DoxyPEP — doxycycline within 72 hours of condomless sex to reduce bacterial STI risk — has been actively discussed and piloted in the Netherlands. The country's pragmatic sexual health policy means clinical awareness is high, and access is realistic via the GGD or your huisarts.
💊 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
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis rates remain elevated in the gay and bisexual men's community in the Netherlands. DoxyPEP addresses chlamydia and syphilis strongly, making it a meaningful addition to the prevention toolkit.
It doesn't replace testing. Continue quarterly GGD Soa Poli visits. And keep taking PrEP — DoxyPEP has no HIV effect.