The oral antibiotic doxycycline does indeed prevent sexually transmitted infections. This has been reported by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
The key method of preventing the transmission of diseases through sexual contact is the use of barrier contraception (condoms). However, many people neglect them, including during sex with strangers or the occasional partner. In this regard, doctors are looking for ways to prevent the disease with medication if the person suspects a possible threat after contact.
Now Hugh Auchincloss and colleagues to work and found that doxycycline can be taken for these purposes. The study was conducted with 501 adult male volunteers at four clinics in San Francisco and Seattle, with 327 participants on HIV medication and 174 living with the virus and not receiving treatment. In addition, all participants had an STI in the previous year. People have been advised to take one tablet of doxycycline delayed-release 200mg of the active ingredient, ideally within 24 hours, but no later than 72 hours after condom-free sex. The authors reviewed participants every three months for medication adherence and side effects, and tested them for STIs.
As a result, it was revealed that the number of STIs in those using doxycycline was 10%, while it was 32% in those who did not use antibiotics. This includes the incidence of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. The study’s authors hope their observations will help reduce the number of infections among risk groups.