You may have heard about Doxy-PEP; doxycycline taken after sex to help reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s one of the newer tools in sexual health prevention, and for some patients, it can be highly effective.
Current evidence shows that Doxy-PEP is most beneficial for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly those with higher STI risk or a recent history of bacterial STIs.
How effective is Doxy-PEP?
Clinical trials have shown Doxy-PEP can significantly reduce the risk of:
Chlamydia by around 70–90%
Syphilis by around 70–80%
Gonorrhoea by around 40–60%, (depending on resistance patterns)
It’s not a replacement for regular sexual health testing, but it can be an important additional prevention strategy.
Why isn’t it recommended for everyone?
Because doxycycline is an antibiotic, there are important considerations around antibiotic resistance. For this reason, Australian and international guidelines recommend Doxy-PEP primarily for MSM patients at higher risk, rather than for the general population.
This ensures the right patients benefit, while preserving antibiotic effectiveness long-term.
Sexual health care through your GP
At Clarity Medical, we provide confidential sexual health testing, PrEP, and Doxy-PEP consultations in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
We can assess your individual risk, discuss whether Doxy-PEP is appropriate for you, and help you stay on top of your sexual health with personalised care.
Sexual health is a normal part of healthcare and it’s something we’re experienced and comfortable managing.
Book a confidential sexual health consultation with our team today.
