Why test for STIs?

STIs never just go away. If you have had unprotected sex and you think you may have an STI, do not just ignore it. STIs can have very unpleasant consequences.  If you have an STI that is not treated, you can develop serious complications and you can infect others. More reasons for testing are:

• You may have had unsafe sex and be afraid that you have contracted an infection
  
• The condom split while you were having sex, you may be worried that you got an STI
  
• You were told by your current partner or a past partner that he or she has an STI and that it may have been passed on to you
  
• Physical complaints after unprotected sex can also be a reason to have an STI test. Possible signs of STIs are:

♀  more discharge from vagina or different discharge than usual, blisters, sores or warts in, on or around the vagina or painful urination

 ♂ discharge from the penis, blisters, sores or warts on or around the penis or painful urination

• You may be in a long-term relationship and want to have sex without using condoms.
  
  • First you need to determine what risks both of you took in the past.
  • To be certain that you and your partner do not have an STI, you should both be tested
    
• If you are pregnant and you want to avoid the risk of passing on an STI to your unborn child
  
• Another important reason to be tested for STIs is to be certain about your own health
  
• Some STIs can be present in a dormant state. If you had unprotected sex in the past, you can have yourself tested for both STIs and HIV

When to test

• If you had unprotected sex or if the condom split, you need to wait at least one week before being tested for STIs. This is the period it takes before your body developes antibodies to the infection.

• It takes at least three months, a period known as the window period, before your blood contains antibodies against HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis.

• If you have complaints, go straight to your doctor or to your local GGD.

Who is at risk?

Studies show that in the Netherlands STIs are found more often in some groups of people than in others.

The groups concerned are:

• People who have sex with multiple partners
  
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)
  
• Sex workers and their clients
  
• People who come from regions where STIs and HIV are more widespread. This includes people from sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean (including the Netherlands Antilles), Latin America (including Suriname) and South-East Asia
  
• Partners of the above

For these people, it is particularly important to be tested for STIs. We advise you to have STI check-ups at least twice a year (up to four times a year for sex workers).