NEW ORLEANS — As Louisiana continues to face some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the New Orleans Office of Health and Human Services (NOHHS) is encouraging residents and health care providers to learn about doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP). This evidence-based strategy can help reduce the risk of certain bacterial STIs after a potential exposure.
To support the community and strengthen local prevention efforts, NOHHS is releasing a doxy PEP guidance designed to help both residents and providers understand how doxy PEP works, who may benefit from it, and how it can be used as part of routine sexual health care. This resource aims to make conversations about doxy PEP easier, improve access to the medication, and contribute to lowering STI rates in New Orleans.
“As STI rates remain high in New Orleans, it’s important that residents and providers have access to prevention tools that truly make a difference,” said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, New Orleans Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services. “Doxy PEP is a simple intervention that can be incorporated into everyday primary care visits, and by making sure providers and residents understand its benefits, we can take meaningful steps toward lowering STI transmission in our community.”
Louisiana currently ranks first in the nation for chlamydia cases, second for gonorrhea, and eighth for primary and secondary syphilis, which are the most infectious stages of syphilis. When compared to the rest of the state, local surveillance data show that New Orleans continues to experience some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the state. In 2025 alone, there were nearly 6,000 new cases of bacterial STI infections, which is roughly equivalent to two new diagnoses for every 100 residents in New Orleans. This underscores the urgent need for expanded education, prevention, testing, and treatment efforts.
These bacterial STIs affect residents of all ages across various zip codes, but individuals aged 20–29 in New Orleans account for most new diagnoses. Additionally, local data show significant differences based on the type of infection. Men in New Orleans account for more than double the rate of new gonorrhea and syphilis cases than women, while women account for the majority of new chlamydia diagnoses locally. These trends emphasize the importance of routine STI testing, at least once a year, along with enhanced education and prevention measures, such as preventive tools like doxy PEP. This is particularly vital as most STIs do not present symptoms initially, and many residents may remain unaware of their status.
“Doxy PEP presents a promising, low-cost opportunity in STI prevention to plan ahead. By getting a prescription before it’s needed, individuals can use doxy PEP within the recommended 72-hour window and maximize its protective benefits,” said Ryann Martinek, NOHHS Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist.
Doxy PEP is available only by prescription and is taken shortly after a potential exposure to a bacterial STI. Multiple randomized clinical trials have shown that doxy PEP can reduce the risk of:
• Syphilis by more than 70%
• Chlamydia by more than 70%
• Gonorrhea by approximately 50%
NOHHS encourages residents to talk with their health care provider to learn whether doxy PEP is a good fit for their needs and how it can be used alongside other prevention strategies to help reduce STI transmission in our city.
For more information about STI/HIV prevention, testing services, or doxy PEP please visit nola.gov/health or speak with your health care provider.