STI Diagnoses via Digital Photo Assessment
Posted at 11:46 PM May 29, 2008
Pretty much every sex educator or sex advice writer I know has gotten an email describing some kind of rash, sore, or swelling and asking advice about what it might be. Sometimes they send pictures of the offending aberration. Anyone who is worth their salt as a sex educator responds: "go see a doctor! I know it's embarrassing but it's the quickest and best route to getting treated!"
But the fact remains that people like their internet and the (relative) privacy it affords. And on that note, there is now a doctor in the UK, Dr Thom, who has started offering diagnoses (and prescriptions) in response to digitally submitted photos. After registering and paying the £49.99 fee, people concerned about a lump or a bump submit two clear JPEGs taken with at least a 3.0 megapixel camera, and within two days the staff will get back to you and let you know what they think your ailment might be. If your pictures totally suck they give you a refund, minus a £7.50 administrative charge.
I'm a little on the fence about this one. On the one hand, this service may encourage people who would otherwise not see a doctor to stay within their comfort zone while getting sexual health care. But as much as online and other tech-enabled health support is a great thing, I also think it's good to have an in-person relationship with a sexual health professional.
---Audacia Ray
[Via the Internet Sex Information Service blog]
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