DoxyPEP — doxycycline taken within 72 hours of condomless sex to reduce bacterial STI risk — is not part of Latvia's official sexual health guidelines but is accessible via the right doctor. Given Latvia's high STI burden, the case for DoxyPEP for gay and bisexual men with frequent exposure is strong.
What DoxyPEP Does
A single 200mg dose of doxycycline within 72 hours of condomless sex reduces chlamydia and syphilis risk by approximately 70–80%. Less effective against gonorrhoea. No effect on HIV.
See the DoxyPEP General Guide for the full evidence base.
Access in Latvia
Via your infektologs at LIC: If you're an established PrEP patient at LIC (Linezera iela 3, Riga), ask your infektologs directly about doxycycline for post-exposure STI prophylaxis. The infectious disease team at LIC is aware of the international evidence.
Via Mozaika: mozaika.lv — Mozaika tracks the evolving DoxyPEP landscape and may know which practitioners are currently prescribing it and how to access it most easily.
Cost: Doxycycline is a cheap generic. A box sufficient for multiple DoxyPEP doses costs approximately €3–8 at any aptieka (pharmacy). The main cost is the consultation.
What to Say
"Mani interesē doksiciklīns kā profilakse pret bakteriālām STS pēc ekspozīcijas. Vai iespējama recepte?" (I'm interested in doxycycline as prophylaxis against bacterial STIs after exposure. Is a prescription possible?)
In English, the LIC infektologs will understand "DoxyPEP" or "doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis" directly.
Context
Latvia's high HIV and STI incidence makes a strong case for using all available prevention tools. DoxyPEP doesn't replace testing — continue quarterly Testpunkts visits and full panels. It doesn't cover HIV — keep taking PrEP. For PEP after a specific HIV exposure, see PEP Emergency in Latvia.