Tag

Sti Testing

All articles tagged with #sti testing

healthtech1 year ago•3 min saved

"Risks of AI STI Testing: Why Friends Should Intervene"

HeHealth, a men's health startup, has launched Calmara, a service that uses AI to analyze photos of genitalia for signs of STIs. However, the accuracy of the AI is questionable, as it only covers visually-presenting infections and is designed to work with penises only. The company's claims of accuracy range from 65% to 94.4%, and its use of augmented images in training data raises concerns. Additionally, issues around consent, privacy, and potential abuse make it clear that this AI STI test should not be used.

via Engadget|

#ai-technology #healthtech #hehealth

health1 year ago•2 min saved

"Rising STI Rates in NYC Cause Concern Ahead of Valentine's Day"

New data from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shows a significant spike in sexually transmitted infections, with gonorrhea rates up 11% among men and syphilis rates up 36% among women. Youngsters in the city are particularly affected, with girls and women aged 15 to 24 being five times more likely to have chlamydia. Health experts attribute the rise in cases to factors such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare seeking behavior, disparities in access to care, and decreased condom use. However, there are also positive trends, such as decreased gonorrhea rates among women and fewer cases of congenital syphilis. Health officials emphasize the importance of STI testing for early treatment and to prevent further spread.

via New York Post |

#health #health-disparities #new-york-city

health1 year ago•3 min saved

"STI Test Vending Machines: A New Approach to Sexual Health in the UK"

Vending machines in British cities are offering free self-test kits for sexually transmitted diseases, aiming to overcome barriers to testing such as stigma and lack of awareness. A study found that over half of users said it was their first STI test. While the initiative has been effective in the UK, experts caution that it may not work at scale in the US due to differences in healthcare systems. Nonetheless, the vending machines have been successful in reaching infrequent testers and could serve as a supplement to existing services.

via The Washington Post|

#health #hivaids #public-health

health2 years ago•0 min saved

"Syphilis Spreads: Columbus Public Health Reports Outbreak"

Columbus Public Health has issued a warning about a syphilis outbreak in the city, urging individuals at risk to get tested. Syphilis is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact and can cause long-term damage if left untreated. The organization offers sexual health clinics and testing for those who may have been exposed to the disease.

via NBC4 WCMH-TV|

#columbus-public-health #health #public-health-warning

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"British Startup Introduces Tampon with Built-in STI Screening"

British startup Daye has developed a tampon that can be used as an at-home test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The tampon uses a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to screen for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, mycoplasma, and ureaplasma. The aim is to make STI testing more accessible and convenient, particularly for women who may feel anxious or embarrassed about getting tested. The tampon is sent to a lab for testing, and results are returned within five working days. While some experts caution against testing for organisms of doubtful clinical significance, Daye's tampon has shown promising results in clinical trials, with a lower test failure rate compared to traditional swabs. The startup also emphasizes the importance of education about restoring a healthy vaginal microbiome to reduce the need for overtreatment.

via The Guardian|

#at-home-test #gynaecological-health #health

health2 years ago•1 min saved

Syphilis cases in Virginia babies on the rise.

Virginia has seen a surge in syphilis cases, with a 159% increase in rates among women from 2013 to 2021, leading to the highest number of congenital syphilis cases in over three decades. Up to 40% of babies born to women with untreated syphilis can die from the infection. Health experts attribute the rise to a lack of access to healthcare, poverty, decreased condom use, and increased drug use. The Virginia Department of Health is now refocusing on social media campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of STI testing.

via WAVY.com|

#congenital-syphilis #health #public-health