The Rising STI Rates in the Netherlands: Urgent Need for Condom Usage and Prevention

10 Aug 2023 at 11:14

The number of STIs in the Netherlands is increasing, especially among young people. In the coming weeks, the RIVM and GGDs will therefore be handing out more than 40,000 condoms at festivals and during introduction weeks of study programmes, with the message: give love, not an STI.

In 2022, young people in particular had more STIs. STDs are more often underestimated these days, thinks RIVM doctor Rosa Joosten.

“People may think they’re not really at risk,” says Joosten. “One pill and it’s done. But this is not always possible. And if you take it for too long, it can have a huge impact on your future, for example if it is more difficult for you to get pregnant.”

The number of gonorrhea cases has certainly increased in the past year, just like in neighboring countries. The increase is particularly large among heterosexual youth.

When men have gonorrhea, they sometimes experience painful urination, or mucus or pus coming out of the penis. It is possible that women do not notice anything. The STI can cause inflammation.

‘If antibiotics don’t work, you have a real problem’

The increase leads to concern for Joost. “In the Netherlands, all gonorrhea cases can be treated with antibiotics so far. In England, there are a few cases where antibiotics did not work. When that happens, you really have your back against the wall.”

She points out that the more gonorrhea occurs, the greater the chance that we will get a variant where antibiotics do not work.

“We therefore really advocate the prevention of STIs at RIVM,” emphasizes Joosten. “If you can protect yourself, do so.”

That means: put on a condom. And if that goes wrong, get tested and inform your bed partners about the outcome, says Joosten.

Four out of ten young people never use a condom

The youth target group is socially very active, says Joosten. In addition, condom use among this group has been low for years. “For example, four out of ten young people never use a condom during a one-night stand.”

Young people may see many barriers to using a condom, the doctor thinks. “Practically speaking, they should have one with them and they should make it negotiable. In addition, it can be taboo and it can be difficult to indicate your limit.”

RIVM therefore believes that young people should be better informed. Soa Aids Nederland has been calling for a return to the Vrij Veilig campaigns, which ended more than ten years ago. Joost also hopes that there will be more attention and funding for information about safe sex. “A behavioral change in condom use is really necessary.”

2023-08-10 09:14:59
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