Understanding PrEP, PEP, & DoxyPEP

PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP are important biomedical interventions that play a crucial role in protecting sexual health, particularly in the prevention of HIV and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Understanding the differences between these three strategies is essential for making informed decisions about sexual health and prevention.

What is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)?

PrEP is a highly effective way for people who do not have HIV to prevent HIV infection by taking one pill every day, or in certain cases, on-demand before and after sexual activity.

Aspect	Description
What it prevents	HIV
When to take it	Before potential exposure
Frequency	Daily, or on-demand for some regimens
Goal	Long-term HIV prevention

PrEP involves regular visits to a healthcare provider for monitoring, including HIV testing and testing for other STIs. Discussing whether PrEP is right for you can be done with us at Everest ThriveCare.

What is PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)?

PEP is a course of HIV medicine taken after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent infection. It is an emergency measure and must be started as soon as possible to be effective.

Aspect	Description
What it prevents	HIV
When to take it	After a possible exposure (must be within 72 hours)
Duration	28 days of daily pills
Goal	Emergency HIV prevention

It is critical to seek immediate medical attention if you believe you have been exposed to HIV. You can contact us at Everest ThriveCare, acute/open access appointments are available daily. Starting PEP within 72 hours is vital.

What is DoxyPEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)?

DoxyPEP is an emerging strategy involving the use of the antibiotic doxycycline after condomless sex to prevent certain bacterial STIs. It is not approved for all populations, and guidelines are still developing.

Aspect	Description
What it prevents	Bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea)
When to take it	After a possible exposure (within 72 hours)
Frequency	One dose after each instance of condomless sex (up to one dose per 24 hours)
Goal	Prevention of bacterial STIs

Current guidance on DoxyPEP is subject to change, and potential concerns about antibiotic resistance are being carefully monitored by researchers.

Summary Comparison

Below is a table summarizing the key differences between PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP.

Intervention	Purpose	Target Infection	Timing
PrEP	Ongoing prevention	HIV	Daily or on-demand before exposure
PEP	Emergency prevention	HIV	Daily for 28 days after exposure (within 72 hours)
DoxyPEP	Emergency prevention	Bacterial STIs	Single dose after exposure (within 72 hours)

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