CDC recommends doxycycline after sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a study recommending the use of doxycycline, a powerful antibiotic, to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

"The purpose of the proposed guidelines is to provide updated clinical guidance for healthcare providers to inform the use of doxycycline PEP for preventing bacterial STI infections," explains the document published by the agency.

Likewise, the CDC opened a comment period on the study. The date for individuals and organizations to present comments will last until Nov. 16.

"CDC has made available a pre-recorded informational presentation to provide information about the studies considered when developing the proposed guideline, explain the public comment process, and provide an overview of important monitoring for antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance that the agency will be considering to address potential risks," detailed The Federal Register, the official government newspaper.

Doxycycline has been shown to be beneficial

The intent is for the CDC to advise doctors that they should consider prescribing a 200 mg dose of doxycycline to patients within 72 hours of oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

"Doxycycline PEP has demonstrated benefit in reducing incident chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis and represents a new approach to addressing STI prevention in populations at increased risk for these infections," noted the study.

CDC-2023-Doxycycline by Williams Perdomo on Scribd

However, the CDC is not the first to recommend this treatment to combat sexually transmitted diseases. According to CNN, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in April found that DoxyPEP is about 65% effective in reducing the incidence of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis in clinics in San Francisco and Seattle.