Researchers have discovered a new drug. A single-dose antibiotic as a “morning after pill” is intended to significantly reduce infection with bacterial sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia.
If the drug is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, about two-thirds of infections can be prevented, according to an international study published Wednesday in the New England Journal Of Medicine.
Also suitable for men and trans women
The study included men who have sex with men and trans women who are on HIV prophylaxis or already living with HIV infection. All subjects had been infected with a sexually transmitted disease in the year before the start of the study. On average, the participants took the antibiotic doxycycline four times a month during the study.
Patients taking HIV prophylaxis often have unprotected sex, explains Georg Stary of the Institute of Dermatology at the University of Vienna. Some of them are infected with many sexually transmitted diseases. If fewer people in this group contracted syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia from taking doxycycline, there would be fewer sexually transmitted infections in general. “Accordingly, those who do not take the drug prophylactically may also be protected under certain circumstances,” he explained.
However, researchers warn against antibiotic resistance
However, antibiotic resistance must be taken into account. There was increased resistance in gonococci that transmit gonorrhea. Therefore, the application cannot be generally recommended. If so, it only makes sense for a selective group.
Long-term use is also not recommended. “One should assume that there will be a significant change in the microbiome and that side effects will increase with prolonged use,” explains Norbert Brockmeyer of the Center for Sexual Health and Medicine at the Catholic Clinic in Bochum.
Source: Krone
I am an experienced and passionate journalist with a strong track record in news website reporting. I specialize in technology coverage, breaking stories on the latest developments and trends from around the world. Working for Today Times Live has given me the opportunity to write thought-provoking pieces that have caught the attention of many readers.
