New guidance could help prevent syphilis infections

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) has published guidelines on the use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxyPEP), making the UK one of the first countries to offer guidelines on doxyPEP for syphilis prevention.

Gillian McLauchlan, ADPH Co-Lead for Health Protection, said

“We welcome the publication of the UK’s first national guidelines on doxyPEP for syphilis prevention. With the latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showing that syphilis diagnoses in England have increased in the past year, the guidelines are a significant milestone for sexual health.”

James Woolgar, Chair, English HIV and Sexual Health Commissioners’ Group (EHSHCG), added:

“As commissioners, we strongly welcome this evidence-based guidance, which provides a clear framework to support our sexual health workforce in prescribing doxyPEP to those most at risk.

“Public Health leads will work closely with local services to try and implement this as soon as possible. If we get this right, then doxyPEP could help turn the tide on rising STI rates.”