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Sluts get a bad rap sometimes. But with the power of DoxyPEP, our community's most sexually active members can be the heroes we need to protect us from STIs.
DoxyPEP is an STI prevention tool that blocks 70-80% of syphilis transmission, but it's not for just anyone. Take the S.L.U.T.S. Test to find out if you have what it takes to be a Sexy Legend Unlikely to Transmit Syphilis.
Aotearoa is experiencing an outbreak of syphilis transmission. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact, primarily affecting gay, bisexual & other men who have sex with men.
Syphilis often presents with no symptoms but, left untreated, it can cause damage to your nerves, bones, skin, eyes, and brain.
DoxyPEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a treatment of pills taken after sex that reduces your chance of acquiring syphilis by 70-80% (and chlamydia by 70-90%). But it's not for just anyone...
Research is still emerging about the benefits and risks of DoxyPEP. But one thing we do know, is that antibiotics like doxycycline can contribute to antibiotic-resistant strains of some bacterial infections.
(That’s how we got ‘super’ gonorrhoea, which is now mostly resistant to doxycycline treatment. And we’re not trying to create new supervillains!)
To limit the potential risk of antibiotic-resistance, DoxyPEP has been approved for prescription to a small percentage of people who can make the biggest difference.
These people are living among us, they could be your colleague, or your neighbour. But they all share one thing in common: a heightened risk profile for syphilis transmission. Maybe they’ve had it before. Maybe they’ve had gonorrhoea or chlamydia a couple times. Maybe they have a promiscuous phase coming up…
Whatever their reasons, by taking DoxyPEP, these brave heroes can becomes S.L.U.T.S. Sexy Legends Unlikely to Transmit Syphilis.
Okay so we don’t actually need a white knight upon a fiery steed… [sigh]
But there are some pretty strict eligibility criteria for DoxyPEP, to ensure we make the maximum impact while reducing the risks. Take our test to see if you could be a S.L.U.T.S. hero!
What sex were you assigned at birth? (Whether or not you identify by that sex today)
Do you have sex with men? (Whether or not you also have sex with people of other genders)
Have you tested positive for syphilis in the last 12 months?
Have you tested positive for gonorrhoea or chlamydia more than once in the last 12 months?
Do you have a period of heightened STI transmission risk coming up? (e.g. a party or holiday that's likely to involve sex with multiple casual partners)
Do any of your sexual partners have a uterus? (This might include cisgender women or transmasculine partners)
Do you identify as Māori or a Pacific person?
DoxyPEP has only been proven in clinical trials to be effective as a preventative treatment for people assigned male at birth. But you can still be a hero by testing regularly and using other prevention methods.
To minimise the potential risks, DoxyPEP is only recommended as a preventative treatment for people assigned male at birth who have sex with men. But you can still be a hero by testing regularly and using other other prevention methods.
You're eligible for DoxyPEP! Download our letter template below to take to your GP and become the hero your community needs.
You could be eligible for DoxyPEP! Download our letter template below to take to your GP and become the hero your community needs.
Good news! Based on your answers, you do not meet the NZ Sexual Health Society's criteria for heightened risk of syphilis transmission. We would not recommend that you ask your GP about DoxyPEP, but you can still be a hero by testing regularly and using other prevention methods. And remember to check back here if your sexual behaviour changes in the future to see if you might be eligible.
Are you a Sexy Legend Unlikely to Transmit Syphilis? Don’t let ads and limits get in the way of serving your community!
Tell us your sluttiest story (when you knew you needed DoxyPEP…) for the chance to win 3 months of Free Grindr XTRA.
Fill out the form below to be in to win 3 Months FREE Grindr XTRA!
While you're at it, did you know you can now add "I'm on DoxyPEP" to your Grindr profile's sexual health field? Why not advertise your heroism to your local grid!
Please note - We'll share the winning S.L.U.T.S. stories with our community, so please don't include any information that could identify you or your sexual partners.
You must be aged 18 years old or over and live in Aotearoa NZ to enter.
How Effective is DoxyPEP?
DoxyPEP can be quite effective for cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender and non-binary people assigned male at birth who are having sex with MSM. It can reduce your chance of acquiring syphilis by 70-80% and chlamydia by 70-90%. There are limited studies of DoxyPEP, therefore, our understanding of how effective it is may change as we learn more.
Most gonorrhoea in Aotearoa is already resistant to doxycycline. We do not expect DoxyPEP to prevent gonorrhoea and it is not recommended for this purpose.
Who can prescribe me DoxyPEP?
DoxyPEP is relatively new, and so not every prescriber may be familiar with, or happy to prescribe DoxyPEP.
However, you could speak to your local GP; we have a letter you can take to guide them to the best evidence to discuss DoxyPEP with you. Some sexual health clinics across the country have also started supplying DoxyPEP; call your local clinic to see if they are supplying DoxyPEP and to book an appointment.
