Ongoing Issue
The U.S. is planning to give gay, bisexual and transgender men an antibiotic as a “morning after pill” to deter STDs. This proposition was released by the CDC this last week. Officials have mentioned it will finalize after a 45-day period has past.
The proposition was introduced after studies confirmed that some people who took antibiotic doxycycline after having unprotected sex where less likely to be infected with chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea compared to other individuals who did not take this antibiotic. The trial was conducted mainly on gay, bisexual men and transgender women. Also, on those individuals who had previously been infected with this disease and where a high risk on acquiring them once again.
Infections Throughout the Years
It has already been confirmed that 2.5 million cases of STDs were reported in 2021. Which is a big jumped of 7% within a span of one year. Dr. Jonathan Mermin, the director of the CDC’s National center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB prevention also mentioned that, “The number of syphilis reported in the United States are at their highest level in over 50 years. The nation needs new tools to prevent STLs.”
Additionally, Chlamydia was also confirmed to have a rise of 4% in 2021. Which may seem low to many individuals however this just confirms the fact that this infections are slowly increasing. Furthermore, gonorrhea also rose nearly 5% in 2021 as well the most impactful infection with the most cases reported, syphilis with a 32% rise in one year.
Affecting a shocking amount of pregnant women who passed the infection to their unborn children. Congenital syphilis causes a scary amount of 220 stillbirths and causing the death of numerous infants.
Cheap Antibiotic
As mentioned before the cheap antibiotic being offer is called doxycycline. Which is an antibiotic that has been available for more than 40 years but for a different purpose. The main objective of this antibiotic is to treat acne, chlamydia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. For this reason now that the antibiotic is being used for a different purposed other than the one it was intended for many are starting to complain. Many individuals are starting to complain about side effects after using this particular medication. Some of the side effect after the consumption of this medication include:
- Stomach problems.
- Rashes after sun exposure.
- It has also been found to be ineffective in heterosexual women.
- And an extensive use of the doxycycline antibiotic can also lead to mutations that make bacteria impervious to the drug.
How Available Is This Medication
At this time clinics have already started offering numerous prescriptions of doxycycline antibiotics as a protection against any potential STD infections. Additionally, 10 organizations around different departments in California, Michigan and New Mexico have already started to publish policies and guidelines for the doxycycline antibiotic.
This particular medication is extremely cheap compared to other types of antibiotics like HIV medication which can be very expensive. The drug has also been around for many years which does not make it hard for people to get access to this medication. Lastly, it has been stated by officials that the cost of this drug will be cover by public health budgets and insurance companies. Which only makes it easier for numerous individuals to have access to this medication.
Written By Nohemi Sanchez
Sources:
CBS NEWS: In a first, CDC to recommend antibiotic pill after sex for some to prevent sexually transmitted infections
NEWS: U.S. health officials propose using a cheap antibiotic as a ‘morning-after pill’ against STDs
CNN: CDC draft recommends certain people use antibiotics pill after sex to prevent the spread of STIs
Featured Image Courtesy of Ivan Radic Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Marco Verch Professional Photographer Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
