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Breaking News for Women's Health: FDA Approves First Fully At-Home STI Test
2 MIN READ
Akeira Johnson, MD
April 04, 2025
The groundbreaking FDA-approved Visby Medical Women's Sexual Health Test allows for private, at-home STI screening with 97% accuracy, delivering results in just 30 minutes for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis—empowering women to take control of their sexual wellness with convenient early detection technology.
Summary
In a significant advancement for women's sexual health, the FDA has just authorized the Visby Medical Women's Sexual Health Test—the first fully at-home diagnostic test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis that requires no prescription. This breakthrough device allows women to collect their own vaginal swab sample and receive results in approximately 30 minutes through a secure app, with impressive accuracy rates exceeding 97% for all three infections. The test addresses a critical healthcare gap, considering that over 2.2 million cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea were reported in 2023, while trichomoniasis affects an estimated 2.6 million Americans. As your women's health physician, I see this as a powerful tool for early detection and treatment, particularly for those experiencing barriers to traditional testing due to anxiety, privacy concerns, or limited healthcare access. Remember that positive results still require follow-up medical care for appropriate antibiotic treatment, and those with symptoms or concerns despite negative results should consult their healthcare provider.
Full article found here.
Like flowers, our bodies require different nurturing as we age—standard screenings alone miss subtle hormonal shifts that comprehensive thyroid and hormone baseline assessments can identify. Advocate for age-appropriate testing tailored to your life stage for optimal vitality across your lifespan. #WomensHormonalTransitions #LifespanWellness #AgeSpecificScreening #PreventativeCareByDecade"
Ask Dr. Johnson
“I'm turning 35 next month and realize I've been very reactive with my healthcare, mostly just going for annual pap smears. How should I approach asking for more comprehensive assessments like thyroid testing beyond basic TSH or discussing potential early hormone changes when I don't have obvious symptoms, and my doctor seems satisfied with standard screenings?
Dr. Johnson's Response: Your proactive approach is exactly what preventative medicine is all about! While standard screenings provide a baseline, they often miss subtle changes happening in your 30s that can significantly impact your overall wellbeing. I recommend scheduling a dedicated appointment specifically for preventative planning. Frame your request around optimization rather than problem-solving: "I'd like to establish comprehensive baselines now to track changes throughout my 30s." Most physicians respond positively to patients who take initiative, though you may need to respectfully advocate for yourself if met with resistance. This approach might save you years of unexplained symptoms and establish a partnership model with your provider. For a complete decade-by-decade guide to essential health conversations, explore the full article here.
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