LIKE TO TAKE IT RAW?
KEEP A BACKUP
70–80% LESS SYPHILIS1,2
The one at its highest since 1948.4 One dose within 72 hours cuts your odds by up to four-fifths.
70–90% LESS CHLAMYDIA1,2
Often silent, easily passed on. In trials nine in ten infections never took hold.
~50% LESS GONORRHOEA1,5
Halved in the US trial. Less reliable in the UK, where resistance is higher — so keep testing.
BareBack Backup — Doxycycline · The morning-after for STIs
Post-sex STI protection. Condoms break, nights get spontaneous — BareBack Backup is the doctor-assessed, just-in-case dose you take within 24–72 hours after to cut your chances of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea taking hold1,2. Something every gay man should have at home. Checked by a clinician who gets your life.
How it works
Doxycycline is an antibiotic. Taken as a single dose within 72 hours of condomless sex, it reaches the bacteria behind syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea before they can establish an infection. In trials it cut syphilis and chlamydia by 70–90% and gonorrhoea by around half. (sources 1, 2) It's a backup layer alongside condoms, PrEP and testing — not instead of them.
How to take it
One 200mg dose (two tablets), as soon as you can after condomless sex and no later than 72 hours. No more than one dose in 24 hours. Take it with a full glass of water and food, and stay upright for 30 minutes after — it can irritate the throat if it gets stuck. Your clinician confirms all of this.
Side effects & who it's not for
Most men have none. The common ones are an upset stomach, nausea and extra sensitivity to sunlight — use sunscreen if you're out. Not suitable if you're allergic to tetracycline antibiotics or have certain gut or liver conditions. It does not protect against HIV — that's PrEP. Over-using antibiotics can drive resistance, which is why a clinician decides, and why it's for men at genuine risk.
The numbers, not the promises:
BareBack Backup is doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP), recommended in UK guidance for gay and bi men at higher risk of bacterial STIs. It doesn't replace condoms, HIV PrEP or regular testing.
Five things it actually does
- One dose after — within 72 hours of condomless sex, then you're done
- Cuts syphilis and chlamydia by 70–90% and gonorrhoea by around half in trials1,2
- Lives in the drawer — you keep it on hand, so the backup is there before you need it
- Doctor-assessed — a UK-registered clinician checks it's right and safe for you, every time
- Works alongside PrEP, condoms and testing — a layer on top, not a replacement
What they're saying
Unfiltered
“Exactly what I wanted”
Really straightforward process, discreet delivery and clear instructions. I like having BareBack BackUp there for those moments when I want a bit more peace of mind.
“Simple and discreet”
The whole process felt easy and judgment-free. Consultation was quick, everything was explained properly, and the packaging was very discreet.
“A great addition to my sexual health routine”
I already take my sexual health seriously, and having DoxyPEP available feels like another useful option. Friend of Dorothy makes the whole experience feel much less clinical.
“No awkward pharmacy conversation”
Loved being able to sort everything online. Quick consultation, clear guidance and it arrived without any embarrassing packaging. Exactly how sexual healthcare should work.
“Peace of mind after a big weekend”
For me, the biggest benefit is knowing I have a plan in place rather than worrying afterwards. The instructions were really easy to understand too.
“Finally a sexual health brand that gets gay men”
The branding made me smile, but the service itself was professional and reassuring. It feels like a product made for our actual lives rather than a generic pharmacy experience.
“Fast, easy and very discreet”
The consultation didn't take long and my order arrived quickly. Everything was clearly labelled and explained. Would definitely use Friend of Dorothy again.
“Takes some of the anxiety away”
I can sometimes overthink things after sex, so having BareBack BackUp available gives me some reassurance. I also appreciated that the medical information was clear and easy to follow.
“Love the name, love the service”
BareBack BackUp is such a clever name. More importantly, the process was professional, discreet and incredibly easy from start to finish.
“Sexual healthcare without the awkwardness”
This is exactly the kind of service I wish existed years ago. Modern, sex-positive, discreet and straightforward. Really impressed with the whole experience.
