STI Testing and Sexual Health for Sex Workers

Free, confidential and without judgment

As a sex worker, it is important to take good care of your sexual health. Regular STI testing, vaccination against hepatitis B, and knowing where to go if you have symptoms or may have been exposed to HIV can help protect yourself and others.

In the Netherlands, special services are available for sex workers. You can go to the GGD for sexual health care and STI testing. For sex workers, this care is free. You can also be tested anonymously at the GGD.

You do not need to feel ashamed or afraid to tell a healthcare professional that you do sex work. This information helps a doctor or nurse determine which tests and care are appropriate for you.

Where can I get an STI test?

1. GGD – Sexual Health Centre

For sex workers, the GGD is usually the first place to consider.

At the GGD Sexual Health Centre, you can get:

STI tests;
HIV tests;
sexual health advice;
STI treatment;
hepatitis B vaccination;
information about PrEP;
special consultations for sex workers;
sometimes testing and vaccination at your workplace.

Sex workers are among the groups that can receive free STI care at the GGD. This care can, if you wish, be provided anonymously.

Find a GGD and make an appointment for an STI test

Not every GGD has the same consultation hours or capacity. Therefore, check in advance whether you can visit the location concerned.

2. GGD at the workplace

In some cities and work areas, the GGD also visits sex work locations.

This can include:

sex clubs;
window prostitution areas;
other locations where sex work takes place.

If the GGD visits your workplace, you may sometimes be able to receive a free STI test or hepatitis B vaccination there.

Ask your workplace whether the GGD visits.

3. General practitioner

You can also go to your GP with questions about STIs.

An appointment with your GP is covered by regular GP care. However, the costs of any laboratory tests may be subject to the excess of your health insurance.

Tell your GP that you do sex work and what types of sexual contact you have. This helps the GP determine which tests are necessary.

4. Private clinic

Another option is a private clinic.

Some private clinics allow you to have an STI test anonymously. You pay for the test and consultation yourself.

This can be useful if you want to be tested quickly or cannot go to the GGD.

Can I get tested for free as a sex worker?

Yes.

Sex workers are among the groups that can receive free STI care at the GGD.

Sekswerk.info also states that sex workers can get tested for free at the GGD twice a year.

More frequent testing may be advisable when there is a reason to do so, for example if you have symptoms, may have been exposed to an STI, or have been notified of an STI exposure.

Do I need health insurance?

For free STI care for sex workers at the GGD, Dutch health insurance is not required.

Sekswerk.info states that sex workers can also receive free STI testing and hepatitis B vaccination at the GGD without a residence permit or Dutch health insurance.

If you do have health insurance, you can of course also use your GP.

Do I need a residence permit?

According to Sekswerk.info, you do not need a residence permit for a free STI test at the GGD as a sex worker.

This is important for sex workers who, for example:

do not yet have a residence permit;
do not have Dutch health insurance;
are temporarily staying in the Netherlands;
have a complicated residence or insurance situation.

Your sexual health should not be a reason to avoid medical care.

For other medical care, the rules regarding payment and access may be different. If you have a complicated residence or insurance situation, it is therefore best to contact the GGD or healthcare provider in advance.

I do sex work without a permit. Can I still get an STI test?

Yes, do not let this stop you from going to the GGD.

Free STI care for sex workers at the GGD does not depend on whether you have a permit to do sex work.

A sex work permit and access to sexual healthcare are separate matters.

If you have questions about your specific legal situation, permit or residence status, discuss this with the GGD or a specialised organisation.

Do not assume yourself that you are not allowed to receive medical care because of your work or residence status.

Can I be tested anonymously?

At the GGD, STI care for eligible groups can be provided free of charge and, if you wish, anonymously. Sex workers are included in this group.

When making an appointment, you can indicate that anonymity is important to you and ask how the specific GGD handles this.

Your GP is bound by medical confidentiality.

How often should I get tested?

Sekswerk.info advises sex workers to have an STI test twice a year.

