Changes

Why This Plan Makes Sense:

Starting 2 days before a trip gives your body some time to absorb and build up the levels of doxycycline, which might offer you some degree of protection as you prepare for your higher-risk activities.

Doxycycline is often taken for a few days before exposure when used for prophylactic purposes, so this is a fairly standard approach if you want to reduce the chance of acquiring an STI from bacterial sources.

This is where you’ll get the bulk of your coverage. A 7-day course during the trip is long enough to help cover multiple exposures, particularly in a high-risk environment like the girlbars you mentioned. This is within a reasonable timeframe and should still help reduce the risk of bacterial infections.

Continuing for 2 days after is a way to help ensure that any potential bacterial exposure during the trip is addressed. Although the effectiveness drops if there’s a significant gap in time between exposure and treatment, taking it immediately after your trip could still provide some extra protection, particularly if you’re worried about delayed symptoms or exposure to certain strains of bacteria.

Side Effects: Be mindful of possible side effects like upset stomach, sun sensitivity (make sure to wear sunscreen or protective clothing if you're out in the sun), and potential issues like yeast infections (especially for women, due to changes in the gut flora).