A UK start-up have now launched tampons that can screen for sexually transmitted infections. The idea is that rather than swabbing for a sample, you can insert the tampon for a short period of time and then send that off – making the test easier and more comfortable to do (the tampons aren't designed to be used to stop blood flow and should be used five days or more after your last period has ended).
Daye are the innovative brand behind the STI diagnostic tampon, which aims to speed up diagnosis and treatment amongst people who find themselves feeling anxious or embarrassed about getting tested.
The tampons use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to check for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, mycoplasma and ureaplasm.
Now, after clinical trials with 600 patients, the tampons are available to buy for £99.
For a further £29, users can get a “comprehensive” consultation about their results with a nurse. Users who don’t purchase this optional extra, but do test positive for an STI, will receive a free five minute call to talk them through their results.
Founder of Daye, Valentina Milanova, explained the development process: “We’ve gathered a significant amount of data from our diagnostic tampon over the past few months. We observed a 1% test failure rate due to insufficient sample collection, compared with the 10% and more recorded with the swab.
“We are also able to reduce sample collection errors significantly, making this an ideal approach for at-home sample collection as part of our strategic initiative to reduce patient wait times and improve access to care.”
Figures by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found a 24% rise of sexually transmitted diseases between 2021 and 2022.
The figures saw a 50% rise in gonorrhoea and a 24% increase in chlamydia.
Women are thought to be statistically more at risk than men from STIs, due to their anatomy.
Up to 70% of STIs in women and AFAB folks are symptomless, with untreated STIs potentially harming your reproductive health in the future.
Shop Daye's STI Screening Kit here
While Daye’s new tampons are able to test for a number of STIs, they do not test for diseases such as syphilis or HIV.
If you are concerned about your sexual health, it is important to speak to your GP or health practitioner.
