Recent surges in STIs are disproportionately impacting the LGBTQ+ community. “As transmission rates for sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis continue to increase, it’s more important now than ever that preventative medicines are covered by insurance,” says Barbara Lee. Lee and her fellow Democratic Carolinian representative Robert Garcia set out to make the infection-reducing, life-saving medicine doxy PEP free.
With few other preventative options available, the STI treatment antibiotic doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP) is an important medical advancement. It is essentially a morning-after pill for STIs, and should be taken 24 hours or less after sex. It’s used to reduce infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Statistically, “200 mg of doxycycline taken within 72 hours after sex has been shown to reduce syphilis and chlamydia infections by >70% and gonococcal infections by approximately 50%.” Another review found it to have 65% relative risk.
Lee and Garcia sent a letter to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force last week. In the letter, they urge USPSTF to rank doxy PEP among the A-grade recommendations. It would then belong to the same rank as the HIV treatment pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which was made essentially free on insurance plans and significantly lowered rates of HIV. In the letter, the representatives also request that at-risk populations such as the LGBTQ+ community are educated about the benefits and costs of the medication.
“Widespread use and education about doxy PEP could prevent thousands of bacterial STI cases every year. However, in order to get this treatment to those who need it most, it’s imperative that doxy PEP is covered by insurance plans with no cost to patients. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to urge USTPF to consider making this crucial recommendation,” says Lee. Ordinarily, doxy PEP prices range from $15 to 25 when uninsured. Some clinics offer it discounted or free. Side effects are minor and dissipate when no longer taking the medicine.
“Reducing barriers to helping people access doxy PEP and providing healthcare providers with the guidance and encouragement they need to implement doxy PEP in accordance with the new CDC guidelines will be crucial in helping us use doxy PEP to address our out-of-control STI epidemic,” says David C. Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors. Accessible care for those in lower-income situations is vastly important. Educating susceptible folks on the medication alone is crucial, allowing these individuals to optimize their options. Accessible STI prevention and care will not only limit the spread of disease, but ensure people don’t feel hopeless in these uncomfortable situations.
