Grindr and Building Healthy Online Communities Launch DoxyPEP Provider Guide to Bridge Healthcare Knowledge Gap
Today, Grindr for Equality and Building Healthy Online Communities (BHOC) are introducing a brief Provider Guide for DoxyPEP—a resource designed to close the knowledge gap that still surrounds this powerful STI-prevention tool.
DoxyPEP can dramatically reduce transmission, and the CDC already recommends it for gay and bi men as well as trans people, yet awareness remains low among both providers and the community. Many clinicians have not yet learned the protocols, leaving users unsure how to ask and providers unprepared to answer. The Provider Guide offers clear, evidence-based information you can share with your healthcare team to help start the conversation.
Understanding DoxyPEP
DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) works to prevent bacterial STIs, but it does not prevent HIV, mpox, or herpes. By taking 200mg of doxycycline within 72 hours after condomless sex, studies show you can reduce your risk of syphilis and chlamydia by 74–88%, and gonorrhea by around 55%.
How to Start the DoxyPEP Conversation
Having the conversation doesn't have to be complicated. If possible, upload the BHOC Provider Guide to your patient portal before your appointment, giving your provider time to review the clinical guidelines and research.
During your visit, lead with clarity and confidence:
"I'd like to discuss DoxyPEP as part of my comprehensive sexual health plan. I have a provider guide that outlines the current guidelines on DoxyPEP. Could we review this guide and discuss if DoxyPEP is appropriate for me?
When Providers Need More Information
Not every provider will immediately be aware of DoxyPEP, and that's okay. If your provider expresses uncertainty:
Offer the resource: "I understand this might be new information. Here's a comprehensive guide developed by public health experts. Would you be willing to review it?"
Request a follow-up: "Could we schedule a follow-up after you've had time to review the current guidelines?"
Ask for alternatives: "Could you refer me to a sexual health specialist or LGBTQ-affirming clinic that might be more familiar with current prevention guidelines?"
DoxyPEP Profile Field on Grindr
Every time you discuss DoxyPEP with a provider, remember you’re both protecting yourself and advancing healthcare for our community. This is why we've made DoxyPEP visible on Grindr profiles through our "I'm on DoxyPEP" tag. When prevention strategies are openly discussed, we normalize sexual health conversations sexual health and reduce stigma.
Accessing the Resources
The Provider Guide is now available on BHOC’s website. Save it to your phone, print it out, or email it to yourself; whatever makes it easiest to share with your provider.
About This Partnership
Building Healthy Online Communities (BHOC) works with dating apps to support access to sexual health information and resources.. Through this partnership, Grindr for Equality and BHOC are working to ensure sexual health innovations translate into real-world access and improved community health outcomes.
Information is Power
Watch our Equality Spotlight video on DoxyPEP from earlier this year for a primer on why DoxyPEP matters, and pass on the information to your friends.
