We have all been witness to the proliferation of dating apps in recent years. Tinder and Grindr are just two examples, and while the fun that has come with using these apps cannot be denied, there are also other serious issues that need to be considered.
Back in 2016, Public Health England reported a 76% rise in syphilis diagnoses, and increases in other STIs were recorded as well. In the US, the latest CDC data are more hopeful: cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis fell 9% in 2024, the third yearly drop in a row. That being said, there were still more than 2.2 million cases, and syphilis in newborns keeps rising, so fewer cases is good news, not a reason to relax.
With the rise of casual relationships, it is even more important to talk openly with partners about testing, PrEP and status, in addition to getting regularly tested yourself. Many STIs, especially in the throat and rectum, cause no symptoms, so a partner's history can't tell you everything. Regular testing can. One incredible resource when it comes to STI prevention is the condom. Used correctly every time, condoms are very effective against HIV and infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia. They do protect less against infections spread through sores or skin contact, such as herpes, syphilis and HPV, since they don’t cover all the skin. And with amazing technological advances in materials, condoms are not the mood killer that they once were. Some condoms are so light that you will barely notice they’re on, so sensations are heightened while protecting yourself from STIs. Some condoms have textures that will help tantalize a partner during use, in addition to many other innovative features of the modern humble condom.
We hope to help educate you on all things condom related.
Sources
Checked October 2026.
About the writer
Beatus Hoang
Bae is an exotic cuisine connoisseur, beauty enthusiast, and digital marketing professional who also lives in South Florida. He is the creative mastermind behind TAG’s responsive design and user experience. With a background in acting and performance, Bae contributes a flavor of fun and sassiness to much of the content housed on The Authentic Gay. When he is not doing crazy SEO stuff, you can find him dancing with no pants on, or collecting gourmet soy candles.
