What is it?
Condoms are a great tool for STI risk reduction, but they're not for everyone. For some, certain medications can serve as an effective alternative or additional layer of protection. If used correctly, these medications significantly reduce the likelihood of contracting chlamydia and syphilis, and to a lesser degree, gonorrhea.
Subject to recommendation and prescription by a doctor, medication based STI risk reduction involves taking a one-time, single dose of an antibiotic to reduce the risk of contracting an STI after a sexual contact. If the antibiotic is taken once, no later than 72 hours after sex, it can lower the risk of contracting an STI significantly according to medical research.
Based on clinical studies, medication based STI prevention can be beneficial for cisgender men who have condomless sex with men (MSM) and trans* individuals (AMAB) who have sex with MSM. Condomless sex means that a condom isn’t used for most of the time. That can be during any type of sex - oral, anal, and vaginal or front-hole sex.
Currently, research and studies focus on these particular groups. However, there may be some individual cases in which a doctor can deem medication based STI prevention appropriate for individuals outside of the outlined groups.
There’s plenty. Clinical studies compiled by the German STI Society provide valuable insight into the efficacy of medication-based prophylaxis against multiple STIs. According to these studies, it demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing the transmission of some of the most common STIs:
1. Syphillis reductions: 73-87%
2. Chlamydia reductions: 70-89%
3. Gonorrhea reductions: 17-57%
Field data from clinics that already prescribe medication-based STI prevention confirm the efficacy shown in these studies.
Some sources include:
- Molina JM et al. Lancet Infect Dis. 2018; 18(3):308-17
- Luetkemeyer AF et al. N Engl J Med. 2023; 388(14):1296-306
- Molina JM et al. CROI 2024; Abstr 174
- Bolan RK et al. Sex Transm Dis. 2015; 42(2):98-103.
- Scott H et al, CROI 2024 #126
Supported by leading clinical research
How does it work?
Answer a few questions
First, let’s see if you qualify for Plan D. Answer some questions about yourself, your needs, and medical history in our online questionnaire (5min).
Results within 24h*
Find out after a medical consultation whether you are suitable for treatment and receive your treatment recommendation from a doctor (incl. a prescription if indicated).
Next day delivery possible*
If indicated, get your prescribed medication shipped to you by our partner pharmacy or pick it up at a pharmacy of your choice. Feel free to cancel any time, no strings attached.
Support when you need it
Regular check-ins & quick support when you need it without having to wait for an appointment. We’re here for you.
Your STI prevention plan
What’s included in your membership?
Starting at €25/month. Cancel anytime.
FAQs
Public health insurance does not cover the cost of consultations or medications. Currently, publicly (statutory) insured individuals must pay these costs themselves. If you are privately insured, you can coordinate with your private health insurance in advance to clarify coverage options.
Should your consultation reveal that the program is medically unsuitable for you, we will of course refund the paid amount in full (only applies to Plan D). You should receive it within 10 business days.
Due to regulations of the Medicinal Products Advertising Act (Heilmittelwerbegesetz), we are not allowed to name medications or active ingredients on our website. Once a doctor has evaluated your suitability for the program you will be informed about the name of the medication, if applicable. Our team is available throughout the entire process to answer all your questions.
For chlamydia and syphilis, despite long-term use, no resistances against the standard therapies have been observed. Gonorrhea, on the other hand, already has high resistance, which is why the antibiotic used for STI-prophylaxis is not used for treatment; other antibiotics are typically used here. Moreover, there are currently no indications that the usual therapy for gonorrhea is compromised by medication-based STI-prophylaxis, as it does not seem to increase resistance to other antibiotics (Chu VT et al., CROI 2024, #1154).
For other bacteria, the development of resistance is relatively low with moderate use (Chu VT et al.; CROI 2024; #1154). But even with daily use, resistance build-up is limited and not permanent (Truong R et al. 2022; doi:10.1093/jacamr/dlac009).
In summary: Antibiotic resistance is a serious topic and should be monitored. However, when used responsibly and under medical supervision as post-exposure prophylaxis, major adverse effects are unlikely. This approach has proven to be highly effective in reducing the likelihood of STIs among at-risk individuals, such as gay men and trans women who engage in condomless sex.
As with most medications, STI prevention medications can cause side effects or allergic reactions.Our medical team will inform you about possible side effects and provide individual and timely support throughout your journey should you be affected by side effects. We ensure that you are medically supervised throughout your entire treatment.For questions, feel free to contact us via our chat or by email at: hi@everyhealth.me
If one or more of the following symptoms occur, indicating a medical emergency, you should immediately visit an emergency room or call the emergency number 112 depending on the severity: Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, persistent numbness or circulatory problems, persistent headaches, vision problems or dizziness, severe skin reactions with blistering, bloody or black stool, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
If it is not an emergency, please contact your general practitioner or the medical emergency service number 116 117.
If you are in a mental health crisis, please contact a counseling center or the telephone counseling service 0800 1110111, 0800 1110222 or 116 123.
If your life is in danger due to a mental health crisis, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 112.
Feel free to contact us at any time via our chat or by email: hi@everyhealth.me
Disclaimer: Please note that this information is for general informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Each individual's health situation is unique. Always use medication under medical supervision, following the prescribed instructions for optimal results and minimal side effects.
Our partner pharmacy is Leibniz Apotheke in Hannover (Georgstraße 46, 30159 Hannover). In case of questions regarding pharmaceuticals, please contact our partner pharmacy or a pharmacy of your choice.