US health officials recommend using antibiotics as a preventative measure against STDs

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently recommended that some individuals should consider taking an antibiotic as a morning-after pill to prevent certain sexually transmitted diseases. This new guidance, finalized by the CDC, suggests taking doxycycline after unprotected sex as a way to prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis infections. It is considered the first new prevention tool against sexually transmitted infections in decades and is seen as a much-needed innovation in the field.

Rates of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea have been on the rise for years, particularly in gay and bisexual men. While the latest data suggests that chlamydia and gonorrhea cases may have stabilized in 2022, there is still a need for new prevention strategies. The new CDC guideline is specific to gay and bisexual men and transgender women who have had an STD in the previous year and are at high risk of getting infected again. Studies have shown that doxycycline works in this group, but there is not enough evidence to make the same recommendation for other populations.

The recommended treatment, known as doxy PEP (doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis), involves taking one dose of 200 milligrams of doxycycline within three days of unprotected sex. The guidelines specify that the pills should only be taken once per 24 hours, and doctors should reassess the regimen with patients every three to six months. This guidance was initially released as a draft in October, with updates made following a public comment period.

It is important to note that the CDC is continuously working to provide the most up-to-date and effective recommendations for preventing sexually transmitted diseases. The agency’s focus on innovation in prevention strategies highlights the ongoing commitment to addressing the rising rates of STDs in certain populations.