A growing number of Gen Z adults are turning to AI chatbots for sexual health advice, including the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections, according to a new survey.
The research, conducted by Testing.com, polled 2,520 U.S. adults aged 18 to 29. One in five said they had asked an AI chatbot about STIs or STDs, while one in 10 had used AI specifically to help identify a possible infection. Among those who later went on to receive formal medical testing, nearly a third reported that the chatbot’s assessment was wrong.
The findings highlight how AI use is moving beyond general health education and into more sensitive territory, with many young adults using chatbots as informal diagnostic tools. More than half of respondents who sought AI guidance for potential STI symptoms said they shared photos during the exchange. Almost all described their symptoms, and many also discussed recent sexual activity or possible exposure.
Researchers said this willingness to share personal information with AI was unsurprising, but warned against using chatbots as an alternative to established medical pathways.
“An AI chatbot can be a starting point for general education, but it shouldn’t be used as a diagnostic tool for an STI,” said Dr Toni Brayer, Member of the Medical Review Board, Testing.com. “The information provided is dependent upon the question asked, and many symptoms can be caused by non-STD conditions.”
Nevertheless, that comfort is translating into repeat use. Among Gen Z respondents who turned to AI for STI-related questions, 92% said they would likely do so again. More than a third reported feeling more at ease discussing sexual health with a chatbot than with a healthcare professional.
For the pharmaceutical industry, the trend highlights the growing complexity of healthcare in the age of AI. While companies aim to support clinicians in diagnosing and treating patients effectively, consumer-facing AI adds a new layer to health decision-making that is far harder to support or control.
