{"id":26704,"date":"2024-11-05T15:42:22","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T13:42:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vaccinatiepunt.nl\/?p=26704"},"modified":"2024-11-05T15:42:23","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T13:42:23","slug":"safe-sex-even-on-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vaccinatiepunt.nl\/en\/veilig-vrijen-ook-op-vakantie\/","title":{"rendered":"Safe sex, even on holiday!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by viruses or bacteria.
These lodge in body fluids such as blood, semen, pre-cum and vaginal fluids.
STIs are transmitted through unprotected sex. It is important to use condoms from
Netherlands with you when you travel. Here you can read about what you can do against STIs while travelling.<\/strong>

How do you get an STI?<\/strong>
You get an STI through unprotected sex:
- vaginal sex (penis in vagina) without a condom;
- anal sex (penis in anus) without a condom and without sufficient lubricant;
- Beating or sucking without a condom or blowjob;
- joint use of sex toys, such as a dildo, without cleaning them in between
or put on a new condom.
A number of STIs (such as HIV or hepatitis B) are also transmissible through blood.

Many travellers have alternating sexual contacts. Research shows that even travellers who do not
intend to have sex, sometimes do so anyway. They are then unprepared, have no
condoms with them and have unsafe sex as a result. An STI not only affects the
yourself, but also for your next sex partner. It's important to realise that you're dating someone
can infect others.

How can you prevent STIs?<\/strong>
Using condoms with each new partner will greatly reduce the risk of contracting an STI. This applies
so also when travelling. It is wise to bring condoms with you from the Netherlands. Condoms are in the
often less readily available abroad than in the Netherlands, may be of poor quality
Or have the wrong size.

Where do STIs occur?<\/strong>
STIs are prevalent in all populations, but in some parts of the world the likelihood of getting it is
getting an STI after unsafe sex much higher than in the Netherlands.
In Asia, Africa and South America, the Caribbean, as well as Eastern Europe, the number of people with
STI much greater than in the Netherlands. Good medical help is often not available, medicines are difficult or not
available. Also, there are often no proper tests to detect an STI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different types of STIs<\/strong>
STIs are caused by viruses (viral pathogens) or bacteria (bacterial pathogens):
\u27a4 Herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B and HIV are caused by viruses. Some va
these viruses remain in the body despite treatment. As a result, the
symptoms keep recurring, necessitating medication.
\u27a4 Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are caused by bacteria. These infections are well
cure. However, the infection should be treated in time to avoid serious consequences.
Remember: not all STIs cause symptoms and even without symptoms they can be harmful and
be contagious!

If you already have an STI, you are more likely to get HIV with unprotected sex. STIs can cause wounds in the
cause mucous membrane of the genitals or anus. This makes HIV easier to transmit.
It is possible to have several STIs at the same time.

Prostitution<\/strong>
STIs are common among prostitutes in non-Western countries. The number of HIV-infected
prostitutes varies from country to country and is sometimes very high. There are countries where prostitutes are subjected to high rates due to money and
lack of knowledge or forcibly indulging in risky sexual behaviour.
The prostitution sector is often less visible; sex workers sometimes work in entertainment centres,
cafes and restaurants so you often do not know you are dealing with a prostitute. Also at
business transactions often involve (unexpectedly) prostitutes.

Tips to protect against STIs while travelling<\/strong>
\u27a4 Always have safe sex, i.e. with condom;
\u27a4 Bring your own condoms from the Netherlands;
\u27a4 Check the expiry date and CE logo on the packaging
\u27a4 Store condoms in a cool and dark place, away from the sun. Also not in your wallet
because then the condoms can easily be damaged.
\u27a4 Use water-based lubricant, as oils and greases corrode the condom.

What do you do after having unprotected sex abroad?<\/strong>
If you have been at risk of an STI while abroad, see a doctor immediately. Sometimes you need to
be treated with medication within 72 hours. An STI almost never goes away on its own. It is therefore
important not to walk on with a (suspected) STI.
Upon returning to the Netherlands, even if you have no complaints (anymore), you will again see a doctor. It is
research and\/or treatment abroad may not be reliable. You can go to your
own GP or to another institution for (anonymous) STI testing and treatment.

More information on STIs can be found on the STI AIDS Netherlands website: www.soaaids.nl<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Download the leaflet below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n