Breaking New CDC Guidelines: Using Antibiotics as a Morning-After Pill for Sexually Transmitted Diseases in High-Risk Groups

In recent years, rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have been on the rise, particularly among gay and bisexual men. While the latest data suggests that chlamydia and gonorrhea cases may have stabilized in 2022, there is still a need for new prevention strategies. In response to this need, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently recommended that some individuals should consider taking an antibiotic as a morning-after pill to prevent certain STDs.

The new CDC guideline is specific to gay and bisexual men and transgender women who have had an STD in the previous year and are at high risk of getting infected again. Studies have shown that doxycycline works in this group, but there is not enough evidence to make the same recommendation for other populations. The recommended treatment, known as doxy PEP (doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis), involves taking one dose of 200 milligrams of doxycycline within three days of unprotected sex. The guidelines specify that the pills should only be taken once per 24 hours, and doctors should reassess the regimen with patients every three to six months.

This guidance was initially released as a draft in October, with updates made following a public comment period. It is important to note that the CDC is continuously working to provide the most up-to-date and effective recommendations for preventing STDs. The agency’s focus on innovation in prevention strategies highlights the ongoing commitment to addressing the rising rates of STDs in certain populations.