A Revolutionary Approach to Preventing STIs: The Impact of DoxyPEP in San Francisco
A groundbreaking new study has shed light on the impact of DoxyPEP in San Francisco, a strategy that has been recommended to high-risk communities in an effort to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). DoxyPEP involves taking a single, 200 mg dose of the antibiotic doxycycline within 72 hours of a sexual encounter to minimize the chances of acquiring STIs.
San Francisco began allowing health providers to distribute DoxyPEP to gay men with multiple partners and trans women in late 2022. Around 40% of people taking PrEP in the city have tried DoxyPEP, showcasing a growing acceptance of this preventative measure.
The CDC recently issued guidelines approving DoxyPEP as an option for gay men and trans women who have had a positive STI diagnosis. In the year following the introduction of DoxyPEP in San Francisco, cases of chlamydia and syphilis dropped significantly, while gonorrhea cases slightly decreased, resulting in an impressive 58% reduction in overall STI rates.
At the CROI 2024 conference, researchers presented positive results from San Francisco, demonstrating a significant decrease in STIs among those taking DoxyPEP. Similar results were also seen in a trial conducted in France, further supporting the effectiveness of this preventative measure.
However, not all studies have shown the same level of success. A study in Kenya found that young, cisgender women on DoxyPEP did not experience the same reduction in STIs, highlighting the need for additional strategies to address STI rates.
Jorge Roman from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation welcomed the study results, emphasizing the importance of continuing to explore innovative approaches to reducing the spread of STIs. With the promising impact of DoxyPEP in high-risk communities, the future looks brighter in the fight against STIs.
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