What is an STI?
- STI is an abbreviation for sexually transmitted infection. Another word for this is venereal disease
- You can get an STI after having sex. Especially when you’re not using condoms
- Some STIs have signs or symptoms. Some don’t
- Many STIs are curable. Some are not. Many can be managed with medication
All STIs in the Netherlands
- Chlamydia
- Genital warts
- Gonorrhoea
- Herpes
- Hepatitis B
- HIV
- HPV
- Pubic lice
- Scabies
- Shigella
- Syphilis
- Trichomonas
Should you get yourself tested?
The chance of having an STI is greatest if you have had sex without a condom.
Do you have symptoms? Then you might have an STI. Check whether you need to get yourself tested. If you don’t treat the symptoms, they might get worse and cause harm to your body.
Don’t have any symptoms? You might still have an STI. But only if you have had sex with someone who has an STI. Check whether you need to take an STI test.
You can pass on an STI to someone else. Even if you don’t have symptoms. Have you had sex without a condom or PrEP against HIV? Check whether you need to get yourself tested.
Infections that look like an STI
Some infections look like an STI, because they appear on or near your vagina or penis. But you can’t pass them on through sex. Therefore it is not an STI. It is easier to contract an STI if you have such an infection. Your vagina is then more vulnerable.
Infections that look like an STI:
Candida or vaginal yeast infection:
The natural yeast balance of the vagina is disturbed. This can lead to the fungus Candida causing an infection. These are the symptoms:
- Itchiness in the vagina
- White discharge that is sometimes a bit crumbly. You can’t smell it.
- Your vagina may be red, swollen and painful
- Pain or a burning sensation when urinating or during sex
You can pass on Candida from the vagina to the penis. This can cause a scaly skin on the penis. Candida often resolves on its own.
Bacterial vaginosis:
There is an imbalance in your natural bacterial flora. You notice this because:
- Your vagina or discharge smells stronger than usual
- You have (more) grey-white discharge
Bacterial vaginosis often resolves on its own.
Should you get tested?
Anonymous and personalised advice
You think you might have an STI? And you need some advice about getting tested or not? Contact our Infoline.
Don’t pass on an STI
Do you have an STI? Then tell it to the people you have had sex with recently. So that they can also get themselves tested. That way you can make sure that you do not pass on the STI. To each other and to others. Talk to the doctor or nurse how far back you need to tell your sexual partners.
Sex partner with an STI?
Does somebody you had sex with have an STI? Then get yourself tested as soon as possible. Do you have an STI? Then tell the people you have had sex with recently.
Prevent an STI by using condoms
You can reduce the chance of contracting an STI by:
- Using a condom when entering a vagina or anus with your penis
- Using a condom or dental dam when performing oral sex
- Thoroughly cleaning sex toys when sharing them. Or that you put a condom on them.
Sometimes it can be difficult to talk about condoms. Or to communicate your sexual boundaries properly.
You can find tips for discussing these topics on the Sense website.
Questions about STIs?
Monday to Friday:
13:30 to 17:30
You can also call:
0900 - 204 2040
Mon - Wed: 9:30 to 15:30
Thu - Fri: 13:30 to 15:30
10 cents p.m. plus applicable fees charged by your phone provider
Or send your question to: infolijn@soaaids.nl.
You will receive an answer within 2 working days.
This page was updated on 17 October 2023.