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Sexual health prevention has evolved significantly in recent years. Alongside PrEP — which has been transforming HIV prevention since 2012 — a newer tool called DoxyPEP has emerged as a promising way to reduce bacterial STIs. At Spectrum by Equalis Health, we offer both, and we get a lot of questions about how they differ and who should consider each one.
Here's a clear, jargon-free breakdown.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily oral medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to prevent HIV infection. The most commonly prescribed forms in Canada are Truvada and Descovy. When taken consistently and correctly, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 99%.
PrEP is taken every day, regardless of whether you've been exposed. It builds up a protective level of medication in your bloodstream over time — reaching full effectiveness after about 7 days of consistent use for receptive anal sex, and 21 days for receptive vaginal sex or injection drug use.
PrEP requires a prescription from a licensed clinician and routine follow-up visits every three months that include HIV testing, STI screening, and kidney function monitoring.
DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a different kind of prevention strategy. Rather than taking a daily pill, DoxyPEP is taken within 72 hours after a potential sexual exposure to reduce the risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections — specifically chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
The medication is doxycycline, a common antibiotic. When taken as a single 200mg dose within 72 hours of sex, clinical trials — including a landmark 2023 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine — have shown it reduces bacterial STIs by around 65% to 80%.
DoxyPEP does not prevent HIV. It also does not prevent viral STIs like herpes or HPV. It is specifically effective against the three most common bacterial STIs.
PrEP is recommended for people who are at ongoing, regular risk of HIV exposure. This typically includes:
Gay and bisexual men with multiple or concurrent sexual partners, trans women and trans men who have sex with men, people with HIV-positive partners who are not virally suppressed, people who have recently been treated for a bacterial STI (which is a marker of HIV risk), and anyone who does not consistently use condoms and has concerns about HIV exposure.
If HIV prevention is a primary concern for you, PrEP is one of the most powerful tools available.
DoxyPEP is most appropriate for people who have frequent bacterial STIs — particularly those who have been diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis in the past year, or who have multiple partners and inconsistent condom use. It's also relevant for people on PrEP who are already engaged in sexual health care and want additional protection against bacterial infections.
DoxyPEP is not a first-line option for everyone. Its use is more targeted, and there are considerations around antibiotic resistance that your clinician will discuss with you when determining whether it's appropriate.
Yes. Many of the patients we see at Spectrum by Equalis Health take both PrEP daily and use DoxyPEP after specific exposures. The two are complementary — PrEP handles HIV prevention continuously, while DoxyPEP provides a tactical layer of protection against bacterial STIs when you've had a sexual encounter.
Your clinician will assess your individual situation, sexual health history, and risk profile to determine the right combination for you.
Both medications require a prescription in Canada. At Spectrum by Equalis Health, you can access both through a fully virtual consultation with a licensed Nurse Practitioner. There's no referral needed, no in-person visit required, and for most patients, PrEP costs $0 through coverage programs available in Alberta.
If you're curious about whether PrEP, DoxyPEP, or both might be right for you, the best first step is a consultation with one of our clinicians. We'll walk you through your options without judgment.
Book your free virtual consultation today and take the next step in protecting your health on your own terms.
Teagan L, Calgary Downtown Resident
PRIVACY POLICYSpectrum by Equalis Health | Last Updated: May 2026.
1. Introduction:
Spectrum by Equalis Health ("Spectrum," "we," "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal and health information collected from patients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy governs how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information in compliance with Alberta's Health Information Act (HIA), the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), and Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information:Full name, date of birth, and contact information (address, phone, email)Alberta Health Care Number (AHCN)Health history, current medications, and clinical information relevant to PrEP and sexual health careAppointment and consultation recordsPrescription and lab requisition informationPayment information (where applicable)Website usage data (cookies, IP address, browser type)
3. How We Use Your Information
Your information is used to:Provide clinical assessments, prescriptions, and ongoing careCoordinate laboratory testing and pharmacy servicesSend appointment reminders and follow-up communicationsProcess payments where applicableComply with legal and regulatory obligationsImprove clinic services and patient experience
4. Legal Basis and Consent
Collection and use of health information is conducted with your express consent obtained at intake, or as otherwise permitted under the HIA for treatment purposes. You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal and regulatory record-keeping requirements.
5. Disclosure of Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal or health information. Information may be disclosed to:Dispensing pharmacies involved in fulfilling your prescriptionLaboratory services coordinating required testingRegulatory bodies as required by law (e.g., CRNA, ACP, AHS)Technology platforms used in care delivery (JaneApp, electronic health records), which are bound by confidentiality obligationsWe do not disclose health information to third parties for marketing or advertising purposes.
6. SMS and Phone Communications
When you provide your phone number to Spectrum by Equalis Health, it is used solely for healthcare-related communications, appointment reminders, follow-ups, and service-related messages.We do not sell, rent, share, or disclose phone numbers or other personal information to third parties or affiliates for marketing or lead generation purposes.Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP.
7. Data Security
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Clinical data is stored and transmitted using encrypted, HIPAA/PIPEDA-aligned platforms. Access to patient records is restricted to authorized clinical and administrative personnel only.
8. Retention
Health records are retained in accordance with Alberta HIA requirements — a minimum of 10 years from the date of last service, or until a minor patient reaches age 23, whichever is later.
9. Your Rights
You have the right to:Request access to your personal health informationRequest correction of inaccurate informationWithdraw consent for non-essential usesFile a complaint regarding our privacy practicesTo exercise any of these rights, contact our Privacy Officer at: Spectrum@EqualisHealth.ca or 403-800-5400.
10. Privacy Officer
All privacy inquiries, access requests, and complaints are directed to:
Privacy Officer, Spectrum by Equalis Health
Calgary, Alberta
| Spectrum@EqualisHealth.ca | 403-800-5400
11. Breach Notification
In the event of a privacy breach involving your health information, Spectrum will notify affected individuals and relevant regulatory authorities as required under the HIA and PIPEDA within applicable timeframes.
12. Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated periodically. The date of the most recent revision appears at the top of this page. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Governing Law
This policy is governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta and the applicable federal laws of Canada, including the HIA and PIPEDA.
Calgary, AB
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All rights reserved.
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