Doxy-PEP

• What is Doxy-PEP?
  Doxy-PEP involves taking 200 mg of doxycycline after sex to reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Doxy-PEP can reduce the risk of syphilis and chlamydia, but the protection is not complete, and its effectiveness against gonorrhoea is limited.

Why does Venhälsan not recommend Doxy-PEP?
Sweden has a long-standing and successful strategy for limiting the development of antimicrobial resistance. As antibiotic resistance increases, common infections can become difficult to treat, and antibiotics may no longer work when they are needed to save lives.

• In Sweden, preventive treatment with antibiotics is recommended only in specific situations where the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
  • One example is antibiotic prophylaxis before certain surgical procedures, where there is a high risk of a life-threatening infection from a single event.
  • Another example is antibiotic prophylaxis for people with severely weakened immune systems, such as after certain cancer treatments, where there is a high risk of life-threatening infection over a period of time.
  • HIV PrEP is another example, as HIV remains an infection that cannot yet be cured.
• In contrast, Doxy-PEP after sex involves taking repeated single doses of antibiotics to prevent infections that can be readily diagnosed and effectively treated.
• Doxy-PEP does not provide complete protection, and even in countries where it is recommended, regular STI testing remains an essential part of care.
• Using Doxy-PEP does not mean you can test for STIs less often.

Why is Doxy-PEP recommended in some other countries?
Different countries weigh the benefits of Doxy-PEP against the risks of increased antibiotic use differently.

Venhälsan's assessment is that the benefits do not outweigh the risks associated with repeated antibiotic use to prevent infections that can be effectively diagnosed and treated.

I already use Doxy-PEP – can I still come to Venhälsan?
Yes, absolutely. You are welcome at Venhälsan. Please let us know if you use Doxy-PEP, even if only occasionally. Doxy-PEP can affect the course of an infection and influence test results. This information can therefore be important in helping us assess your situation and provide you with the best possible care.