More frequent testing may be advisable if:

you have had unprotected sex;
a condom broke or slipped off;
you have a new partner;
a client or partner tells you they have an STI;
you develop symptoms;
you have had sexual contact with someone who has a known STI;
you have multiple sexual contacts;
your doctor or GGD advises this.

The appropriate test and timing depend on the type of contact and possible STI.

I have no symptoms. Should I still get tested?

Yes.

Many STIs initially cause no symptoms. You can therefore have an STI without noticing anything.

That is why regular testing is important, even when you feel healthy.

Which STIs can be tested for?

Depending on your situation, a healthcare provider may test for:

chlamydia;
gonorrhoea;
HIV;
syphilis;
hepatitis B;
hepatitis C.

Which tests are needed depends on your sexual contacts, symptoms, medical history and possible risks.

Therefore, tell the healthcare provider honestly which types of sex you have had. This is not about judgment: it is necessary to determine which parts of your body need to be tested.

Why is it important to test the throat and anus as well?

An STI can be present at the site where sexual contact occurred.

For sex workers, this may mean that more is needed than just a urine test.

For example, tell the healthcare provider whether you:

give oral sex;
receive oral sex;
have vaginal sex;
have anal sex;
have sexual contact involving bodily fluids.

The doctor or nurse will then determine which tests are needed.

What happens during an STI test?

This differs depending on the STI.

A test may include:

urine;
a swab;
a throat swab;
an anal swab;
blood testing.

First, you discuss your sexual contacts and any symptoms with a doctor or nurse.

The healthcare professional then determines which tests are needed.

You do not need to feel ashamed. Healthcare professionals are used to talking about sexual contact and sex work.

When should I get tested?

The right time depends on the STI and when you may have been exposed.

If you had sex without a condom very recently, a test may be too early to reliably detect an infection.

Have doubts?

Take the STI check from Soa Aids Nederland

Or contact the GGD or your GP.

What if a client or partner says they have an STI?

Take this seriously.

If someone you have had sex with tells you that they have an STI, contact the GGD or your GP.

You may have the STI without symptoms.

A healthcare professional can determine which test is needed and when you should be tested.

What if I have symptoms?

For example, do you have:

pain or a burning sensation when urinating;
unusual discharge;
sores;
blisters;
ulcers;
itching;
pain during sex;
bleeding;
lower abdominal pain;
pain or symptoms around the anus;
a sore throat after sexual contact;
other symptoms after sexual contact?

Contact a GP or the GGD.

If you have symptoms, professional assessment is more important than doing a home test yourself.

What if I have been exposed to HIV?

If you may have recently been exposed to HIV, PEP may be considered.

PEP is medication that can help prevent an HIV infection after someone may have been exposed to HIV.

If there is a possible HIV risk, contact a doctor, GGD or emergency department as soon as possible.

Do not wait for a regular STI test first.

PrEP: protection against HIV

PrEP is medication that significantly reduces the chance of an HIV infection when used as prescribed.

People at increased risk of HIV can receive free PrEP care through the GGD. You have to pay for the PrEP pills yourself.

PrEP does not protect against other STIs.

Discuss with the GGD whether PrEP is suitable for you.

More information about PrEP

Hepatitis B vaccination

Hepatitis B is a virus that can, among other things, be transmitted through sex.

For sex workers, hepatitis B vaccination is available free of charge through the GGD.

The vaccination consists of several injections.

Ask the GGD whether you are already protected and whether vaccination is necessary for you.

More information about hepatitis B vaccination

Condoms and safer working

Condoms reduce the risk of many STIs.

Important:

use a new condom for every sexual act where a condom is needed;
use a properly fitting condom;
check the expiry date;
use enough suitable lubricant;
stop if a condom breaks or slips off and replace it;
never use two condoms at the same time.

Safer sex is not only the responsibility of the sex worker. Clients must not pressure you into unsafe sex.

What should I do if a condom breaks?

Stop sexual contact and assess what happened.

Depending on the type of contact, there may be a risk of:

HIV;
chlamydia;
gonorrhoea;
syphilis;
hepatitis B;
pregnancy.

