During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries had reported low coverage for preventive, testing and treatment services related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which has led to a resurgence of STIs and the emergence of non-classical STIs globally.
With this in mind, the sexual happiness experts at Lovehoney have teamed up with TBD Health to create an online resource center in an effort to destigmatize STI's, debunk the most common myths surrounding them and show you how you can have happy, fulfilled sex life no matter you or your partner's status.
"Education is the first step. Many of us received fear-based sex ed that taught us that STIs are just about the worst possible thing that can happen to you," says Dr. Justin Lehmiller, Lovehoney Scientific Advisor and Kinsey Institute Researcher. "In reality, many common STIs are curable. For those that are not, they are usually manageable with appropriate precautions and treatment, so you can resume a normal sexual and romantic life."
STI Education Initiatives
Lovehoney and TBD Aim to Debunk Common Sexual Myths
Trend Themes
1. STI Education - The need for accessible and effective online resources to educate the public about STIs and destigmatize the issue creates opportunities for digital health platforms and e-learning technologies.
2. Non-classical Stis - The emergence of non-classical STIs highlights the need for improved diagnostic and treatment technologies, incentivizing innovation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
3. Preventive and Testing Services - The low coverage for preventive, testing, and treatment services related to STIs during the COVID-19 pandemic presents opportunities for telehealth and telemedicine startups to deliver efficient and convenient solutions.
Industry Implications
1. Digital Health Platforms - Digital health platforms that offer accessible and effective STI education resources could serve as a disruptive innovation in the sexual health industry.
2. Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology - Emerging need for improved diagnostic and treatment technologies for non-classical STIs create opportunities for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop innovative solutions.
3. Telehealth and Telemedicine Startups - Adoption of telehealth and telemedicine services in delivering efficient and convenient preventive, testing and treatment services for STIs can disrupt the traditional healthcare industry.