Sex with men

Are you a man and have you ever had sex with a man?

Did you know: 

8% of men have experimented with a man?
8% of men have had sex with a man; And 10% of women have had sex with a woman. By sex, we also mean oral or anal sex and, for women who have sex with women, sex with fingers or toys.

6% of men and 3% of women identify as gay, bisexual or lesbian.
The fact that identifying as gay, bisexual or lesbian is more common among men than women, while same-sex attraction is more common among women, appears to be due to the relatively large group of women who are primarily attracted to the opposite sex and identify as heterosexual more often than men. Of women who are primarily attracted to people of the same sex, 78% say they identify as straight, compared to 49% of men.

Do you belong to that 8% and identify as heterosexual or do you prefer to keep your sexual attraction to men a secret? Is it difficult to find the right information about safer sex, STIs and HIV?
Soapoli-online is here for you. With us, you can anonymously and very discreetly get information from this website but you can also call or email us. Klazien and Marlous are both STI nurses and each have more than 20 years of experience. No question is too silly.
If you've had sexual contact and want to make sure you didn't get anything then you've also come to the right place. We offer STI test kits that are analyzed in the laboratory. Just like at the doctor's but anonymous and with no need for a consultation. 

 

Risk of STIs and HIV

STIs (sexually transmitted infections), sometimes called venereal diseases in the past, are infections transmitted through sexual contact. Every year, over 100,000 people in the Netherlands are estimated to get an STI. Some STIs have serious consequences if they're not treated in time. Fortunately, most are easily cured. Treatment with medication will help you get rid of them.
You can have an STI without ever noticing it. In fact, most STIs do not cause any symptoms at all.

Through Soapoli-online you can get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, mycoplasma and genital herpes.

The standard test advice, according to NHG guidelines, for a man who has had sex with a man is quite extensive: 

Chlamydia and gonorrhea (throat, urine and anus) 
Syphilis and HIV (Testing for HIV is not necessary if you already know you are HIV positive)
Hepatitis B (unless you have been vaccinated) 
If you're living with HIV or using PrEP then you're advised to test for hepatitis C.

As mentioned this is quite extensive advice. To qualify it slightly: If, for example, you've given someone a blowjob once but have not received oral sex or been touched on the penis or anus then a throat test for chlamydia and gonorrhea is enough. You can call or email us if you have questions about this or would like personalized testing advice. There is also a new testing and treatment policy for chlamydia. At the beginning of 2025, the GGD implemented a new chlamydia testing policy: if you have no symptoms then testing for chlamydia is not advised.  

HIV is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact and blood-to-sperm contact. A condom protects you very well. We recommend regular testing for HIV, even if you always use condoms. Test for STIs and HIV once every six months if you have multiple partners or if your partner may be at higher risk for STIs/HIV.
 

PrEP use for HIV prevention

In 2017, 7 out of 10 HIV diagnoses in the Netherlands were in men who have sex with men. In the Netherlands, if you're a man who has sex with men, you have a higher chance of acquiring HIV. As a man who has sex with men, it's wise to use PrEP unless:

- You ALWAYS use a condom during sex, even with your regular partner
- You do not always use a condom but you're 100% your sexual partners are HIV negative and that your partners have no chance of acquiring HIV from another sexual partner
- You don't always use a condom but your sexual partner is living with HIV with an undetectable viral load. Someone with a suppressed (undetectable) viral load cannot pass on HIV to anyone else during sex.
 
 

Prevent an STI

Prevention is better than cure. So, how do you prevent getting an STI/HIV?

It may be that the condom broke during sex. If so, that can be a shock. Here are some tips on what to do if this happens to you: What to do if a condom tears during anal sex.

Did you know there's one STI you can get protected from for free? It's hepatitis B. After 3 vaccinations, you'll have lifetime protection against this virus. Visit a GGD in your area and they will help you. 

STD treatment?

When you get your test results, Soapoli-online will let you know what to do if you test positive for any STIs. With chlamydia, trichomonas and mycoplasma, it's quite easy, by sending a prescription to the pharmacy you specify.

Syphilis and gonorrhea are treated with an injection. You can get this done in Gouda if your family doctor is not an option.

If you test positive for HIV positive we will make sure you see the right healthcare provider.

Get detailed information on what STI treatment from Soapoli-online looks like.

Safe and reliable...

Soapoli-online works with an ISO-certified laboratory to test the samples, delivering very fast results with the best quality. On this page you can read all about the quality of our tests. As well as very reliable tests, our service is comprehensive and we will do everything we can to help you so that you have certainty quickly.
 

Important informative site: 
Test Lab
Soaaids Netherlands