If there is a possible HIV risk, seek medical help as soon as possible to discuss PEP.

For other STIs, the GGD or GP can advise you when testing is useful.

What if I could become pregnant?

Have you had unprotected vaginal sex and do you not want to become pregnant?

Contact a pharmacy, GP or other healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss which emergency contraception is appropriate.

If you are unsure, do not wait too long.

Can I use an STI home test?

You can, but not every home test is reliable.

Therefore, check carefully whether the test is reliable.

If you have symptoms or may have been at high risk, it is better to contact the GGD or your GP.

Information about STI home tests

What if my test is positive?

A positive test means you may need medical treatment or support.

The GGD or GP can:

explain which infection you have;
provide the appropriate treatment;
tell you when you can have sex again;
discuss whether sexual partners should be notified;
explain how to prevent a new infection.

Some STIs can be treated effectively with medication.

Do not continue working with an untreated STI without medical advice.

Do I have to tell my clients that I have an STI?

This depends on the situation and the STI involved.

Discuss with the GGD or doctor:

which infection you have;
whether and when you should avoid sexual contact;
when you can work again;
who should be informed;
how you can potentially notify partners anonymously.

More information about partner notification

What if I am afraid my privacy will not be protected?

Your sexual health is private.

Healthcare professionals have a duty of confidentiality.

As a sex worker, you can receive free STI care at the GGD and, if you wish, this can be provided anonymously.

When making an appointment, ask how the specific GGD organises anonymity.

I do not have a residence permit and I am afraid to see a doctor

Do not let the lack of a residence permit prevent you from seeking medical help.

For sex workers, Sekswerk.info states that a free STI test at the GGD can also be possible without a residence permit or health insurance.

Different rules may apply to other medical care.

If you have a complicated situation, contact the GGD directly and ask what is possible in your circumstances.

Help with problems related to sex work

An STI test is not the only type of support available to sex workers.

Do you have problems with:

your workplace;
an operator;
permits;
discrimination;
safety;
clients;
the IND;
another organisation?

You can receive advice and support from specialised organisations.

Sekswerk.info

Sekswerk.info is specifically aimed at sex workers and provides information about health, safer working, rights and support.

Visit Sekswerk.info

Sex Work Reporting and Advice Centre

Go to the Sekswerk Reporting and Advice Centre

For an extensive overview of support services by region:

Overview of support services for sex workers

Important contacts

🩺 STIs, HIV, PrEP and sexual health

Aids STI Information Line – Soa Aids Nederland

For questions about:

STIs;
HIV;
STI tests;
safer sex;
PrEP;
sexual health.

Telephone: 0900 - 204 2040

Opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 09:30–15:30
Thursday and Friday: 13:30–15:30

Chat, WhatsApp and email options are also available.

Contact Soa Aids Nederland

Soa Aids Nederland

GGD contacts for sex workers

Available consultation hours differ by region. Always check the current information before visiting a location.

GGD Twente – Enschede

For sex workers in Enschede and the surrounding area.

Walk-in: Friday 14:00–16:00 in Enschede.

Almelo: by appointment.

GGD Twente – information for sex workers

GGD Noord- en Oost-Gelderland

Telephone: 06 - 25644136

GGD Noord- en Oost-Gelderland – sex work

GGD Gelderland-Zuid

Email: kiss@ggdgelderlandzuid.nl

GGD Gelderland-Zuid – sex work

GGD Gelderland-Midden

Telephone: 088 - 355 6600

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–12:00.

GGD Gelderland-Midden – STI test

GGD Hollands Noorden

Telephone: 088 - 0125705

Sex Workers Health Centre – GGD Hollands Noorden

Amsterdam Center for Sex Workers

Telephone: 020 - 531 86 00

Email: info@centerforsexworkers.nl

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 292, Amsterdam

Amsterdam Center for Sex Workers

GGD Amsterdam

GGD Amsterdam – STI, HIV and sexual health

GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond

GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond – sex work

GGD Regio Utrecht

Telephone: 030 - 608 6084

GGD Regio Utrecht – information for sex workers

GGD West-Brabant

Telephone: 06 - 2308 2439

Breda walk-in clinic: Tuesday 10:00–12:00.

