In the last year, GPs reported having seen an increase in the number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) reported by people older than 25 years old, according to RTLNieuws.
People came to them for a consultation for an STD at least 307,000 times last year. This is an increase from the year before when it was 281,000 times. However, the number of STD tests carried out at the Sexual Health Centers (CSG) remains the same between the two years at 152,000.
According to the RIVM health institute, the most common STD amongst heterosexuals was chlamydia, while gay men reported more of gonorrhea. However, there are fewer people infected with HIV. There’s a difference of 88 fewer people diagnosed with the infection, with 527 people in 2018 and 615 in 2017. Nearly two-thirds of the diagnosis was given to gay men. In addition, “women accounted for nearly 70,000 of the tests, 33,000 straight men and 50,000 gay men”, according to Het Parool.
STD AIDS Netherlands wants new measures to be introduced to bring these numbers down.
Do you show any symptoms for any STDs and need to go to the doctor? Check out how to get the right health insurance so that your visit to the GP is hassle free! What do you make of this? Let us know in the comments below!