The number of young people infected with gonorrhea is rising rapidly in the Netherlands. Recent figures from the RIVM show a 31% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. A total of 13,853 infections were identified. This increase is particularly striking among young heterosexual men and women. In the Hollands Noorden region alone, nearly 5,100 tests were taken between January 2024 and February 2025, of which nearly 300 were positive(GGD Hollands Noorden).

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorroe is een seksueel overdraagbare aandoening (soa) die wordt veroorzaakt door de bacterie Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Deze soa is besmettelijker dan veel andere soa’s. Gonorroe kan ontstekingen veroorzaken in verschillende delen van het lichaam, vooral in de geslachtsorganen. Bij vrouwen kunnen de baarmoeder, eileiders en eierstokken ontstoken raken. Bij mannen zijn dit vaak de bijbal en de prostaat. Als de infectie niet wordt behandeld, kan dit leiden tot onvruchtbaarheid bij zowel mannen als vrouwen. Vrouwen lopen daarnaast extra risico op een buitenbaarmoederlijke zwangerschap.

Symptoms of gonorrhea

Gonorrhea does not always cause symptoms. As a result, many people do not notice they are infected, which increases the chances of spreading. Still, there are symptoms you can look out for:

• In men: pain when urinating, pus-like discharge from the penis, pain or swelling in the testicles.
• In women: increased vaginal discharge, pain when urinating, intermittent bleeding and pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.

The bacteria can also spread to the throat, rectum or eyes, depending on the mode of sexual contact. Therefore, if you have symptoms in these areas, it is important to consider testing as well.

Why is gonorrhea increasing among young people?

The increase among young people occurs mostly among those under 25. Young adults change sex partners more often, do not always use condoms and get tested less often. Ignorance also plays a role. Many young people do not know that you can have gonorrhea without symptoms. This increases the chance that the bacteria will be passed on to others unnoticed.

RIVM reports that young women and heterosexual men in particular showed a significant increase. In women, the number of cases increased by 78%, in heterosexual men by 51% compared to the previous year. This shows that these groups are especially vulnerable to infection.

Why is testing so important?

Because gonorrhea often progresses without symptoms, regular testing is important. Especially if you have alternating sexual contacts. An untreated gonorrhea infection can lead to serious health problems, such as infertility and inflammation in other parts of the body. It also increases the risk of HIV infection.

At OneDayClinic, you can have a test done quickly and discreetly. Within a few days you will know whether you are infected and, if necessary, you can be treated immediately. Prompt treatment prevents further spread and protects your health and that of your partner(s).

How can you prevent gonorrhea?

The best way to protect yourself from gonorrhea is to use condoms during sexual contact. This applies to vaginal, oral and anal sex. It is also wise to get regular STI testing if you have multiple sex partners. Open communication with your partner about sexual health and testing helps reduce risks together.

What should you do if you test positive?

Does the test show that you have gonorrhea? Then it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. Treatment usually consists of a course of antibiotics. Also make sure that your sex partners are informed so that they can also get tested and treated. This way you prevent the infection from spreading further.

After treatment, it is wise to retest after a few weeks. That way you can be sure that the bacteria are completely gone and prevent further infections.

Support and advice

Do you have questions about gonorrhea or other STIs? You can visit the GGD for free advice, education and testing. Also at OneDayClinic, specialists are ready to help you with a reliable and quick STI test. Don't wait until you develop symptoms, take control of your sexual health.

Summary

Gonorrhea among young people is increasing rapidly. Young women and heterosexual men are especially at risk. Because the infection often proceeds without symptoms, regular testing is important. At OneDayClinic, you can get a gonorrhea test quickly and discreetly. Protect yourself and others by safe sex, open communication and timely testing.

Source: GGD Hollands Noorden