Is that a sexual health clinic app in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

An Australian first app from Stigma Health is on a mission to delete STIs, all with the tap of a finger. The discreet app gives you access to testing as well as results, all without the awkwardness of seeing a doctor face-to-face.

Stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections as well as access to testing have long been big barriers to more people getting tested.  The availability of an app that conveniently sits right along your dating apps is a big step forward in improving Australia's sexual health. 

James Sneddon, co-founder of Stigma Health shared "We've long been at the forefront of telehealth services and this app has been designed to ensure STI testing is top of mind. We're big advocates of new partners having transparent conversations about testing together. Our app means they can get to the dirty talk quicker, and safer!"

The most recent report into sexually transmissible infections in Australia identified the hidden dangers of putting off testing, highlighting that more than 1 in 25 young people aged 15-29 in Australia had chlamydia during 2021 but less than a third of those received a diagnosis**, and an estimated 2,630 people living with HIV in the community were unaware of their status+. 

"If you're under 29, download the app and go and get tested today. This could eradicate more than 100,000 cases of undiagnosed Chlamydia this week! " Sneddon said.

Andrew^, a client of Stigma Health said "The online service offers a fantastic alternative to the awkwardness of face-to-face appointments, which were always a big turn-off for me and so many people I know. There's no excuse not to get tested anymore".

In the wake of Sexual Health Week Stigma Health is continuing to have important community discussions around one of Australia's significant health concerns. 

"At Stigma Health we're putting the challenge out to all Australians to take the "SafeLovePledge". Let's get tested and start a conversation with those around us that creates lasting change by getting rid of those taboos around STIs" Sneddon explained.

Stigma Health has been a significant part of Australia's STI testing ecosystem and growing at a fast pace, identifying 1 in 25 HIV cases and 2,622 STIs nationwide in the last year alone*. 

Stigma Health offers comprehensive testing with a bulk-bill option for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. 

-ENDS-

References

* Stigma Health internal data.

^ Patient name has been changed for privacy purposes.
** HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections in Australia: Annual surveillance report https://kirby.unsw.edu.au/news/australias-annual-sexual-health-check-up
+ HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections in Australia Annual surveillance report 2022 - HIV https://www.kirby.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/Annual-Surveillance-Report-2022_HIV.pdf 

MEDIA CONTACT

For any questions in relation to this release or to discuss interviews, please contact:

Nicole Papoutsis

nicole@hyphen.health

0422 418 099

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ABOUT STIGMA HEALTH

Stigma Health is making sexual health sexy AF! 

Established in 2015 by practitioner Dr Mitchell Tanner and rugby-playing accountant and entrepreneur James Sneddon, these two blokes are on a mission to make STI testing available to every Aussie who's DTF. That means removing the need for that awkward face-to-face doctor visit that is just cringe (*dead*). Stigma Health is already Australia's largest sexual health clinic group, delivering STI testing to over 30,000 lovers, through an online, discreet, convenient sexual health service. So, no more excuses honey - go and get tested today at www.stigmahealth.com!