How do you prevent an STD?

We are doing our best to reduce the number of STDs – such as chlamydia and gonorrhea – in the Netherlands. That is the main reason that SoaStudentArts was founded: by making accessible and anonymous SOA testing possible, we try to detect infections faster and reduce their spread. But what is of course at least as important to achieve that goal, is simply the prevention of STDs!

Why prevent STDs?

An STD can have unpleasant consequences. You can get mild symptoms (such as itching, inflammation or blisters), but in some cases serious complications can also occur. Fortunately, this does not happen often, but it is important that we take STDs seriously. STDs can also cause mental discomfort (think of stress, anxiety and shame). And in addition, some STDs cannot be cured and you have to take medication for the rest of your life, as is the case with HIV. It is therefore important to have safe sex, so that you and your bed partner have less chance of contracting or spreading an STD.

Condoms

STDs are transmitted through contact with mucous membranes, blood, semen and vaginal fluid. The most well-known and in principle also the best way to prevent an STD is to use a condom during sex. Did you know that only 40% of young people in the Netherlands use a condom during a one-night stand? Room for improvement, as far as we are concerned. We recommend that you always carry condoms with you and have them nearby at home, so that you are at least well prepared. You can also use condoms during oral sex. You can use a dental dam during oral sex and anal licking (rimming).

It is also possible to have 'STD-safe' sex without using a condom, if you and a regular sex partner (i.e. both without changing sex partners) do not have an STD. So both of you should have sex testing for STDs before you have sex without a condom. Anal sex is also safe in that case without a condom. Of course, take contraception into account if you decide to have sex without protection, to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

HPV, Hepatitis B and HIV

HPV and Hepatitis B are STDs for which you can be vaccinated (in some cases for free). For hepatitis B, this is possible free of charge at the GGD for sex workers and men who have sex with men, among others. Although the chance is small, you can become very ill from hepatitis B. That is why we recommend a vaccination if you are eligible. HPV is a virus and usually not dangerous, but some types can cause cancer. Fortunately, this does not happen often, but it is a risk that you can prevent. Young people aged 9 to 18 can be vaccinated against HPV for free at the GGD.

HIV is an STD that is treatable but not curable. You can prevent HIV by taking the HIV inhibitors PrEP and PEP, among other things. If you have HIV, it is important that you are treated with HIV inhibitors to prevent you from getting AIDS and so that the amount of virus in your blood is so low that it is no longer measurable and you cannot pass it on. to others.

With our tests we currently focus on the most common STDs: chlamydia and gonorrhea. For more information about HPV, hepatitis B, HIV and the prevention of STDs, we recommend that you: this page of Soa Aids Nederland, or contact your GP.