Artificial intelligence (AI) has allowed for a multitude of improvements in medicine. Particularly, in the field of urology, AI has been used extensively in the processes of diagnosis, treatment planning, assessing the effectiveness of surgeries, and more. Beyond that, AI has been integrated into a variety of medical fields for diagnosis, education, and patient care. Perhaps with further analysis as to the effectiveness and ethics of AI, sexual health may be able to reap the benefits as well.

A 2025 literary review aimed to analyze a variety of AI-related medical publications from the past 30 years (written in English) and summarize the current use of AI in sexual health.

Chatbots

AI chatbots are quite common across a variety of industries. In sexual medicine, they provide an anonymous, accessible, engaging way to gain insights into sexual health problems. According to the authors, chatbots, as they relate to the medical field, are seen as effective in boosting attitudes and confidence surrounding sexual activity. Younger people were found to be more open to digital health solutions such as chatbots for STI-related care, however, prefer in-person doctor’s visits for accuracy and confirmation. There may also be potential for education on consent and sexual violence prevention, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Globally, chatbots have been used to help with STI testing, diagnosis, and outreach, in marginalized communities specifically. The example given by authors is a Malaysian chatbot developed to cater to men who have sex with other men to assist with HIV prevention and screening. The bot stood out for its emotional support, ease of use, and low stigma. A similar tool highlighted in the review provided virtual appointments, lab testing, and medication delivery for those needing PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis: a medication for adults and adolescents without HIV that reduces the chance of contracting it, in short).

Despite the numerous benefits of these tools, AI chatbots are not yet primed for being a totally independent medical aid without the help or input of human medical professionals during the processes. Chatbots have been noted to lack empathy, accuracy, and reliability at times, making patient safety a concern.

HIV and STIs

According to the authors, AI has shown potential in supporting HIV-related care through testing, prevention, and treatment. Outside of chatbots, a variety of mobile applications as well as predictive and machine learning models have been developed over time to improve upon existing practices.

HIV prevention practices have been positively influenced by mobile applications that promote adherence to PrEP and act as a sort of sex diary, according to the review. Additionally, AI has been used to identify and target those who may influence the community around them, therefore increasing the use of condoms during anal sex. Using machine learning models, AI can be utilized to identify patient patterns and target testing groups for those at higher risk for HIV. It may also be able to automatically email patients when testing for HIV/STIs is needed.

Regardless of the magnitude of AI improvements, there will need to be human intervention and finetuning to address diverse population groups or more abstract differences, beyond the scope of the AI’s coding.

Infertility and Sexual Functioning

The infertility field of sexual health has been significantly influenced by AI technologies. Authors note that AI has automated processes related to gamete quality assessment, sperm selection, and embryo selection, which helps immensely with assisted reproductive technology.

Additionally, AI models have been used for male infertility diagnoses, authors citing the diagnosis of genetic conditions such as Klinefelter Syndrome. Models may also be beneficial in analyzing sexual health conditions like erectile dysfunction and related genetic sexual dysfunction, allowing for earlier detection and more personal treatment approach.

Current research notes limitations involving a lack of development and accuracy in addressing ovarian insufficiency, suggesting algorithms need to be refined before fully relying on AI for assessing fertility problems.

Sex Determination and Bone Analysis

In terms of forensics and medical diagnoses, AI, specifically machine learning, has helped to analyze anatomical features for gender detection, such as the hyoid bone (located at the front of the neck, with female’s being significantly smaller than male’s).  Some of the research suggests AI may also be used for predicting sexual orientation from brain imaging, according to the review. In the medical field specifically, machine learning has been used to identify certain risks, like child sexual abuse.

Psychology Of Relationships in Sexual Behaviors

Sexual behavior, relationship dynamics, and healthcare interventions can all be analyzed by AI to provide predictive risk factors for sexual dysfunction and sexual behavior. Authors cite a study in which machine learning was used to detect sexual dysfunction in psychiatric patients, showing a high prevalence in rates and helping to identify predictive risk factors in these patients. Additionally, research into problematic sexual behavior has used AI and discovered psychological and environmental factors that would make someone at risk, such as OCD, childhood trauma, and reward deficiency syndrome. It has also been used to identify intimate partner violence in online forums, according to the review. These technologies can be used to tailor clinical interventions for a variety of sexual dysfunctions.

Conclusion

The authors of this review suggest that AI allows for enhanced diagnostic accuracy, improved treatment adherence, and more effective patient follow-up. Through AI-driven mobile phone applications, appointment and medication reminders allow for easier management and prevention of HIV and other STIs. Machine learning provides insights into risk factors, diagnostic measures, and effective treatment methods for a slew of sexual dysfunctions and infertility needs. Lastly, AI sexual health software, such as chatbots, help to reduce stigma surrounding sexual health issues.

Aside from the positive implications for sexual health medicine, AI has brought forth a plethora of concerns. One of the biggest concerns is about misinformation and biases being spread by mistake, alongside patient confidentiality, and the risk of AI replacing healthcare professionals. Before completely embracing AI in sexual medicine practices, authors say there should be some very detailed and robust regulations in place that will support the responsible use of AI, as well as more testing and refining of certain AI programs. As a patient, it's important to speak with a sexual health professional if you have serious sexual health concerns, as AI chatbots cannot always be trusted.

References:

• Abou Chawareb, E., Im, B. H., Lu, S., Hammad, M. A., Huang, T. R., Chen, H., & Yafi, F. A. (2025). Sexual health in the era of Artificial Intelligence: A scoping review of the literature. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 13(2), 267–279. https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf009
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Preventing HIV with prep. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/prevention/prep.html