Yes, you read that right. Just like barrier methods of contraception, medical experts are working on the newest invention to control the spreading of STIs with a morning-after pill. And the name is doxyPEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), which comprises Doxycycline as its chemical composition, which is an antibiotic.
4 Reasons Why The Morning-After Pill To Prevent STIs Is Still In The Dark
1. Antibiotic Resistance Is A Global Reality
Antibiotic resistance is a grave reality across the world. Hence, people taking doxyPEP may experience the same problems as it is an antibiotic too. This implies that the bacteria-inducing STIs may evolve over and beyond being resisted by this drug as bacteria does in the case of certain antibiotics. If the STI-causing bacteria act in the same way as this drug, this drug too may fall short of meeting expectations soon. Not just that, similar to how bacteria in antibiotics often behave in this instance, it may behave in a more dangerous manner.
2. Studies Conducted Only On Gay Men & Trans Women
All the drug trials done so far have been conducted on gay men and trans women. These sections of the population were consciously chosen as they are the most at risk of contracting STIs. And, hence, are the most in need of this morning-after pill. Some studies only researched the efficacy of the drug on people with and without HIV infection, while certain other drug tests were done only on people without HIV infection.
3. Lack Of Consensus About Possible Risks
In the opinions of healthcare experts, there seems to be a lack of consensus about whether the drug would be able to balance the risk of antibiotic resistance with the possible risks of sexually transmitted infections. However, some other experts opine that dwelling solely on this one factor may deny people in need of this drug (gay men and transgenders) the opportunity for a preventive measure.
4. Question On Its Efficacy
Doxycycline is already an oft-recommended drug as a treatment for sexually transmitted infections. It is a preferred choice of first-line treatment for chlamydia, a common type of STI, and a two-week course for syphilis. However, it is no longer an entirely effective treatment for gonorrhoea because of the germ’s growing resistance to the drug. Although doxycycline PEP, unlike doxycycline, is for preventive measures and not for treating STIs, the apprehensive lingers at the back of the mind of medical experts.
5 Other Ways To Prevent STIs
1. Practise Safe Sex
No, contrary to popular opinions that STIs can spread through contact – myths that still exist in the 21st century, one can contrast such infections only through unsafe sex with people who have been affected by such infections. Or through the reuse of injections that have been previously used by people infected with STIs. So, the first and foremost way to prevent the spread of these infections is to use a condom every time you indulge in sexual intercourse.
2. Get Yourself Tested Annually
Go for an STI panel test once every year to ensure that you have not been infected with an STI. That apart, get yourself and your partner tested before a new sexual relationship. If you’ve just recovered from an STI, give yourself some rest before returning to active sex life.
3. Maintain A Mutually Monogamous Sexual Relationship
A mutually monogamous sexual relationship reduces the chances of passing on an STI from one partner to the other to a significant extent. In such cases, an STI can spread only when either of the partners has already been infected by an STI when they started this mutually monogamous relationship.
4. Communicate With Your Partner
Every time you start a new sexual relationship, open and maintain an unrestricted channel of communication that includes discussion on your previous sex lives. Talk about whether you’ve ever had unprotected sex, whether you’ve got yourself tested for STIs, whether you’ve ever been infected with an STI and the like. Also, make sure that both of you are open to the open of a mutually monogamous sexual relationship before you actually get into a relationship with him/her.
5. Make Conscious Choices
Know who you’re getting into a sexual relationship with. To be more specific, don’t make a choice when you’re not entirely in your senses because you’re drunk. You bet you’d like to take that decision when you’re completely sober. Because unfortunately, instances like contracting STIs occur when you’re not in a position to make the best decision for yourself.
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