The most frequently asked questions about STDs online

The most frequently asked questions about STDs online

If you're worried about your health, you'll quickly get on the Internet. Especially when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is easier to ask questions about STDs to Google than to your doctor. But on one website you will find different information than on another. Do you want to know, for example, when you run the risk of catching an STD? Which STD could it be? How do you significantly reduce the risk of an STD infection? In this blog, OneDayClinic, a specialized private STD clinic, provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about STD online, using facts and figures.

Which STDs are most common in the Netherlands?

The greatest STD risk in the Netherlands is Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. A research report by the RIVM shows that in 2022 there were 19% more STD consultations done compared to 2021.The percentage of positive STD test increased from 20 to 21 percent.

Can you have an STD if you don't have any complaints?

Often these STIs present themselves without complaints. Most people sign up for an STI test the moment they are alerted by their body to the possibility of an STD; through complaints. If there are no symptoms, there is often no testing for STDs. However, as we have indicated before, many people who have experienced Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea have no symptoms. This group is often not tested, because there simply seems to be a need. Because of this, a large group of people infected with an STD remains underrepresented in the research.

What are the chances that you transfer an STD if you have an STD?

Because there is not sufficient insight into the actual number of infections, there is uncertainty about the actual probability of transmission. The chance of transmission indicates how likely it is that an infection will take place, viewed per sexual contact. In Chlamydia this transmission chance is estimated at 45% from man to woman and about 28% from woman to man. For Gonorrhea this is 80% from man to woman and 77% from woman to man. So the chance of transmitting or contracting an STD is considerable.

Which STDs are common in the Netherlands? And which ones less often?

So Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are the most common in the Netherlands. Gonorrhea is also much more common lately. In 2023, ht number of gonorrhea cases grew 31 percent, the year before by 33 percent. Less common, but no less serious, are Syphilis and HIV. The chance of getting Syphilis from someone (who has physical characteristics of stage 1 syphilis; a so-called ulcer, also known as a painless sore), is about 30 percent for all genders. The transmission probability of HIV from one-time vaginal contact is 0.014% (men) to 0.2% (women). This probability increases in men who have anal contact with another man, namely 0.06-0.2% (for top) and 0.1-3% (for bottom). Again, the presence of ulcers (due to Syphilis, for example) or a vulnerable mucosa (based on Chlamydia or Gonorrhea), as well as other types of mucosal lesions or having sex during menstruation must be taken into account. Indeed, direct contact with blood and the bloodstream increases the risk of infection.

Does a condom help prevent an STD infection?

The most important factor in an STD infection is contact between mucous membranes, in which sperm plays the main role as body fluid. That's why condoms offer the best protection against an STD. More than 93% of HIV cases are prevented by the use of a condom. The chance of contaminating highly contagious gonorrhoea also decreases by 62% if you use a condom. When using a condom, it is important to put the condom on before any contact with the mucous membrane can take place. After removing the condom, there should be no more contact. Nothing stops 100% of STIs, but this is the most common contraceptive.

Get tested for STD at OneDayClinic in Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague Eindhoven, Nijmegen or Rotterdam

Do you have symptoms that look like an STD infection? Or do you have no symptoms but doubt whether you have contracted an STD because you had unsafe sexual contact? Get tested for STD at one of our specialized STD clinics. At OneDayClinic, you can get tested as low as 110 euros. This is often a lot cheaper than at your doctor's office. Also, an STD test at OneDayClinic is completely anonymous, 100% reliable, you get the results of your STD test within two working days* and you can often get tested the same day.
* OneDayClinic Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Rotterdam and Eindhoven there is the possibility to do a proven reliable rapid STD test, which gives results of an STD test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Trichomonas after 90 min. This test costs 225 euros.

Make an appointment directly online (anonymously) at one of our clinics? Click here. Would you like more information? Call us at 085-0703483

Source: GGD, Soa Aids Netherlands, RIVM