STI Testing in Netherlands Drops as Positive Case Rates Rise

Nearly 147,000 people visited GGD centers for STI testing last year, representing an 8% decrease according to the RIVM. This figure marks the first time testing volumes have dropped below pre-pandemic levels, occurring alongside a rise in the percentage of positive results, which reached 17%.

Did You Know? The current number of people seeking STI tests at GGD centers has fallen below the levels recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why are STI testing numbers declining?

Testing numbers dropped by 8% last year, following a 7% decline in 2024, according to the RIVM. The decrease was most prominent among women and men who have sex with women.

While most people use general practitioners for testing, the GGD’s Sexual Health Centers (CSG) provide free alternatives. Data for general practitioners for 2025 is not yet available.

Which infections are on the rise?

Gonorrhea remains the most common STI, with nearly 14,300 cases registered at CSGs, a nearly 3% increase from the previous year. Syphilis cases exceeded 1,900, and 440 new HIV cases were recorded, both showing slight increases.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the combination of falling test volumes and rising positivity rates suggests a gap in detection. When fewer people test but a higher percentage return positive results, there’s a risk that infections are circulating undetected in the community.

How has chlamydia testing changed?

Chlamydia is the most reported STI among women and men who have sex with women. However, testing numbers for this specific infection fell sharply due to a change in policy.

Could a change in STI testing help bring down high infection rates? | ABC News

According to the source, standard chlamydia tests are now reserved for individuals with symptoms or those with a partner who has symptoms. This selective approach led to fewer tests but a higher share of positive results, with over 10,700 chlamydia cases recorded at CSGs last year.

What may happen next?

Soa Aids Nederland has expressed concern over the rise in sexually transmitted infections. The expertise center suggests that a perceived decrease in the importance of prevention may be contributing to the trend.

The organization points to declining condom use as a factor. Consequently, they argue that increased investment in prevention, testing options, and education could be necessary to reach youth and other high-risk groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can people get a free STI test?
People can receive free tests at a Sexual Health Center (CSG) of the GGD.

What is the most common STI reported?
Gonorrhea is the most common STI, with nearly 14,300 cases registered at CSGs.

Why are chlamydia testing figures not comparable to previous years?
Testing policy changed to only standardly test those with symptoms or a partner with symptoms, which decreased the total number of tests while increasing the positivity rate.

How do you think public health education could better reach younger populations regarding STI prevention?