Bengaluru dating app users hesitant to share STI status despite rising infections

Dating app users in Bengaluru are showing a significant unwillingness to share their sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing status, despite a rise in non-monogamous relationships. Local medical professionals have warned that this lack of communication and low awareness are causing asymptomatic infections to go undetected and untreated.

Nandita M, a 25-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru, shared her experience of navigating dating apps. She stated that while most users on these platforms seek casual relationships, none have initiated conversations around STI testing. According to Nandita, users often ghost her when asked for a test report, while others attempt to convince her they are healthy without providing any documentation.

Dr. Nirmala Chandrashekar, a Bengaluru-based gynaecologist and obstetrician, reported seeing continued cases of STIs, including chlamydia, genital herpes, HPV, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV. She highlighted a growing concern over asymptomatic infections like chlamydia and HPV, which do not show obvious symptoms but can still be transmitted to partners.

According to Dr. Chandrashekar, behavioral patterns among patients diagnosed with STIs include inconsistent condom use, multiple or overlapping partnerships, and misconceptions about personal risk. She noted that many individuals falsely assume a partner is infection-free if they do not display visible symptoms.

The doctor also pointed out that a significant gap remains between access to information and practical understanding. Misconceptions persist, such as the belief that only individuals with multiple partners are at risk, or that oral sex carries a lower chance of transmission. Dr. Chandrashekar added that higher education levels do not necessarily translate to better sexual health awareness.

Chetan, a 27-year-old businessman in a polyamorous relationship, emphasized the necessity of regular testing. He stated that trust alone is insufficient in the current dating scene and urged individuals to have difficult conversations about sexual health to prevent the spread of infections.

While teleconsultations have increased privacy and helped some individuals seek care, Dr. Chandrashekar observed that many people still delay testing due to fear, stigma, anxiety, and concerns over confidentiality.