People will no longer be treated for chlamydia when asymptomatic

People who may have contracted chlamydia will no longer be tested for the infection if they are not suffering from complaints. The change in medical protocol is to prevent people from receiving antibiotics if they no longer need them, as overuse can make pathogens resistant to treatment.

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) is changing the guidelines for sexually transmitted diseases (SOA). These will become effective on January 1 and will apply to the Centra Seksuele Gezondheid of the regional Public Health Services, otherwise known as the STI clinics.

People will still get tested for chlamydia when they have complaints or in the case that their partner warns them that they have chlamydia with complaints.

"Advanced scientific insight. Most chlamydia infections go away on their own without lasting consequences, especially in people without complaints," a spokesperson for the RIVM explained.

Soa Aids Nederland, STD-Aids Netherlands in English, is happy with the adapted guidelines for chlamydia. “Many people have been scared for years about the negative consequences of this STD. These new insights show that that fear is largely unfounded. It is important not to make people unnecessarily scared,” Hanna Bos, a doctor for the organization, explained.

Chlamydia was diagnosed in approximately 24,000 people last year. The venereal disease is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.

People can suffer from pain, a burning feeling while urinating, and discharge after becoming infected. Women who are not treated for the infection on time can become infertile.