If you're aged under 30 or are Māori or a Pacific person of any age, DoxyPEP should be available from your sexual health clinic at no cost.
Doesn't DoxyPEP increase the risk of antibiotic-resistant STI strains?
It's true that one of the risks identified with the prescription of doxycycline as a post-exposure prophylaxis is the potential for development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacterial STIs. That's why it's so important that the use of DoxyPEP is targeted for individuals at higher risk of transmission, to maximise the benefits while minimising the risks.
Our messaging and eligibility tool are aligned with the New Zealand Sexual Health Society's guidance, which carefully considers both the public health benefits and the need to minimise antibiotic resistance.
Resistance mainly arises when antibiotics are used improperly (like incorrect prescription or dosing, or sharing with others). Our eligibility tool can help you identify whether DoxyPEP might be right for you, but it should always be prescribed by your doctor or sexual health provider, with strict adherence to the correct dosage.
Why is DoxyPEP only available to people assigned male at birth?
DoxyPEP has only been studied so far among cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender and non-binary people assigned male at birth who are having sex with MSM.
One study of cisgender women taking DoxyPEP did not find it was effective but further studies are needed to understand why. There have been no other studies on people assigned female at birth, and this is why it is not currently recommended for these people.
Given the limited evidence, DoxyPEP is only for people assigned male at birth having sex with men so far. We continue to look for new evidence as it emerges to keep this recommendation as up to date as possible.
Does DoxyPEP have any side effects?
Doxycycline has two main side effects.
Firstly, taking doxycycline can make you more sensitive to the sun. It is important to be sun-smart when using DoxyPEP as you may burn more easily.
Secondly, it is important you take DoxyPEP with water, and remain upright for half an hour after you take a dose. This is because doxycycline can damage your throat if not swallowed properly, and needs to be digested in your stomach to avoid this.
DoxyPEP also interacts with antacids (like Mylanta or Gaviscon), as well as supplements with calcium, iron, and magnesium. So if you take these supplements take them 2 hours before or after your DoxyPEP to make sure it works.
Does DoxyPEP work if I am living with HIV?
Studies so far suggest that DoxyPEP does work for cisgender men who have sex with men and are living with HIV. It may be slightly less effective at preventing STIs but we need more research to understand this difference. If you are living with HIV, you can use DoxyPEP.
I'm a trans man who has sex with men. Why can't I take DoxyPEP?
As a relatively new STI prevention tool, DoxyPEP has only been studied and proven effective so far among people assigned male at birth who are having sex with men.
One study of the effects of DoxyPEP for cisgender women did not find it was effective, but further studies are required to understand why. No studies have taken place yet for transgender or nonbinary people assigned female at birth, so it is not currently recommended for these people.
DoxyPEP should be considered for people assigned male at birth whose sexual partners include both cisgender men and people with a uterus, recognising the additional health risks posed by bacterial STIs for people with a uterus; so if you are a trans person with a uterus then your sexual partner(s) assigned male at birth could be eligible.
Otherwise barrier methods like condoms are a great prevention tool and are available for free from our website.
Why is DoxyPEP considered for all Māori or Pacific peoples assigned male at birth who have sex with men?
Māori and Pacific peoples are disproportionately affected by negative health outcomes from syphilis transmission in Aotearoa.
The latest data from 2023 indicate that Māori & Pacific peoples were twice as likely to acquire syphilis compared to people of other ethnicities, and most cases of syphilis passed from parent to infant during pregnancy or birth (congenital syphilis) occur among Māori and Pacific peoples.
For this reason, DoxyPEP should be considered as an intervention for any person who identifies with these populations, was assigned male at birth, and has sex with men. You should be able to get the prescription from your local sexual health clinic at no cost.
If I’m on DoxyPEP, do I still need to test for STIs?
Yes! Definitely. It is important if you test for STIs as DoxyPEP is not 100% effective. Regular testing every three months is still recommended.
Do I need to take DoxyPEP after every hook-up?
DoxyPEP has been proven effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. So if you had multiple exposures over a 2-3 day period, you can take a single 200mg dose (i.e. 2x 100mg pills) on Monday morning, for example, to protect you from multiple sexual contacts over the weekend.
The suggested maximum dosage for DoxyPEP is 3 x 200mg doses in a week.
Do I have other options to prevent STIs?
Condoms are a really effective option to prevent syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. You can order some here.
If you aren’t using condoms, you may be at risk of HIV depending on your sexual activity; find out more about PrEP for HIV here.
Where can I find out more about DoxyPEP?
NZ Consensus Statement:
https://www.nzshs.org/site_files/38652/upload_files/AoNZfinaldoxyPEPstatement(1).pdf?dl=1
ASHM Consensus Statement
https://ashm.org.au/about/news/doxy-pep-statement/
CDC Guidelines:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/rr/rr7302a1.htm?s_cid=rr7302a1_w
