It's safe to say that iPhones have the most spoiled phone users ever–they have an app for just about everything! And looks like now smart phone owners can even find out if they have an sexually-transmitted disease and what kind of STD it actually is. Yeah, you read that right: Now your phone cares about your loins and sexual health!
The app, called STD Triage, is intended to allow users to upload pictures of their questionable bodily concerns anonymously to a team of dermatologists. In a matter of 24 hours, the user should receive a response from a doctor giving them a possible diagnosis and suggesting whether they should see a physician or not. Hmm, it's hard to tell if this helpful or simply bizarre!
I never thought any app company would take it to the extent of helping diagnose STDs! What's next, an app for a gynecological exam? In a way it's a good thing, but with all the texting mishaps that occur, what if the user accidentally sends the picture to a friend or family member? Talk about awkward (and ridiculously embarrassing!).
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The creator of the app, Alexander Börve, says that the app is a cross between Google search and a medical visit to the doctor's. However, he tells The Huffington Post that people shouldn't solely rely on the app for a diagnosis or replace a doctor's visit.
As an orthopedic surgeon, Börve developed another app called iDoc24, which is only availble in Sweden and is intended for those with dermatological concerns. He says that iDoc24 has found success and helped out about 70 percent of cases that were able to be treated via over-the-counter medicine–but the main concern still remains with the 30 percent who should see a doctor.
So if you're paranoid about contracting STDs or suspect you have one, the app is free to download and submit your most personal below-the-belt problems, BUT for the actual diagnosis, you'll have to pay $9.99 (through April they're having a "sale" of sorts–after that the price goes up to $39.99!). If it's REALLY an emergency, you won't think twice about the price.
I'm still a bit skeptical about this app as a doctor can't get the best look at the "issue" simply by looking at a picture. It may help those without health insurance somewhat, but say it's a real health condition, they'll still have to seek treatment. This may be better for minor problems and–as creator Börve says–users shouldn't rely on the app for their health but simply use it as a precaution.
Image via Thinkstock
