DoxyPEP — doxycycline within 72 hours of condomless sex to reduce bacterial STI risk — has been actively discussed and piloted in the Netherlands. Given the country's history of evidence-based sexual health policy, the Netherlands is ahead of most European countries in taking this seriously.
What DoxyPEP Does
A single 200mg dose of doxycycline within 72 hours of condomless sex reduces the risk of chlamydia and syphilis by approximately 70–80%. Less effective against gonorrhoea. No effect on HIV.
See the DoxyPEP General Guide for the full evidence base.
Access in the Netherlands
Via the GGD Soa Poli: GGD Amsterdam has been among the first Dutch GGDs to consider and pilot DoxyPEP prescribing. If you're a regular Soa Poli patient, raise it directly with your GGD provider — they will be familiar with the evidence and may be able to prescribe.
Via your huisarts: Many Dutch GPs are now aware of DoxyPEP from medical literature. Ask directly — a huisarts who prescribes PrEP will likely be open to this conversation.
Via Man tot Man / Soa Aids Nederland: manman.nl — this platform tracks the current Dutch landscape around DoxyPEP and will have the most up-to-date information on where and how to access it.
Cost: Doxycycline is a generic antibiotic available at any apotheek (pharmacy). Cost: approximately €5–15 for a box sufficient for multiple DoxyPEP doses. Whether it comes out of Eigen Risico depends on whether it's prescribed under your insurance or privately — ask your provider.
What to Say
In Dutch: "Ik heb gelezen over doxycycline als post-expositieprofylaxe voor bacteriële soa's. Kunt u mij hiermee helpen?" (I've read about doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis for bacterial STIs. Can you help me with this?)
In English — which will work perfectly with your GGD provider or huisarts.
Context
The Netherlands has among the highest chlamydia and gonorrhoea rates in Western Europe within the gay and bisexual men's community. DoxyPEP addresses chlamydia and syphilis strongly, making it a potentially meaningful tool in the Dutch context.
It doesn't replace testing. Continue quarterly GGD Soa Poli visits. And keep taking PrEP — DoxyPEP has no HIV effect.