Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are curable with antibiotics. HIV and hepatitis B are not curable, but are well controlled with medication. Treating early prevents complications and further transmission.
Right after a positive result
- Start the prescribed treatment and always finish an antibiotic course completely.
- Have no (unprotected) sex for seven days after starting treatment — after that you can no longer pass on the STI.
- Still want sex in that window? Then use a condom.
Partner notification: how and how far back
You notify sexual partners so they can get tested and treated. How far back you go depends on the STI: chlamydia roughly six months, gonorrhoea three months (or from your symptoms), syphilis and HIV longer. In the Netherlands there are three ways to do it.
- Tell them yourself — often the fastest and most personal.
- Anonymously via partnerwaarschuwing.nl: your GP or GGD gives you a code to send an anonymous message.
- Via the GGD, which notifies partners for you with your consent — common for HIV and syphilis.
Should partners be tested or treated?
For a recent contact (within about two weeks) a partner can sometimes be treated straight away, without waiting for a result first. For chlamydia, steady partners are often tested and treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.
Re-testing and follow-up
A test of cure is usually unnecessary after standard treatment, but is advised for throat gonorrhoea, in pregnancy or with persistent symptoms. Because reinfection is common, it is wise to re-test after about three to six months — especially if a partner was not treated.
HIV, syphilis and hepatitis
HIV leads to referral to an HIV treatment centre. Syphilis is treated by the GGD or a dermatologist, with blood checks at 3, 6 and 12 months. Hepatitis B and C lead to referral for vaccination and/or treatment.
Where to get support
Under 25? You can get free, anonymous help from Sense (sense.info) via chat, phone or a walk-in. Anyone can turn to the GGD or their own GP with questions.
This information is general and was compiled with care from public sources, but it does not replace medical advice. For symptoms or doubt, always consult a doctor.
