DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a single 200mg dose of doxycycline taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Clinical trial evidence shows it reduces the risk of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea by 70–80% in gay and bisexual men and trans women.
Is DoxyPEP Available in Estonia?
Doxycycline is a widely available antibiotic in Estonia, licensed for multiple uses. The DoxyPEP evidence base is well-established internationally. Estonian infektsionistid (infectious disease doctors) are aware of the evidence and some will prescribe doxycycline for post-exposure STI prophylaxis on request.
DoxyPEP is not yet part of official Haigekassa guidelines, meaning:
- You'll likely receive a private prescription (eraarsti retsept) rather than a Haigekassa-funded one
- Doxycycline is inexpensive regardless — approximately €5–15 per course at any Estonian apteek
- Not every infektsionist will prescribe it; the Nakkuskliinik team at Paldiski mnt 62 are the most experienced contacts
How to Get It
Raise DoxyPEP at your next quarterly PrEP appointment, or book a dedicated appointment with your infektsionist:
"Olen lugenud DoxyPEP-ist — doksütsükliin pärast kokkupuudet. Kas see sobiks minu jaoks?" ("I've read about DoxyPEP — doxycycline after exposure. Would it be appropriate for me?")
Be direct. Your infektsionist can review the evidence, discuss whether it makes sense given your STI history and testing results, and prescribe if appropriate.
What DoxyPEP Covers (and Doesn't)
Covers (effectively):
- Syphilis — substantial reduction in risk
- Chlamydia — substantial reduction in risk
Partial or uncertain coverage:
- Gonorrhoea — partial effectiveness; gonorrhoea is increasingly doxycycline-resistant. Do not rely on DoxyPEP as primary gonorrhoea protection.
No coverage:
- HIV — DoxyPEP has no effect on HIV. It does not replace PrEP or PEP.
- HPV, herpes, hepatitis — no effect.
Dosing
200mg doxycycline as a single dose within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Earlier is better.
Standard form: two 100mg capsules taken together.
Take with food and plenty of water. Avoid lying down for 30 minutes — doxycycline can cause oesophageal irritation. Avoid sun exposure during a course (photosensitivity is a common side effect).
Cost
Doxycycline is one of the cheapest antibiotics available. At an Estonian apteek:
- 10 × 100mg capsules: approximately €5–10
- Sufficient for 5 DoxyPEP doses
Even on a private prescription, this is genuinely affordable.
Part of a Broader Approach
DoxyPEP works best alongside — not instead of — comprehensive sexual health care:
- Regular three-monthly HIV + STI testing (throat, rectal, urethral + blood panel)
- PrEP if you're HIV-negative and at risk
- Mpox and Hepatitis A/B vaccines
- Condoms where appropriate
Continued regular testing is essential when using DoxyPEP to catch any breakthrough infections and to allow your infektsionist to monitor for antibiotic resistance patterns.