If the various billboards and pamphlets declaring "Syphilis is on the rise" aren't enough to convince the average Seattleite of the growing concern over sexually transmitted infections (STIs), data from the World Health Organization's latest STI study might.

Despite efforts to curb adult syphilis infections (from 7.1 million to 0.71 million by 2030), new cases among people aged 15-49 have increased by over one million, with an estimated global total of eight million positive cases, according to the WHO's 2024 study, which also states that the most drastic increase in positive syphilis cases came in Africa and the Americas.

To aid the WHO's mission of lowering the rate of syphilis infections, Grindr — one of the most popular Queer dating apps in the world — has launched a new initiative: The Equality Spotlight, a multipart video series, each segment of which tackles issues directly impacting the LGBTQIA+ community.

The first segment addresses the importance of regular STI testing and prevention for adults, like using medications and protection to stop the spread of infections such as syphilis.

The Equality Spotlight promotes doxy-PEP, a new medication approved to help adults prevent several common bacterial STIs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Since it is new, researchers are still looking into possible long-term concerns, like antimicrobial resistance.

"Doxy0PEP is a proven tool to help prevent [STIs], but too few people know about it or how to access it," Ryan Hallett, vice president of Grindr's PR teams, told the SGN. "The antibiotic, taken after sex, can significantly reduce the risk of [STIs], yet awareness and accessibility remain hurdles."

Grindr has also updated the app's settings to allow users to add doxy-PEP and condom usage directly to their profile page. This change not only allows users to communicate with potential partners whether they participate in safe sex but also opens the door to normalizing conversations about protective measures. However, Grindr users should also not take profiles that include doxy-PEP usage at face value, as there is currently no way for the app to verify the setting.

Sofie Roos, a licensed sexologist and relationship therapist at Passionerad, told the SGN that doxy-PEP is an excellent option for anyone hoping to prevent common STIs, but it is not a treatment option for a positive test result.

"Doxy-PEP does give protection against syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea if taken within 72 hours of condomless sex, but it doesn't ensure that [an STI] won't get transmitted, and a one-time dose not replace a full treatment if [you catch] an STI," Roos said. "This means that if a person [has] an STI and keeps using doxy-PEP [instead of the treatment medication], they risk carrying it on to other people."

Roos also warned that continued usage of doxy-PEP could increase a user's chances of contracting gonorrhea, as certain strains have evolved to become antibiotic resistant.

Practicing safe sex is one of the most recommended ways to prevent STIs. The Equality Spotlight works to encourage users to be safe and promote emergency medications for those who may be at a higher risk of developing an STI after a sexual encounter.