.

Instead of using doxycycline as PEP after sex, this study used doxycycline as PrEP. Participants took 100mg of doxycycline daily, regardless of whether they had sex that day, allowing more time for the medicine to build up in the body. The study found that participants tested positive for STIs significantly less often after using doxycycline. Despite doxycycline being an antibiotic that raises concerns about good bacteria, the study found no differences in the rates of bacterial vaginosis and candida before and after daily use of the medication.

While this study still needs more data, as it was conducted with only 40 women in Japan, it shows promising results worth further investigation. DoxyPrEP for STI prevention could be a significant benefit for women. Women are more susceptible to getting STIs and are more prone to serious health consequences. Having another layer of protection alongside traditional prevention methods can help women feel more confident and reduce anxieties about contracting STIs. This, in turn, can help people explore their sexualities more freely, leading to a happier lifestyle.

Condoms are still important.

Condoms have proven to be a highly effective tool in reducing the number of new cases in the past. Despite this new treatment, there is no reason to stop using condoms. Doxycycline shows promising results in reducing the risk of STI infections, but using it alongside other prevention methods can be beneficial for your health.

Getting tested regularly is key.

The only way to be sure you’re free from STIs is to get tested. STIs are often asymptomatic, so there is no way to be sure you don’t have one unless you get tested. New tests are more accurate and can provide results faster, allowing you to know early if you have an STI. Getting treatment early means you can recover faster and have fewer risks of complications. We suggest you try a PCR 28 test, a comprehensive STI test that covers 28 pathogens that cause STIs. This test includes both common and uncommon infections that other test programs might miss. This way, you won’t miss any hidden infections that might otherwise be overlooked.

Visiting a medical provider specializing in sexually transmitted infections means they can provide you with the information you need. Doctors can give you suggestions for preventative care to help reduce your risk of getting STIs based on your sexual behavior. There is no reason to handle this on your own. Contact us to make an appointment with a doctor at a PULSE Clinic near you. Reach out to us today and start your journey with PULSE!

Get your DoxyPEP at PULSE CLINIC

For more information about the medication and ordering process, please contact us at pulseliving@pulse-clinic.com or chat with us on your preferred platform. 

  +66-84-226-2569     @pulserx       PulseClinic