Doxy-PEP is a single dose of doxycycline (an antibiotic) taken after sex to reduce the chance of acquiring some bacterial STIs — particularly syphilis, and to a lesser extent chlamydia and, in some studies, gonorrhoea. It’s a relatively new prevention option in Australia, and it isn’t right for everyone.
At Equality Health Frankston, LGBTIQA+ friendly GPs can talk you through whether Doxy-PEP is a good fit for your situation — with bulk billed consultations for all patients with a valid Medicare card, in person across Sydney or by telehealth.
Doxy-PEP stands for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. It involves taking 200mg of doxycycline within 72 hours of condomless sex to reduce the risk of acquiring bacterial STIs.
Australian guidance (the ASHM 2023 Consensus Statement) recognises Doxy-PEP as an option to help prevent syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (and trans women and non-binary people assigned male at birth) who are at higher chance of bacterial STIs.
Doxy-PEP is not suitable for everyone. Your GP will discuss the benefits, possible side effects, the importance of antimicrobial stewardship, and whether it’s right for your circumstances.
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SUPPORTIVE
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL CARE
PREVENTATIVE SCREENING
SAFE
INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
REPEAT REFERRALS
SUPPORTIVE
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL CARE
PREVENTATIVE SCREENING
SAFE
INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
REPEAT REFERRALS
SUPPORTIVE
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL CARE
PREVENTATIVE SCREENING
SAFE
INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
REPEAT REFERRALS
SUPPORTIVE
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL CARE
PREVENTATIVE SCREENING
SAFE
INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
REPEAT REFERRALS
A clear conversation about whether Doxy-PEP suits you: Your GP will assess your sexual health history, recent STI history, current medications and any allergies. Doxy-PEP isn’t recommended for everyone — and it’s used alongside, not instead of, condoms, STI testing and PrEP where relevant.
A current STI screen: Before starting Doxy-PEP, you’ll be offered a sexual health screen to make sure any current infections are identified and treated.
Your prescription: If Doxy-PEP is appropriate, your GP will issue a prescription with clear instructions on how and when to take it. You only take a dose after sex — not every day.
3-monthly reviews: Anyone using Doxy-PEP should have a quarterly check-in that includes STI screening and a conversation about how things are going. We can do this in person or by telehealth.
Joined-up sexual health care: If you’re on PrEP, your Doxy-PEP review can be combined with your standard PrEP visit — one appointment, both prescriptions.
Regular STI checks are one of the best ways to protect your sexual health. Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, often have no symptoms, making regular testing the only reliable way to know your status and access treatment early if needed.
At Equality Health Frankston, our LGBTQIA+ friendly GPs provide confidential, non-judgemental STI testing with bulk billed consultations for all patients with a valid Medicare card. Appointments are available in person at our Frankston clinic or via telehealth where appropriate.
At Equality Health GPs provide comprehensive Bulk Billed PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) services tailored to the needs of the LGBTIQA+ community.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily or on-demand medication that, when taken as prescribed, can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. At Equality Health Darlinghurst, LGBTIQA+ friendly GPs make starting and staying on PrEP simple with Bulk Billed consultations available to everyone with a valid Medicare card, in person at our Frankston clinic or by telehealth from anywhere in Australia.
Our team of LGBTIQA+ health-focused General Practitioners provides compassionate, comprehensive, and culturally competent care to our diverse community. Each of our GPs brings a wealth of experience, specialized knowledge, and a deep passion for serving LGBTIQA+ individuals. Committed to continuous learning and advocacy, our doctors ensure that every patient receives personalized care in a safe and affirming environment. Together, we strive to promote health equity, foster trust, and support the well-being of all our patients
Doxy-PEP is a single 200mg dose of doxycycline taken within 72 hours of condomless sex. Doxycycline is an antibiotic that can help prevent some bacterial STIs from establishing infection after exposure. It is most effective for syphilis, with smaller effects on chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
No. HIV PEP is a separate course of antiretroviral medication taken after potential HIV exposure. Doxy-PEP is an antibiotic and only targets some bacterial STIs. The two are not interchangeable. If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, contact a sexual health clinic or your GP urgently.
Doxy-PEP is taken on an as-needed basis after condomless sex — not every day. Your GP will discuss appropriate use and limits with you, and will follow up with regular reviews so your use can be monitored.
Doxycycline can cause nausea, stomach upset, sun sensitivity, and (less commonly) other side effects. Your GP will go through what to watch for and what to do if you experience side effects.
Doxycycline itself is widely available and inexpensive, but Doxy-PEP as a specific indication is an emerging area in Australia. Speak with your GP and pharmacist about pricing — costs are typically low.
No referral needed. You can book directly with one of our GPs online or by phone.
Yes — eligible Medicare patients anywhere in Melbourne or Australia can access our bulk billed telehealth Doxy-PEP consults.
Contact our team! Equality Health GPs across Australia are well-trained and have experience in various areas of LGBTQIA+ health.
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