Dating Apps May Lead to Increase in STI transmission

Doctors are worried that the increase use of dating apps on mobile devices has led to an increase in the number of STIs.  Apps which find people who want to have sex, near to where you are now are very popular with 20 and 30 years olds.  Gonorrhoea cases have increased 15% and Syphilis has increased 9% in recent years.

New technology with apps which can locate someone near you looking for sex have made finding someone who is interested in you easier than ever.  Millions use apps like Tinder and Grindr (for gay men) every day to find a sexual partner.  It works as it is on demand, and discreet, however it makes it easier than ever to get Chlamydia and other STIs within an hour.

The only way to avoid an STI is to not have sex.  Safer sex practices include using a condom, and avoiding multiple partners.  The only way to know whether you have an STI is to have a test.  Most STIs do not have early symptoms, but can cause lasting and/ or long term damage to your health.