What the CDC's Morning-After Pill for STIs Guidelines Mean for You: Key Points and Limitations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released preliminary guidelines this week recommending a “morning-after pill for STIs.” Here’s what this REALLY means:
1. It won’t prevent all STIs. The CDC’s plan outlines the recommendation for doxycycline, which is an antibiotic. Not all STIs are caused by bacteria, which means this isn’t an end-all, be-all solution. STIs caused by bacteria include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
2. This option won’t be available to everyone. This will only be available to gay and bisexual men and transgender women who reported an STI during the last year. This is due to the lack of scientific studies available to recommend this strategy to everyone.
3. These guidelines could change. The CDC released these draft guidelines earlier this week. They are allowing a 45-day period for feedback before finalizing the recommendation and accompanying guidelines.
4. There’s always going to be a risk. In addition to drug-resistant STIs (like gonorrhea), there is always going to be the potential for transmission of STIs during partnered encounters. Even when partners account for all preventative measures.
This is why it’s SO important to get tested, communicate, and educate/empower yourself about the realities of being a sexually active adult.