Emergency Contraception Isn’t the Only “Plan B”
When people think about what to do after unprotected sex, preventing pregnancy is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But there’s another crucial part of the conversation: protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’ve recently had condomless sex, there’s more you can do to protect yourself and your future than just take Plan B.
Doxy PEP: A New Tool in STI Prevention
Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis—Doxy PEP—is a single-dose antibiotic you take within 72 hours after condomless sex. It can dramatically lower your risk of getting chlamydia or syphilis, and may help reduce the chance of gonorrhea.
Who Can Use Doxy PEP?
Doxy PEP might be right for you if:
● You’re a cis-man, trans woman, or nonbinary person assigned male at birth
● You have male partners
● You’ve had an STI in the past year or regularly have condomless sex
How Doxy PEP Works
Take Doxy PEP as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours after sex. When taken correctly, Doxy PEP can reduce the risk of:
● Chlamydia by up to 88%
● Syphilis by up to 87%
● Gonorrhea by around 55%
Doxy PEP is not a cure, and it won’t protect against viruses like HIV, herpes, mpox, or genital warts, but it’s a smart second step if you’ve had a potential STI exposure.
HIV PEP: Another Essential “Plan B” Option
If there’s a risk you were exposed to HIV—whether through sex, needle sharing, or sexual assault—Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a must. PEP is a 28-day course of medication that must be started within 72 hours of potential
exposure. The sooner you begin, the more effective it is.
PEP Might Be Right For You If:
● You’ve had unprotected sex and don’t know your partner’s HIV status
● You had a condom break during sex with someone who may be HIV-positive
● You shared needles or injection equipment
● You were sexually assaulted
PEP is only for emergencies. If you think you might be at ongoing risk, talk to a provider about HIV PrEP, which is a daily pill or long-acting injection that prevents HIV before exposure.
Other Smart Steps to Protect Your Health
Get Tested
Testing within a few days of unprotected sex helps you catch STIs early. Health Stop STL offers free, judgment-free testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and more.
Use At-Home Test Kits
Can’t make it in? Health Stop STL offers free at-home STI test kits shipped discreetly to your door. They include everything you need: throat swabs, rectal swabs, urine sample tools, and clear video instructions.
Talk to a Provider About PrEP and PEP
If you’re regularly at risk of HIV or other STIs, Health Stop STL can help you get on the right prevention plan.
The Bottom Line: Pregnancy Isn’t the Only Risk After Condomless Sex
Plan B for pregnancy prevention is just one part of protecting your future. Think of STI prevention as your second line of defense. Doxy PEP and HIV PEP are powerful tools—and they’re available right here in St. Louis.
If you’ve had unprotected sex, don’t wait. Visit Health Stop STL to get tested, ask about Doxy PEP or HIV PEP, and take control of your health.
