This resource is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare provider about your individual needs.
Doxycycline is an oral antibiotic used for various bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. When taken after oral, anal, and vaginal/front hole sex, it is called DoxyPEP and helps reduce the risk of chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows that DoxyPEP is over 70% effective against preventing chlamydia and syphilis. It reduces gonorrhea transmission by about 50%. CDC guidance recommends taking a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline within 72 hours after sex helps reduce the risk of these STIs.
However, guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control cautions that DoxyPEP should not be used as a population-wide intervention and should be guided by local epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
Anyone can use DoxyPEP, no matter their HIV status. However, it may be less effective for those already living with HIV.
DoxyPEP doesn’t replace condoms or regular testing, and requires a partnership with your doctor. If you want to discuss DoxyPEP with your doctor, you can share this CDC report and guidelines or use this guide on talking to your doctor about DoxyPEP for ideas.
To learn more about DoxyPEP, explore this page. If you’re in the U.S. and want to access DoxyPEP, click here.
Disclaimer
This content is provided by Grindr for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be understood as, medical, legal, or professional advice. Grindr is not a healthcare provider and does not provide medical recommendations. Treatment and healthcare decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare providers based on individual circumstances. Medical guidelines and research findings referenced in this content are subject to change as new evidence emerges. For support services and resources, explore the Looking for LGBTQ+ Community Assistance? page. For information about HIV testing sites in your region or country, visit the HIV Testing Services page. Last updated: 2026.