You Can Now Get An STI Test Without Leaving Your House

A new mobile app has been unveiled that enables users to test for STIs at home.  The app is the brainchild of Planned Parenthood, the American non-profit organisation that provides reproductive health, maternal and child health services. Users can order a confidential STI test via the app, take the test at home, and send the urine sample back for results without having to visit the clinic. Currently only available in the US, the service named Planned Parenthood Direct charges $149 for the urine testing kit that will be mailed to your house. The kit tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and is a handy short-term solution for those too busy to visit the clinic. However, vice president of health innovation at Planned Parenthood, Jill Balderson, has emphasised that the service is by no means a replacement for in-person care. Speaking to Vox, she explained: "Online care shouldn't replace a relationship with a provider. It's one avenue to increase convenience, but we're also looking to make sure we refer to health-care centers when we need to, as well." Of course, visiting a clinic in person is hugely important for a range of sexual health services including in-person counseling, blood testing and physical exams . However, apps like these are exciting indicators of the rapid developments in the areas of technology and health.