Birth control in the Netherlands is pretty much the same as it is everywhere in the western world. The birth control pill is available but there are not as many varieties prescribed here and it is not covered by health insurance. The morning after pill is available over-the-counter without a prescription at both pharmacies and druggists. Condoms can be purchased at pharmacies, druggists, supermarkets, vending machines in public toilets and at a variety of speciality condom shops in Amsterdam. For general help and information on sexual health, you can contact the Centra voor Seksuele Gezondheid. (616 62 22). This clinic can offer advice on contraception, abortion, Pap smears, psycho-sexual problems, safer sex, sex education for teenagers, impotence and sterilisation.

If you would like to speak to someone confidentially and anonymously about sexually transmitted diseases you can contact the STI (Outpatient Clinic for Sexually Transmitted Infections). In Amsterdam the number for HIV/AIDS information is 555 58 22.

For treatment and information you can also contact your GP, a dermatologist (by GP referral), or a gynaecologist (after seeing a GP first). For AIDS information in Dutch and English there is a free and anonymous helpline on 0900 204 2040 (Monday to Friday between 14:00 and 22:00).