“AIDS-2022” reveals a groundbreaking STI prevention tool; HIV cure research is making headway

According to the DoxyPEP trial, taking 200 mg of doxycycline within 72 hours of condom-free intercourse dramatically lowers both men’s and women’s chance of contracting gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Additionally, 65% fewer sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were detected among individuals who were randomly assigned to take doxycycline each quarter than among those who were not.

This study was presented at the 24th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2022), being held in Montreal, Canada, and virtually from 29 July to 2 August. In Seattle and San Francisco, 174 HIV-positive men over the age of 17 who were born males and 327 HIV-negative adults receiving PrEP were recruited for the research. At least one of the three STIs had to have been present in the participants’ bodies the year before.

87% of the time following condomless intercourse, participants said they took doxycycline; 54% said they took less than 10 tablets per month, 30% said they took 10 to 20 doses per month, and 16% said they took more than 20. Doxycycline was not linked to any major side effects or side effects worse than Grade 2.

Source: The Daily Star