Bengaluru: Doctors in Bengaluru are reporting a rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents and young adults, prompting calls for greater awareness, comprehensive sex education and easier access to healthcare rather than moral judgement or stigma.Gynaecologists across the city say they are increasingly diagnosing STIs in patients as young as 17 and 18 years. The most commonly reported infections include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV) and syphilis. While most STIs can be effectively treated if identified early, delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in serious long-term health complications, including infertility, chronic pelvic pain and an increased risk of other infections.“We see at least 20 to 40 STI cases in patients under the age of 20. Even teenagers aged 16, 17 and 18 are coming in with these infections, and this is a trend we’ve noticed over the past five years. Most of them seek care with friends or partners rather than parents,” said Dr Sneha Rajiv, additional director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Yeshwantpur.According to doctors, the increase does not necessarily mean that more young people are engaging in risky behaviour. It is also a reflection of greater awareness, improved access to healthcare and better diagnostic facilities, leading more individuals to seek testing.“There has been a noticeable increase in young adults seeking care for sexually transmitted infections, although part of this rise is also due to greater awareness and more people coming forward for testing. Over the last few years, there has been a shift towards diagnosing infections earlier because of improved access to diagnostic tests,” said Dr Priya SP Patil, consultant–obstetrician & gynaecologist, Altius Hospital, Rajajinagar.According to them, several social factors may be contributing to the trend, including changing relationship patterns, increased mobility and easier ways of meeting partners. However, they emphasise that the bigger concern is not whether young people are sexually active, but whether they have accurate information to protect themselves.One of the biggest gaps, they say, is the widespread misunderstanding of STI risks. “Many young people still believe that the absence of symptoms means they are infection-free. In reality, several STIs remain asymptomatic for long periods, allowing the infection to spread unknowingly and increasing the risk of complications,” said Dr Nidhi Nandan, senior consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sakra World Hospital.Because many infections remain silent, doctors recommend routine STI screening for sexually active individuals, particularly those with new or multiple partners. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and an increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV.Certain infections can also have lifelong consequences. “Gonorrhoea and chlamydia can damage the reproductive system and affect fertility. Human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses, increases the risk of cervical, vaginal, penile and anal cancers, although not everyone who acquires the infection develops these complications,” Dr Sneha said.Doctors argue that these risks underline the need for comprehensive, evidence-based sexual health education rather than fear or shame.“We need to move away from fear-based messaging and towards evidence-based sexual health education. Schools and colleges should provide age-appropriate education that includes consent, healthy relationships, contraception, STI prevention, HPV vaccination and the importance of timely medical consultation. Healthcare providers should create confidential, non-judgmental environments where young adults feel comfortable discussing sexual health concerns,” Dr Priya said.Dr Nidhi added that reducing stigma is equally important. “Timely testing, treatment and partner notification remain the most effective ways to prevent the spread of STIs and protect the long-term health of young people.”
