What's the difference between DoxyPEP and PrEP?

DoxyPEP and PrEP both help reduce risks to your sexual health when you experience an unprotected sexual encounter, but they work very differently! PEP stands for "Post-Exposure Prophylaxis," meaning it is taken after the exposure event, and "PrEP" stands for "Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis," meaning it is taken before the exposure event. DoxyPEP is an antibiotic regimen, meaning it does not protect against viral infections like HIV, but it can be taken one time within 72 hours after exposure to help reduce the risk of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea (bacterial infections). On the other hand, PrEP is an antiviral that will not protect against bacterial infections, but it can be taken daily to protect against acquiring an HIV infection.