New tampon is as accurate as in-clinic tests at detecting some STIs

• Daye, a women's health company, has created a diagnostic tampon that allows women to test for vaginal infections, STIs, and high-risk strains of HPV at home.
• The tampon is designed to be more anatomically suitable for vaginal testing than traditional swabs, offering clinical-grade screening without needing a speculum exam or clinic visit.
• Gynaecologist Dr Kieron Lord says that the tampon is just as accurate as in-clinic tests for certain strains of HPV and specific STIs, but says it should be seen as an additional tool and not a complete replacement for regular smear tests.
• Valentina Milanova, founder of Daye, says that the diagnostic tampon can help address the gender health gap by allowing women to self-screen for specific bacteria and pathogens.
• The diagnostic tampon is priced from £99.

IN FULL

A new tampon that tests for HPV and STIs could transform women’s health