Nicola Elliott
Google is quietly keeping score of the nation’s sex lives – and the numbers aren’t pretty.
New analysis from Bupa Health Clinics shows huge spikes in Google searches for intimate symptoms strongly linked with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), at the same time as most adults still aren’t getting checked.
More than half of Brits have never had a sexual health check, rising to around three-quarters of over-55s. Yet people are flooding Google with questions about painful, itchy or worrying symptoms instead of speaking to a professional.
During Sexual Health Week, Associate Clinical Director at Bupa Health Clinics, Dr Naveen Puri, set out the STI symptoms you need to stop Googling – and start getting checked.
The STI symptom searches surging online
Swollen testicle with pain
Bupa’s review of search data found that queries like “causes of testicular pain” were around six times higher in July 2025 than in August 2023, with volumes staying high throughout 2024 and early 2025.
If you’re suffering with painful or swollen testicles – whether or not you’ve had unprotected sex – you need to speak to a health professional.
Although it’s rare, swollen, painful testicles can be a sign of testicular cancer, so your GP should always check you over. More commonly, testicle pain and swelling can be caused by an infection, including gonorrhoea or chlamydia.
Even if the pain comes and goes, don’t ignore it. Get it investigated so you know what caused it.
Green discharge meaning
Searches for phrases such as “meaning of green discharge” have quadrupled over the last couple of years.
Green discharge is more likely to affect those with a vagina and it isn’t always due to an STI – but it’s never something to shrug off.
Vaginal discharge is normal and helps to keep the vagina clean and healthy. But if you’ve had unprotected sex, a change in colour, odour or texture can be an early warning sign of an infection such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea or chlamydia.
If anything looks, smells or feels different, see a health professional rather than relying on Google images and guesswork.
Burning sensation while urinating
Searches related to a “burning sensation while urinating”, particularly in women, have jumped sharply. In July 2024, searches for phrases like “burning when peeing, women” were around six times higher than in August 2023.
There are plenty of reasons why peeing can burn – including urinary tract infections (UTIs), urethritis and prostate problems – but it can also be a classic sign of STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and genital herpes.
Whatever the cause, pain when you pee is not something to ignore. A health professional can test properly, give you a diagnosis and get you treated. Most infections can be sorted with a straightforward course of antibiotics, antivirals, creams or liquids.
Painful intercourse
Sex is supposed to be enjoyable, not something you brace yourself for. Yet Bupa’s analysis shows searches for “pain during sex causes” have tripled.
Painful intercourse can be linked to:
- General illness or fatigue
- Physical problems around the genitalia, pelvis or abdomen
- Psychological factors (such as anxiety, trauma or relationship issues)
- Infections, including STIs
STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes and trichomoniasis can all lead to pain during sex for people of any gender.
If you’ve ever had sexual contact without a condom, and sex is now painful, that’s a strong sign you should get a sexual health check. Don’t just put up with it or blame yourself – get answers.
Itching in the private male area
Finally, Bupa found that searches like “sore itchy pubic area” have tripled, suggesting a lot of people with male genital anatomy are quietly Googling their discomfort.
Itchy genitals might be caused by:
- Irritation from shaving or grooming
- Fungal infections
- Pubic lice
- STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes or genital warts
If you’re feeling itchy down there, avoid sexual contact until you know what’s going on. An STI check can confirm what you’re dealing with and get you on the right treatment.
5 STI myths you need to drop
“All STIs have symptoms” – MYTH
Some STIs come with obvious symptoms; some are completely silent. Chlamydia is a classic example – you can have it without realising.
That’s why it’s vital to get tested regularly, not just when something feels wrong. Untreated infections can cause testicle pain, pelvic pain and fertility problems later on.
“You only catch an STI from unprotected penetrative sex” – MYTH
STIs can spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex, genital-to-genital contact and from sharing sex toys.
If there’s intimate contact and one person has an infection, there’s a risk of it passing on – even if you didn’t think you were “really” having sex.
“You only get STI tested if you’re single” – MYTH
Being in a relationship doesn’t magically make you immune.
Regular STI testing is important whether you’re single, dating or partnered. It helps pick up infections early and prevent bigger health problems later on – for you and your partner.
“You can’t cure all STIs” – TRUE (but manageable)
Many STIs are fully treatable with antibiotics. For viral infections such as herpes (HSV) or HIV, you may not be “cured” in the traditional sense, but treatment can keep the virus under control and help you live a normal life.
The earlier you know what you’re dealing with, the better your options – another reason to stop stalling and get tested.
“STI tests are slow, embarrassing and painful” – MYTH
STI checks are quick, routine and confidential. There is no need to feel ashamed; it should be as normal as seeing a doctor for any other health issue.
Most tests involve:
- A blood test
- A urine sample
- Simple swabs from the affected area
If you don’t have symptoms and just want reassurance, you can often do the swabs yourself.
Bottom line: give Google a rest, get checked
The spike in STI symptom searches shows people are worried – but a search bar can’t examine you, test you or treat you.
If anything in this list sounds familiar, do the grown-up thing: book a sexual health check. You’ll either get peace of mind, or you’ll get treatment. Either way, it’s better than scrolling through horror stories at 2 am.
