DoxyPEP is one of the most powerful STI prevention tools we’ve ever had—if you actually take it.
In 2023, a high-profile study out of Kenya made headlines: Doxycycline PEP didn’t work for cisgender women. News outlets ran with the soundbite, and suddenly the internet decided: “DoxyPEP doesn’t work for women.” But what if we told you… that wasn’t the whole truth?
In this episode, Robert and Anna take a deep dive into the original study and explain why the results were wildly misinterpreted. Yes, the study failed to show benefit—but it also failed to prove that the women actually took their pills. In fact, over 50% of participants who said they used DoxyPEP had no measurable doxycycline in their system. That’s not a failed drug. That’s failed adherence.
We also break down what the media got wrong, how “science by press release” can backfire, and why this misunderstanding has already caused real-world harm—preventing many cisgender women from accessing a safe, effective, and affordable STI prevention option.
And just when you think it’s all bad news? Enter the 2024 Tokyo study. Real-world data. High adherence. Cisgender women. And what did they find? DoxyPEP worked. Really well.
We unpack all of it.
This episode is for the curious, the skeptical, and anyone tired of being told “that’s not for you” without the receipts. We believe in sex-positive science, evidence over headlines, and that women deserve access to every tool in the STI prevention toolkit.
Especially when it works.
Shameless Care is one of the few places in the U.S. where cisgender women can get DoxyPEP—prescribed by a board-certified doctor, with no BS and no shame.
Let’s set the record straight.
#DoxyPEP #WomensHealth #STIPrevention #CisWomen #SexPositiveMedicine #SexualHealth #ScienceOverHype #AntibioticResistance #NEJM #TokyoStudy #ShamelessCarePodcast #SexEd #PublicHealth #EvidenceBased #Gonorrhea #Chlamydia #Doxycycline #MyBodyMyData #HealthFreedom #RealScience #STIAwareness #ScienceNotShame
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
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