DoxyPEP Is Coming to the UK – Here’s What You Need to Know

Later this year, the UK will begin rolling out DoxyPEP – a new sexual health tool aimed at reducing certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, and chlamydia. It’s already being used in other countries with promising results, and now the UK is preparing to make it available to people in the UK from Autumn.

Here’s a quick Q&A to explain what DoxyPEP is, who it’s for, and what to expect.

DoxyPEP stands for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a way of using a common antibiotic (doxycycline) after condomless sex to reduce the chances of acquiring certain STIs – mainly syphilis and chlamydia, with some protective effect against gonorrhoea as well.

It’s taken as a one-off dose of 200mg (usually two 100mg tablets) within 24 to 72 hours after sex. It’s not a daily pill, and it’s not something you take before sex like PrEP. It’s more like a “next day” prevention option.

The UK’s first national DoxyPEP guidelines, published by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH), recommend offering DoxyPEP to:

These groups are more affected by syphilis and other STIs in the UK, and research shows DoxyPEP is most effective in these populations. It may also be considered on a case-by-case basis for others at high risk, including some cisgender women and trans men.

Studies have shown:

It doesn’t protect against HIV, herpes, hepatitis, or other infections, so it’s not a replacement for PrEP or regular testing, but it can be a helpful additional option.

Antibiotic resistance is a consideration. Using antibiotics frequently can increase the risk of resistance, especially with gonorrhoea, which is already becoming harder to treat in some cases.

Because of this, DoxyPEP is being rolled out in a targeted way, and resistance will be closely monitored. It won’t be recommended for general use across the whole population.

The rollout is expected to begin later in 2025, likely starting in sexual health clinics. It may not be available everywhere straight away, and you’ll need to speak to a healthcare professional to see if it’s suitable for you.

Some clinics may offer it as part of a trial or targeted programme before it becomes more widely available.

It’s not 100% effective, so regular STI screening is still important
It doesn’t prevent HIV – if you are at a higher risk of acquiring HIV, talk to your clinic about PrEP

It’s still a good idea to use condoms, especially for preventing gonorrhoea and other infections not covered by DoxyPEP

It may not be suitable for everyone – for example, if you’re allergic to doxycycline or have certain health conditions

Many community health organisations are welcoming the rollout, especially those working with LGBTQ+ and trans communities. There’s a strong focus on ensuring that the rollout is inclusive, accessible, and informed by people’s real-life experiences.

Resources like queerhealth.info have created guidance and FAQs to help people decide whether DoxyPEP is right for them.

DoxyPEP isn’t for everyone, but for some people, it could be a valuable extra layer of protection. It works best when combined with regular testing, honest conversations about sexual health, and easy access to non-judgmental support.

If you're interested in DoxyPEP or think it might be right for you, check in with your local sexual health clinic – and keep an eye out for updates later this year.