A UK-based start up has released a one-of-a-kind HPV-testing system, in the form of a tampon. Daye, a gynaecology healthcare brand, has created the tampon to help tackle the rise in human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. With nearly a third of people aged between 25 and 49 skipping cervical smears in 2023, Daye’s new innovation can make testing easier from the comfort of your own home.
The brand previously created ‘diagnostic tampons’ for sexual transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, mycoplasma and ureaplasma. The at-home HPV Screen can detect 14 high-risk HPV infections via a non-invasive tampon. According to the NHS, 99.
8 per cent of cervical cancers are caused by persistent high-risk HPV infection. Daye’s tampon can be inserted by users at home to collect a sample of cells. The tampon is then sent away, in a discreet manner, to a lab for testing.
Daye said it can take within five to ten days for results. The brand also offers personalised aftercare depending on the results of the HPV screening. Valentina Milanova, CEO and founder of Daye, said in a statement: “Eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 requires a joined-up approach of vaccination, screening and testing, and we hope to encourage more women and AFAB individuals to proactively test for HPV.
“By utilising the familiar tampon, this hassle-free HPV testing kit is extremely easy and comfortable to use, and we hope this will lead to more patients taking control over their long-ter.