STD stands for sexually transmitted infections. An estimated 100,000 people in the Netherlands contract an STD each year. Some STDs have serious consequences if not treated in time. Fortunately, most STDs are easily cured. STDs are contagious. You can have an STD without realizing it. Even then, you can (unknowingly) pass on an STD.
Examples of STDs include HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, chlamydia, genital warts, genital herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis.
HOW DO YOU CATCH IT?STIs are transmitted through semen, blood, vaginal fluids, and contact between mucous membranes. Mucous membranes are found in the anus, penis, vagina, and mouth, among other places.
Most STIs are contracted through unsafe sex. Unsafe sex includes:
Vaginal intercourse without a condom;
Anal intercourse without an extra-strong condom;
Oral sex (blowjobs and oral sex) without a condom or dental dam.
Some STIs can also be transmitted through blood. You can contract them from an unhygienic tattoo or piercing, or by using needles, syringes, or other equipment belonging to someone else while using drugs. HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, and gonorrhea can be transmitted to the baby during birth.
You don't get an STI from drinking from someone else's cup. You also don't get it from coughing, insect bites, or a dirty toilet seat. You run no risks in the swimming pool either.COMPLAINTS AND CONSEQUENCESSometimes you have an STI, but have few or no symptoms. Or they are so vague that you don't notice them. Women, in particular, often don't notice they have an STI. If symptoms do occur, they usually include:
Discharge or pus from the penis, vagina, or anus. In women, the discharge is often heavier than normal. The discharge can be watery, milky, yellowish, or greenish in color and have a different odor;
Burning sensation, irritation, pain during or after urination, or the need to urinate in small amounts;
Sores, warts, or blisters on the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth;
Itching in the pubic hair, glans, labia, or anus;
Swollen glands in the groin;
Pain in one or both testicles;
Lower abdominal pain;
Pain during sex, or irregular or abnormal bleeding, for example, after sex or between menstrual periods.
These symptoms can also be symptoms of other illnesses.RESEARCHSTIs never go away on their own. If you've had unprotected sex and you might have contracted an STI, don't keep it to yourself. STIs can have serious consequences. You're also contagious to others if you have an STI infection. Moreover, the risk of contracting HIV is higher if you already have an STI. That's why it's important to see a doctor and get tested. Tell the doctor that you've had unprotected sex, so they know they need to check you for an STI.
There are several reasons to get an STI test: You might have had unprotected sex and be worried you might have contracted something. If a condom broke during sex, you might also be worried you might have contracted an STI. You might have been warned by a partner or ex-partner who has an STI and who may have passed it on to you. Physical symptoms after unprotected sex can also be a reason for getting an STI test. Possible symptoms of an STI include: increased vaginal or penile discharge or other discharge than normal, blisters, sores, or warts on or around the genitals, or painful urination. You are in a committed relationship and want to have sex without condoms. First, determine the risks you have faced in the past. To ensure you and your partner are STI-free, you can both get tested. You are pregnant and want to avoid the risk of transmitting an STI to your child. Another important reason for an STI test is to ensure your own health. Some STIs can be insidious. If you have had a lot of unprotected sex in the past, you can get an STI test and an HIV test.WHEN TO TEST FOR AN STD?If you've had unprotected sex or if the condom broke, you should wait at least one week before getting tested. Only after that week is it useful to get tested. If you have any symptoms, see a doctor immediately. An HIV test is only useful three to six months after unprotected sex. It takes three to six months for antibodies against HIV to develop in your blood and for the doctor to determine whether you are HIV-positive.WHERE CAN YOU GET AN STD TEST DONE?For an STI test, you can go to your general practitioner. Your general practitioner can also refer you to a dermatologist (a specialist in skin and sexually transmitted diseases) or a gynecologist (a doctor specializing in women's health). Your health insurance fund covers these treatments. If you find it difficult to go to your general practitioner, you can get tested anonymously at a low-threshold or accessible STI clinic, run by a dermatologist. "Drempelvrij" (Accessible) means free and anonymous STI and HIV testing, even if you are uninsured. You can go without a referral. Accessible outpatient clinics are available in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. "
Accessible" means you need a referral from a community nurse for STI testing from the Municipal Health Service (GGD). This testing is also free and anonymous. Low-threshold STI clinics can be found in Groningen, Leiden, Maastricht, and Nijmegen.
Some GGD departments also offer STI testing and treatment. All doctors are bound by professional confidentiality. They are not permitted to share information about you with others.TREATMENTIf you (think you) have an STI, see a doctor. Even if the symptoms disappear or improve, treatment is always necessary. Even a doctor can only determine whether you have an STI and, if so, which one after an examination. Your GP can refer you to a dermatologist or gynaecologist.
Tell the doctor you think you have an STI. They can then perform a targeted test.
All doctors are bound by confidentiality. They are not allowed to share your information with others, including your parents.
Most STIs are easily cured. Other STIs are permanent once you've contracted them. Sometimes you can treat the symptoms, such as genital herpes and genital warts. Because the virus remains in the body, the symptoms sometimes return. This often happens when your immune system is lowered, for example, due to stress or the flu.
There are no medications to cure HIV and AIDS.
The treatment prescribed varies depending on the STI. The duration of treatment also varies depending on the STI. It is usually advised not to have sex during treatment. This gives your body time to recover and prevents you from passing the STI on to your partner. If you do want to have sex, use a condom. To prevent you and your partner from repeatedly infecting each other, it's important that your partner(s) also get treated. If you have unsafe sex, you can repeatedly contract an STI.PARTNER WARNINGFrom the moment you contract an STI until treatment is completed, you are infectious to others. This applies even if you have no symptoms, or if they are so mild that they don't bother you. Therefore, warn your partner(s) with whom you've had sexual contact. They may also have the STI, even if they don't (yet) have any symptoms. Furthermore, they can unknowingly pass on the STI. By warning your partner(s), you prevent the STI from being spread further or from having serious consequences for others.
If someone warns you, take it seriously. Go to a doctor, even if you don't (yet) have any symptoms yourself.
You may find it difficult to tell your sexual partner(s) that you have an STI. In that case, contact the STI/AIDS social nurse at the Municipal Health Service (GGD). They can warn your partner(s) anonymously. Warnings are only given with your consent. |
