STD TESTING | EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO SYMPTOMS

If you have had unsafe sex, is there an immediate reason to get tested for an STI? Even if you have no symptoms? The answer is very clear: YES. Why? The figures from the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) speak for themselves.

The figures from the RIVM

If you have had unsafe sex, or if you cannot remember the sex and condom use clearly due to alcohol or drug use, there is always reason to get tested for an STI. The importance of this is evident from the latest report by the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) from 2023.

Maar liefst 71,1% van de bevolking gebruikt bij casual seks GEEN condoom. Dat verklaart onder andere de forse stijging van het aantal gemelde chlamydia dragers. Maar liefst 1 op de 5 mannen en 1 op de 6 vrouwen zijn positief getest op chlamydia in 2022!

Increased risk of STDs due to rise in dating sites and apps

At a time when Tinder and dating sites focused on casual sex are gaining more members every day, the taboo surrounding multiple sexual partners is rapidly diminishing. We live in a culture where everything is fast and easy. That also applies to sex. This doesn't have to be a bad thing. But it's important to realize that more casual sex leads to more transmission of STIs. Think about it: most STIs are spread unknowingly.

Should I get tested for STIs if I don't have any symptoms?

If you are unsure, the answer is always YES. Even if you have no symptoms. Most STIs—but especially chlamydia—do not cause any symptoms at all. An STI can cause serious damage without you even noticing. Being a long-term carrier of chlamydia, for example, can even lead to infertility. In addition to the dangers to yourself, which should be reason enough to get tested regularly (preventively), the health of your future sexual partners also plays a role. It is therefore always wise to get tested for STIs if you have no symptoms but have had unsafe sex.

Typical and atypical symptoms of an STI

If you experience the following symptoms, it is almost certain that you have an STI:

• sores, warts, or blisters onthe genitals, around the mouth, or around the anus
• an abnormal white or yellow-greendischarge fromthe vagina, penis, or anus
• unpleasant-smelling discharge from the vagina
• painful sensation when urinating

Symptoms that occur less frequently:

• change in menstruation
• bleeding during or after intercourse in women
• itching in the pubic area or around the anus
• testicular pain
• pain during bowel movements
• More vague symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and/or pain
• skin rash
• pain in the lower abdomen or groin area
• diarrhea
• pharyngitis

When should you get tested for an STI?

The reliability of an STI test depends on the type of STI.

Na twee weken na het laatste risicovolle seks-contact kun je laten vaststellen of je een chlamydia of gonorroe infectie hebt.  Een soa komt zelden alleen, het is verstandig om ook op anders soa te laten testen.

Na twee tot drie maanden na het laatste risicovolle seks-contact kun je laten vaststellen of je hiv, syfilis,  hepatitis B of C hebt opgelopen.

Always be aware that you can unknowingly transmit an STI during the period prior to testing.

Better safe than sorry!

Prevention is better than cure. If you have doubts about your health because you have had unsafe sex or cannot remember the evening (completely), do not take any risks and get tested. At OneDayClinic, you can quickly get an anonymous, fast, and affordable STI test.  The results of the regular STI test are available within 1-3 business days and the rapid test within 90 minutes. Call 085 070 3483 for more information or make make an appointment online  online for one of our locations: Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague , Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Rotterdam.