Ongoing decline in the number of STI consultations in 2025, number of gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnoses remains persistently high
In 2025, fewer people were tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at a Sexual Health Center (SHC) than in 2024. SHCs offer free testing to people who have a higher risk of STIs and who experience barriers to visiting a GP. With a total of 146,982 consultations, this represents a decrease of 8 percent compared to the previous year.
Men report higher rates of sexual risk behaviour women get tested for STIs more frequently
In 2025, 5% of people aged 16 and over engaged at least once in the previous 12 months in behaviour associated with higher sexual health risk—specifically, having sex without a condom with someone they are not in a long-term relationship with—.
Decrease in number of STI consultations in 2024, percentage of positive test results remains about the same
Fewer people were tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at a Sexual Health Centre (SHC) in 2024 than in 2023. People who have a higher risk of STIs can get tested for free at the SHCs.
Fewer STI-related appointments at Sexual Health Centres
The number of appointments at the Sexual Health Centres in the Netherlands that were related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) dropped by 8% in the first half of 2024, compared to the same period in the previous year. The decrease was most significant among women and heterosexual men.
Increase in STI consultations in 2023, gonorrhoea sees largest rise in cases
In 2023, more people had themselves tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The total number of consultations at Sexual Health Centres (SHCs) was 172,113. That represents an increase of 4% compared to 2022.
Continuing significant increase in young adults with gonorrhoea
The number of people in the Netherlands with gonorrhoea is continuing to increase significantly. Diagnosed cases of this sexually transmitted infection increased by 31% in 2023, compared to 2022. These cases involved people who were tested at a sexual health centre operated by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).
