Bupa research reveals increases in Google searches for STI symptoms
Search volumes across 2023 and 2024 show some stark increases for symptoms commonly associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
With Dr Luke Powles is the Associate Clinical Director at Bupa Health Clinics. Luke explores the five STI symptoms with the biggest search increases.
4 September 2024
Next review due September 2025
While it can be embarrassing to talk to others about your intimate areas, it s important to get any concerns medically checked by a professional and not your search engine.
“Whether you re looking for romance or a bit of fun, the notion that your next fling could be a mere swipe away is an exciting prospect for many Brits, with 10% of adults regularly using dating apps. However, a recent surge in searches for STI symptoms shows it s more important than ever for us to take ownership of our sexual health, to protect our partners and have fun while dating.”
Bupa Health Clinics research shows that a high number of us don't prioritise our sexual health.
- 1 in 4 Brits don’t ask about a new partner’s sexual health before engaging in sexual activity with them
- 60% of Brits have never had a sexual health check before
- Of those who’ve had a sexual health check before, a quarter haven’t had one for over 2 years
The UK’s biggest sexual health concerns
‘Scrotal skin swelling’
Searches for this term were six times higher in July 2024, compared to August 2023.
If you're suffering with painful or swollen testicles, regardless of whether you've ever had unprotected sex, you should always speak to a health professional. Although it's rare, swollen, painful testicles can also be a sign of testicular cancer so you should always visit your GP to check you over.
More commonly, painful or swollen testicles can be caused by an infection, including gonorrhoea or chlamydia. If you've ever had unprotected sex, there's a chance you could have picked up an STI. Some people may find that they suffer with testicle pain and swelling for a short period of time and then it goes away. But, you should still always speak to your GP about your symptoms so they can investigate what caused them.
‘Meaning of green discharge’
Searches have quadrupled for this term. Green discharge is more likely to affect females and isn't always necessarily a sign of an STI. But, I'd always recommend that you speak to a health professional if you have any concerns over the appearance or odour of your discharge.
Most people with a vagina are likely to get discharge. It's a normal substance that the vagina produces to keep itself clean and healthy. However, if you have had unprotected sex, a change in the colour, odour, or texture of your discharge can be one of the first warning signs of an infection.
If you notice any such changes, please see a health professional for appropriate testing and treatment.
‘Pain after peeing, women’
Burning when peeing can affect both men and women, but over the last year, searches relating to women have seen particular growth. In July 2024, searches for burning when peeing, women were six times higher than they were in August 2023.
There are lots of reasons that you might feel a burning sensation when you pass urine (pee). Whatever the cause, you should always get it investigated by a health professional. Pain when you pee can be caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs), urethritis and prostate conditions. But it can also be a symptom of sexually transmitted infections. These include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and genital herpes.
The good news is that treatment for most STIs is usually a simple course of antibiotics, antivirals, creams or liquids. It's important to keep on top of your sexual health to avoid future health complications and passing any infections on to others.
‘Pain during sex causes’
Sex should be something that's safe and enjoyable for everyone. But some problems can lead to painful sex. Painful intercourse can have several causes. These include generalised illness, physical problems around the genitalia, pelvis or abdomen, psychological problems, or infections. Google search volumes suggest more people have been having painful sex in the UK, with searches tripling.
Several STIs can lead to pain during sex. So bear this in mind if you've ever had sexual contact without using a condom, as it means that you may need a sexual health check. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis can lead to painful sex for both males and females. It can lead to other infections affecting the vagina, for those that have one.
If sex hurts, it's important to find out what's causing the pain.
A health
professional can help you find the right treatment.
‘Sore itchy pubic area’
Itchy genitals are uncomfortable and inconvenient, especially if you're out in public. Google search volumes show that many have been struggling with intimate itching over the last year. Searches for the phrase sore itchy pubic area have tripled.
If you're feeling itchy down there, it's best to avoid any sexual contact until you know what's causing it. Possible causes include irritation from grooming, pubic lice or a fungal infection. Or it could be a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, or genital warts.
An STI check will help identify or rule out any concerns and help put you on the right course of treatment.
Dr Powles answers some common questions about sexually transmitted infections and tests
It’s easy to quickly Google a symptom, but it’s important to remember that not all information on the internet is regulated. This means that you may be directed to information or advice that’s inaccurate at best, or harmful at worst.
Some symptoms can have complex causes, so it should always be a trained clinician that helps guide you through to any necessary treatment. For example, painful urination could be due to a sexually transmitted infection, but it could also be due to a bladder infection or kidney stones. A doctor with the right knowledge and expertise is far better than a simple search online that may lead you down the wrong path.
Having regular tests helps to identify any infections at an early stage. And they stop you from spreading them to your partner(s). If you have an STI that doesn’t have any symptoms, you could be passing it on to others without realising. Spotted early, sexually transmitted infections are easier to treat. And this means you’re less likely to develop complications or potentially serious sexual health problems in the future. For example, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to impaired fertility in some people if they’re not treated soon enough.
It might be tempting to think that you’re sexually healthy if you’re able to have pain-free, enjoyable sex. But some STIs don’t have any symptoms, making them impossible to know about unless you have an STI check.
STIs spread through sexual activity. The person with the infection passes infected bacteria, viruses or parasites on to another person without. You can catch an STI from any form of unprotected sex where the infection can travel from one person to another. This includes vaginally, orally, or anally. You can also catch an STI if you have genital contact with someone who’s infected, or if you share sex toys.
Not all STIs are curable. The cause of the infection and length of time you’ve had it can affect the options for treatment. Generally, infections caused by bacteria clear up with antibiotic treatment. Some infections caused by viruses can be managed, but it’s not always possible to be fully cured of them. Examples include herpes (HSV) and HIV.
Bupa has a range of sexual health services using urine, swab, and blood tests to detect possible sexual infections. Our health advisers will welcome and support you in our private health clinics. And so will our specially trained doctors, if you book a check that includes them as part of the consultation.
STI checks themselves do not take long at all. Taking swabs, providing a urine sample, and collecting blood from your arm only takes minutes. The only thing that we ask is that you don’t pass urine (pee) for an hour before providing your urine sample.
And don't worry about long wait times. With Bupa’s sexual health services, you can book an appointment on a day and at a time that’s convenient for you.
Anyone who’s had any new sexual partners or unprotected sex since their last sexual health check should have at least one comprehensive sexual health check every year. Whether you’re in a committed relationship or not, regular STI tests can help pick up any infections. This is important so you can get early treatment to prevent health issues further down the line.
Frequent STI tests are especially important if:
- you’re under 25
- you have more than one partner
- have sex without condoms
- you take part in any activities that could be considered high risk for transmission of STIs
Learn more about STIs and sexual health
Our health information covers some common sexually transmitted infections and ways to protect yourself.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Not all STIs have symptoms so it’s important to get checked if you have any form of unprotected sex.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. Dr Naveen Puri answers some very common questions about chlamydia.
What is gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a common STI. Dr Naveen Puri answers some common questions about symptoms, causes and treatment.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis has increased in recent years in the UK. Dr Naveen Puri describes the symptoms and what to do if you think you may have it.
Book a sexual health check today
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Page last reviewed: 12 September 2024
