Has a new solution to limit the risk of STDs just been developed? According to a new study published Wednesday, July 27, taking an antibiotic after unprotected sex can significantly reduce the risk of contracting several sexually transmitted diseases, including three in particular: chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. diseases that have exploded in Europe and the United States over the past twenty years.
Presented at the International AIDS Conference in Montreal, the study results showed that taking doxycycline – an antibiotic commonly used to treat acne or Lyme disease – reduced the risk of the most common STDs by more than 60%. The drug was even so effective that clinical trials were stopped earlier than expected.
This study comes in a context of increasing cases of sexually transmitted infections, particularly among men who have sex with men among whom the use of condoms has declined with the generalization of PrEP, a preventive treatment against HIV infection.
62% lower risk in HIV carriers
It brought together 544 people, mainly men with homosexual relationships in the United States, in San Francisco and Seattle. Some were taking PrEP treatment for HIV and others were carrying the virus. In each group, some received doxycycline and others did not. The treatment was given within three days after exposure and for as long as necessary depending on the frequency of intercourse. A follow-up was carried out every three months. Result: taking antibiotics reduces STD risk by 62% in HIV patients and 66% in those taking PrEP.
This is not the first time that a study has analyzed the effectiveness of doxycycline on STDs. In 2018, work by French researchers published in The Lancet had shown that treatment taken once within 72 hours of intercourse reduced the risk of chlamydia by 70% and syphilis by 73%. “We now have two studies that support the use of doxycycline as a PEP (post-exposure treatment, editor’s note) with men who have sex with mengreeted the lead author of the study, Annie Luetkemeyer. I really believe that we need to think very seriously about rolling out this treatment and how to incorporate it into the guidelines.”
Some fear, however, that this diet may trigger resistance of these bacteria to antibiotics or have disruptive consequences on the intestinal flora.
Sources:
- Taking an antibiotic after sex could help curb three common STDs, ScienceJuly 27, 2022
- Post-exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline to prevent sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men: an open-label randomized substudy of the ANRS IPERGAY trial, The LancetDecember 8, 2017
Read also:
- Trichonomas vaginalis: what is this “unknown” STI that increases the risk of HIV?
- STI: no, you can’t cure gonorrhea or syphilis by rubbing vinegar on your genitals
- Donovanose: what is this “flesh-eating” STI?
