A very common virus can be screened easily by women with the help of their tampon.
Despite 99.8% of cervical cancers being caused by persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, nearly a third of AFAB individuals aged 25-49 skipped their cervical smear in 2023, according to Metro UK.
The first-of-its-kind HPV-testing tampon has been released by gynae healthcare brand Daye in an effort to tackle this. To collect a sample of cells the tampon can be inserted by users at home.
Moreover, it can then be sent — in specific packaging — to the lab for testing, and results will be out within five to 10 days.
For STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, mycoplasma and ureaplasma; the company has already released a diagnostic tampon. It tests users from the comfort and convenience of their own home. Additionally, it will set them back £89.
Daye's CEO and founder Valentina Milanova, while speaking of the initiative said: "Eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 requires a joined-up approach of vaccination, screening and testing, and we hope to encourage more women and AFAB individuals to proactively test for HPV."
"By utilising the familiar tampon, this hassle-free HPV testing kit is extremely easy and comfortable to use," she added.
Disclaimer: This may not work for everyone. Consult your doctor before trying this out.
Medicare currently covers use of GLP-1 drugs such as Lilly's Mounjaro and Novo's Ozempic for conditions such as diabetes
Study finds depression symptoms among girls to be more than twice those of boys
WHO says outbreak affecting individuals of all age groups, with highest burden among those aged under 20
WHO says US' decision and reductions in official development assistance by some countries made slash much more acute
Dua Lipa marks fifth anniversary of ‘Future Nostalgia’ with ‘Physical’ remix release
Study co-author says pig liver "functioned really well" and "smoothly secreted bile" as well as producing key protein...
