Sniffies Is First Dating App to Add DoxyPEP to STI Strategy

Sniffies Adds DoxyPEP to Sexual Health Strategy

One of our favorite hookup apps, Sniffies, has partnered with BHOC Partners to become the first dating app to allow users to list DoxyPEP to their list of sexual health strategies. Allowing app users to say that use DoxyPEP is a way to let others know that you use preventative measures to guard against STIs. BHOC (Building Healthy Online Communities) partners with public health leaders & dating app owners to support gay, bi, & trans health.

What is PEP?

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis is a course of anti-HIV medications that are used to prevent HIV contraction AFTER exposure/condomless sex/shared needle use with someone who is HIV positive. Three antiretroviral medications are taken for 28 days and can be taken by someone who is not HIV positive and not currently on PrEP.

What is DoxyPEP?

Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. DoxyPEP is the newest way to decrease the chance of getting a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. This is to be taken immediately after oral, anal, and vaginal sex. This is different than regular STI treatment as it is taken before symptoms arise, and before testing positive for an STI. Taking it reduces the probability that the bacteria in your body becomes an STI. This is NOT an HIV treatment.

A DoxyPEP dose consists of 200mg of doxycycline taken within 72 hours after sex. For best results, within 24 hours is recommended. For now, DoxyPEP is recommended for cis men and transgender women. Research results are still not available for effectiveness in cis women or transgender men. DoxyPEP does not interfere with HIV meds, so people with HIV can still take it. It can also be used with PrEP. This treatment can decrease the risk of bacterial STIs by 65%.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Building Healthy Online Communities (@bhocpartners)

The emphasis on post-sex treatment follows along with the fact that many gay men are not diligent in their regular HIV and STI treatment plans. Injectable PrEP has been cataloged as more effective than oral PrEP as more patients are apt to remember their bi-monthly injections rather than taking a pill every day. We also know that condom use has decreased heavily since the dawn of HIV meds.

Sniffies commitment to making sure their users are being responsible and communicating with their sexual partners is great. There are so many resources out there, that it is just irresponsible to contribute to the growing number of STIs in the community. According to Sniffies, you can go to your profile and add DoxyPEP to your list of precautions you can subscribe to. Matching with others who do the same greatly limits your risk.

Go forth and fornicate, just do it wisely!

Are you on DoxyPEP? What has been your experience?

Have any news to report?

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.