Think of it as Plan B for your sex life
Condoms break. Nights get spontaneous. The hookup who said he was on PrEP, the sauna at 2am, the weekend that got away from you. For decades straight people have had a just-in-case backup for the morning after. Now there's a doctor-assessed option built for gay and bi men too. One dose within 72 hours, and the bacteria behind syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea don't get to settle in. It isn't a free-for-all and it isn't for everyone — it's a clinician-assessed tool you keep on hand for after. The first step is simply finding out if it's right for you.
This isn't scaremongering. It's the data
And our community carries more of it than almost anyone. Numbered sources are at the bottom of this page.
New STIs in England in a single year3
The highest number ever recorded — and demand on sexual-health services keeps climbing. Getting a same-week clinic appointment in London is a lottery.
Rise in syphilis since 20144
Infectious syphilis is at its highest level since 1948 and still rising.4 This is the one the backup is strongest against — 70–80% fewer infections in trials.1,2
Rise in gonorrhoea since 20144
Highest since records began.4 The backup roughly halved it in the US trial1 — less reliable here5, which is exactly why testing still matters.
No symptoms ≠ no infection6
Many STIs show no signs at all. You can carry one, and pass it on, without ever knowing. Testing tells you what happened. A backup gets you ahead of it.
Testing tells you what happened. A backup gets you ahead of it
BareBack Backup is a doctor-assessed layer of prevention you keep on hand — alongside condoms, PrEP and regular testing, not instead of them. Prescribed by a UK-registered clinician, dispensed by a registered pharmacy, delivered in a plain box. The best time to sort it is before the moment arrives.
START THE 5-MINUTE APPLICATION →
Care from someone who actually gets it
Yousef Yaghoubi has extensive experience in gay men's health, sexual health and patient care. He oversees Friend of Dorothy's Digital Clinic because he's seen how standard services can feel rushed, clinical and far from judgement-free.
Every request is reviewed by the clinical team — never an algorithm, never a chatbot. If it isn't right for you, they'll say so, and you won't be charged.
Start your assessment →Three steps. Five minutes
Answer honestly
A form written for gay men, by people who've treated gay men. Your sex life, your health history, what you're taking. Nothing you'll have to translate.
A clinician reads it
A UK-registered prescriber checks it's clinically appropriate and safe for you. If it is, they prescribe. If it's not, they say so and you're not charged.
Keep it on hand
Dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy, delivered in a plain box within 1–3 days, both trial packs inside your first order. Then it waits — take one dose within 72 hours of condomless sex, as directed.
Straight answers
On camera
← Swipe · Tap to watch →
Tap ✕ to close
Why you want both
| BareBack Backup (doxy-PEP) | Regular testing | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Within 72 hours after | Weeks after, once symptoms or a test flag it |
| What it does | Stops syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea taking hold | Tells you what already happened |
| Syphilis | 70–80% fewer infections in trials1,2 | Diagnosed after the fact, then treated |
| Gonorrhoea | ~50% fewer in the US trial1; less reliable in the UK5 | Detected and treated |
| HIV | No protection — that's PrEP | Detected — and PrEP prevents it |
Backup isn't a replacement for testing, PrEP or condoms — it's the layer you add on top. Not on PrEP yet? See PrEP at the clinic →
Not right for everyone. That's the point
A real clinician reads your answers and can decline. If they do, you're not charged.
THIS IS FOR YOU IF
- You're 18 or over and live in the UK
- You're a sexually active gay, bisexual or other man who has sex with men
- You sometimes have condomless sex with new or casual partners
- You'd like a backup to lower your risk of bacterial STIs like syphilis
- You understand it doesn't replace condoms, HIV PrEP or regular testing
MAYBE NOT, IF
- You're under 18 or based outside the UK
- You're allergic to doxycycline or other tetracycline antibiotics
- You expect it to protect against HIV — it doesn't; that's PrEP
- You'd rather not speak to a clinician at all
- You expect no questions asked — this is a prescription, and antibiotics are prescribed responsibly
Be ready before you need it. Five minutes to apply
The best time to sort your backup is before the moment arrives. A clinician reads your answers, and if it's right for you it arrives in a plain box within a few days.