GGD West-Brabant – sex workers

GGD Zeeland

Telephone: 0800 - 3687600

Opening hours: 08:30–17:00.

GGD Zeeland – when sex is your work

GGD Flevoland

GGD Flevoland – Sexual Health Centre

GGD Gooi en Vechtstreek

Telephone: 035 - 692 62 22

Email: info@ggdgv.nl

GGD Gooi en Vechtstreek

GGD Zuid-Limburg

GGD Zuid-Limburg – when sex is your work

GGD Limburg-Noord

Telephone: 088 - 119 12 07

GGD Limburg-Noord – when sex is your work

🆘 Sexual violence

Centre for Sexual Violence

For rape, sexual assault, sexual violence or another distressing sexual experience.

Telephone: 0800 - 0188

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Free and anonymous.

Centre for Sexual Violence – immediate help and advice

In immediate danger: 112.

👮 Police

Immediate danger

112

Use 112 when you are in immediate danger or when the police, ambulance or fire service is needed immediately.

Non-emergency

0900 - 8844

If necessary, ask for the vice squad.

Police – contact

Police – human trafficking

🏠 Veilig Thuis

For domestic violence, threats, coercion or other unsafe situations.

Telephone: 0800 - 2000

Free and anonymous advice is available.

Veilig Thuis

⚖️ Victim Support Netherlands

For support after a crime or violence, including:

emotional support;
legal support;
help with compensation.

Telephone: 0900 - 0101

Victim Support Netherlands

🌐 Online sexual abuse

Helpwanted

For help and advice with:

sextortion;
distribution of intimate images;
online sexual abuse;
threats involving photos or videos;
other online problems.

Telephone: 020 - 261 52 75

Helpwanted

🚨 Human trafficking and forced prostitution

Are you being forced to do sex work? Are you unable to stop freely? Are you being threatened, controlled or exploited?

This may indicate human trafficking or exploitation.

In immediate danger: 112.

For advice and support, contact specialised organisations or the police.

Police – human trafficking

For specialised support services:

Overview of support services for sex workers

🧠 Mental health support

Are you experiencing psychological problems because of your work, violence, threats or other circumstances?

You can contact:

your GP;
the GGD;
a psychologist;
specialised support services.

113 Suicide Prevention

If you are having suicidal thoughts or need immediate psychological help:

113

0800 - 0113

Chat is also available.

113 Suicide Prevention

📍 Find help near you

Do you not know which organisation is available near you?

Start with:

Soa Aids Nederland – find an STI testing location

or:

Sekswerk.info – overview of support services

Quick overview

Question	Where can you go?
Free STI test as a sex worker	GGD
Anonymous testing	GGD
STI advice	GGD / Soa Aids Nederland
HIV test	GGD / GP
PrEP	GGD / GP
PEP after possible HIV exposure	GGD / GP / emergency care
Hepatitis B vaccination	GGD
STI test without Dutch health insurance	GGD
STI test without residence permit	GGD – ask about the possibilities
Problems related to sex work	Sekswerk.info / specialised support
Sexual violence	Centre for Sexual Violence
Immediate danger	112
Police, non-emergency	0900 - 8844
Domestic violence	Veilig Thuis
Online sexual abuse	Helpwanted
Human trafficking	Police / specialised support
Victim support	Victim Support Netherlands
Mental health crisis / suicidal thoughts	113 / 0800 - 0113

Important

This page is intended as practical information and does not replace personal medical, legal or psychological advice.

Rules, opening hours, telephone numbers and the availability of consultations may change. Always check the current information with the relevant organisation.

You do not need to feel ashamed about having an STI test. Sexual health is part of healthy and safer working.

If you do not know where to start, you can always contact the GGD or Soa Aids Nederland.