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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently recommended that some individuals consider taking an antibiotic as a morning-after pill to help prevent certain sexually transmitted diseases. Specifically, they suggest taking doxycycline after unprotected sex as a way to prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis infections. This new prevention tool is seen as a much-needed innovation in the fight against sexually transmitted infections, which have been on the rise for years, particularly in gay and bisexual men.

While rates of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea have been increasing, the latest data suggests that cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea stopped rising in 2022. The new guideline from the CDC is aimed at gay and bisexual men and transgender women who have had a sexually transmitted disease in the previous year and are at high risk of reinfection. Studies have shown that doxycycline is effective in preventing infections in this group, but there is not enough evidence to make the same recommendation for others.

The treatment, known as doxy postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), involves taking one dose of 200 milligrams of doxycycline within three days of unprotected sex. The CDC notes that the pills should only be taken once per 24 hours, and doctors should reassess the regimen with patients every three to six months. The guidelines were revised after a public comment period, with clarifications made to ensure proper usage and monitoring of the medication.