5-minute application · Free · Only pay if prescribed · UK only · 18+
The honest
answers
It's doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, or doxy-PEP: a single 200mg dose of the antibiotic doxycycline taken within 72 hours of condomless sex to reduce your chance of getting syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhoea. It's prescribed by a UK-registered clinician and recommended in UK guidance for gay and bi men at higher risk.
In trials it cut syphilis by 70–80%, chlamydia by 70–90% and gonorrhoea by around half (sources 1, 2) — though gonorrhoea protection is less reliable in the UK because of antibiotic resistance. (source 5) It gives no protection against HIV — that's what PrEP is for. Think of it as one layer, alongside condoms, PrEP and testing.
No. It's for men at genuine, ongoing risk — typically gay and bi men who have condomless sex with new or casual partners. Because over-using antibiotics can drive resistance, a clinician assesses every case and can say no. That's the system working, not a failure.
One 200mg dose (two tablets) as soon as you can after condomless sex, and no later than 72 hours. No more than one dose in 24 hours. Take it with a full glass of water and food, and stay upright for 30 minutes afterwards. Your clinician confirms the exact instructions.
Yes — most men in the trials were on PrEP. They do different jobs: PrEP prevents HIV, Backup reduces bacterial STIs. Tell the clinician everything you take and they'll confirm it's safe for you.
Yes — entirely. The evidence for doxy-PEP is strongest in gay and bi men, UK guidance is written for us, and so is our form. Yousef and the team understand app culture, PrEP, group settings and the reality of our sex lives without the side-eye.
Most men have none. The common ones are an upset stomach, nausea and extra sensitivity to sunlight — wear sunscreen. Rarely it can irritate the throat if a tablet gets stuck, which is why you take it upright with water. Full information comes with your prescription.
Never. Plain, unmarked packaging with no brand names or medical terms on the outside, and a generic descriptor on your bank statement. Complete discretion from click to delivery.
The medication, the clinical check, and delivery. £64.99 for 15 doses — £4.33 a dose — with both trial packs (Cum Gummies and Big D*ck Energy) free in your first order. The application itself is free, and you only pay if prescribed.
The Cum Gummies and Big D*ck Energy trial packs are added to your first order automatically. No code, no extra step. They're food supplements, not medicines, and have no bearing on whether or what treatment is prescribed.
BareBack Backup (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription-only medicine, available only following an application reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber and only where clinically appropriate. It is not suitable for everyone, is intended for those at elevated risk, and is not a substitute for condoms, HIV PrEP or regular STI testing. It does not protect against HIV. As with all medicines, side effects are possible and over-use of antibiotics can contribute to antimicrobial resistance; your clinician will discuss this with you. Dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy partner, registration no. 9012851. Superintendent Pharmacist: Yousef Yaghoubi, GPhC no. 2218268. The complimentary Cum Gummies and Big D*ck Energy trial packs are food supplements, not medicines; they are provided with first orders while stocks last, are subject to availability, and do not affect whether or what treatment is prescribed.
Sources & references
1. Luetkemeyer AF et al. Postexposure doxycycline to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (DoxyPEP). N Engl J Med 2023;388:1296–1306. Among MSM and transgender women on HIV PrEP: chlamydia −88%, syphilis −87%, gonorrhoea −55%, any bacterial STI −66% per quarter vs no doxy-PEP.
2. Molina J-M et al. Post-exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline to prevent sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men (ANRS IPERGAY). Lancet Infect Dis 2018;18:308–317. Syphilis −73%, chlamydia −70%; no significant effect on gonorrhoea.
3. UK Health Security Agency. Sexually transmitted infections and screening for chlamydia in England: 2023 report (June 2024). 401,800 new STI diagnoses; gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men disproportionately affected.
4. House of Commons Library. Sexual health statistics for England (2025), citing UKHSA: gonorrhoea diagnoses +129% and infectious syphilis +114% between 2014 and 2023; syphilis at its highest level since 1948.
5. British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). UK national guideline for the use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxyPEP) for the prevention of syphilis, 2025. Strongest evidence for syphilis; gonorrhoea benefit unreliable in the UK owing to tetracycline-resistant strains.
6. UKHSA / NHS. Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and early syphilis, are frequently asymptomatic.
