The world has certainly changed in 2020. Each month this year seems to have brought a new challenge to us as a society. The biggest challenge and change has been dealing with the sweeping issues brought to us by the Covid-19 pandemic. In the area of health, most specifically for our purposes ,sexual health, those changes could be for the better. The ways of seeking sexual health screening and advice have moved to more quarantine friendly options. The options for do it yourself screening kits for sexually transmitted infections and telemedicine appointments could be the silver lining of the pandemic.

Traditionally, the healthcare industry is slow to change, but the needs of the public during this pandemic has launched telemedicine and at home testing to the mainstream of the industry at record speed. This is a feat that might have taken years to take the forefront in less extraordinary circumstances. A main factor at work with the public embrace of telemedicine is the convenience. The need to take time off work, arrange childcare, or ensure you have transportation to and from an in person appointment is not a factor in telemedicine. In cases of sexual health concerns, the privacy afforded by in-home care can be a major factor to encourage patients to not only seek medical care for sexual health and dysfunction issues, but encourage follow up and follow through on treatment. This is definitely a trend that should continue if and when our pandemic life gets back to normal, or whatever the new normal looks like going forward.

The growth of telemedicine in sexual and reproductive health is especially helpful to those in low provider areas. People in rural areas may not have the same access to providers for sexual health care. Telemedicine can break down these barriers to healthcare for those who may be used to having to choose between long waits or having to travel to a major city some time away for an in person appointment. The newfound prevalence of telemedicine and at home STI testing, combined with prescription delivery services, can bring help and answers to most health care issues right into the homes and lives of underserved communities with the ring of a phone or the click of a mouse.

Another benefit of the changes in the world since the pandemic is the focus on self, and the willingness to act in your own best interest. We all have to look out for our own health. All of the advancement in making sexual health care and improvement are meaningless unless you utilize them. Self care includes sex care, and if you are sexually active, or have sexual symptoms, you should be proactive and take advantage of your health options. Whether you have used telemedicine or not, now is the time to give your healthcare provider a ring, and let them ring you back on your phone or computer to get your concerns attended to.

Forbes

Center for American Progress

Planned Parenthood