PrEP vs DoxyPEP: What’s the Difference?

HIV and STI prevention in New Zealand has evolved rapidly, giving you more tools than ever to protect your sexual health. Two of the most effective options today are PrEP and DoxyPEP — but they work very differently. If you’re trying to understand which option is right for you, this guide breaks down the key differences, who should consider each, and how to access them safely in Aotearoa.

What Is PrEP?

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily or event-based medication taken by HIV-negative people who have a higher risk of HIV exposure. When taken consistently, it is more than 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission.

PrEP works by maintaining protective levels of medication in your system so HIV cannot take hold. It does not prevent other STIs like syphilis, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia — which is why regular STI testing remains essential while using it.

Explore how PrEP works, eligibility, and how to access on our online PrEP consultation page.

What Is DoxyPEP?

DoxyPEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an antibiotic taken after unprotected sexual intercourse to reduce the likelihood of developing certain bacterial STIs. It is not taken daily. Instead, you take a single dose within a recommended time window after potential exposure.

DoxyPEP can reduce the risk of:

• Syphilis

• Chlamydia

• Some forms of gonorrhoea (although effectiveness varies)

Unlike PrEP, which protects against HIV, DoxyPEP focuses on bacterial infections only. It doesn’t affect HIV transmission risk. Learn about how it works, recommended dosing, and when to use it on our online DoxyPEP consultation page.

.

PrEP vs DoxyPEP: Key Differences

Here’s a simple breakdown of how these two prevention methods compare:

Prevention Method	What It Prevents	How It’s Taken	Best For
PrEP	HIV	Daily or event-based dosing	People at ongoing or frequent HIV exposure risk
DoxyPEP	Bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia, some gonorrhoea)	A single antibiotic dose after sexual activity	People with frequent bacterial STIs or high exposure risk

Both tools can be used separately or together depending on your sexual activity, your partners, and your risk level.

Who Should Consider PrEP?

PrEP may be right for you if:

• You have condomless anal or vaginal sex with multiple partners

• You have a partner living with HIV who is not consistently undetectable

• You participate in chemsex

• You are a sex worker

• You’ve had a recent STI

• You want strong long-term HIV protection

If your risk varies throughout the year, you can use PrEP only during higher-risk periods and pause when your risk decreases — as long as this is done with clinical guidance.

Who Should Consider DoxyPEP?

DoxyPEP is ideal for people at higher risk of bacterial STIs. You may benefit from it if:

• You’ve had multiple STIs in the past year

• You frequently have new or casual partners

• You want additional protection alongside condoms

• You’re already on PrEP but still experience recurring STIs

• You participate in sexual networks with high STI prevalence

DoxyPEP is not suitable for everyone. A clinician will consider factors like allergies, antibiotic resistance, your STI history, and whether this medication is safe for your health profile.

Is DoxyPEP Safe?

Doxycycline is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it may cause:

• Nausea

• Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight)

• Gut upset

Long-term antibiotic overuse can contribute to resistance, which is why DoxyPEP is prescribed carefully and with proper monitoring. You’ll still need regular STI tests to ensure infections are treated early and to keep your sexual health on track.

Can You Take PrEP and DoxyPEP Together?

Yes — many people use both tools together. PrEP protects you from HIV, while DoxyPEP lowers your risk of bacterial STIs. This combined approach is becoming more common among people with frequent sexual exposure.

If you’re unsure whether you should use both, your clinician can help you build a personalised prevention plan.

Accessing PrEP and DoxyPEP in New Zealand

In NZ, both PrEP and DoxyPEP require a prescription. You can access them through:

Your GP or Sexual Health Clinic

Clinics across the country can assess your risk, prescribe medication, and organise the required follow-up tests.

Online Consultations

Telehealth platforms like Pocket Lab make sexual health care easier to access — especially if you live rurally, prefer privacy, or have a busy schedule. Pocket Lab clinicians can help you access PrEP, DoxyPEP, and follow-up STI screening without needing to visit a clinic in person.

STI Testing While Using PrEP or DoxyPEP

Because neither option prevents every infection, regular STI testing is essential. Most people test every 3–6 months depending on their activity level.

Pocket Lab makes this easy with fast access to an online STI test you can organise discreetly from home.

Choosing the Right Prevention Plan for You

Your sexual health needs may change over time. Some people use PrEP continuously, others use DoxyPEP occasionally, and many use both. The right choice depends on your partners, activity level, and overall risk.

If you’re unsure where to start, Pocket Lab clinicians can guide you through the safest and most effective prevention plan for your lifestyle.