Australia is facing a sexual health crisis. In 2023 alone, more than 109,000 cases of chlamydia were reported — a 20-24% increase on recent years – with nearly 70% of notifications involving women, and two-thirds affecting young people aged 15-29, according to the Kirby Institute. Gonorrhoea cases exceeded 40,000 in the same year, and experts warn that the real numbers are likely much higher, as many infections go undiagnosed due to mild or hidden symptoms.

Despite the rise, testing rates remain low, particularly among women — many of whom delay testing due to stigma, discomfort, embarrassment, or fear of judgement in clinical settings.

“A big reason women put off STI testing is shame — shame about asking for help, shame about what they might be told, shame about the whole process,” says TouchBio Ambassador and vulvovaginal specialist naturopath, Jessica Lloyd.

“Getting tested for STIs often means a doctor’s visit, which costs money, time off work or school, and embarrassment about the situation. The stigma is still huge. So testing gets delayed, home remedies come out, and women try everything they can to fic the problem themselves without telling anyone.”

The delays can have lasting consequences. Untreated STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pain, infertility, and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. And while antibiotics can clear the infection, they don’t necessarily restore vaginal balance.

“In my clinics, I often see women who have already been treated by their doctor for an STI, but infection has left lasting damage,” continues Jessica.

“Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can quietly disrupt the vaginal microbiome for months before they’re diagnosed, and while antibiotics clear the infection, they don’t automatically restore balance. That’s why women can be left struggling with ongoing issues like recurring thrush or bacterial vaginosis long after the STI itself has gone.

Early detection through self-testing is a powerful way to avoid this cycle — catching infections sooner, so treatment can begin before long-term damage is done.”

To meet this growing need for accessible, stigma-free screening, Touch Biotechnology — Australia’s number 1 self-testing brand— has released the country’s first TGA-approved, at home STI test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in women.

The TouchBio Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea Rapid Test (For Female) is now listed on the Australian Register for Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and offers:

• 15-minute results from a simple vaginal swab
• 99%= sensitivity and laboratory-validated accuracy
• Affordable pricing at around $24
• Complete privacy and convenience — no appointment required

“Too many women are suffering in silence,” says Touch Biotechnology CEO, Matthew Salihi.

“We designed this test to eliminate the most common reasons women delay testing — awkward appointments, long waits, and fear of judgement. Self-testing is more than convenient; it’s empowering. By removing those barriers, we’re giving women the confidence to take control of their health and start important conversation that have too often been avoided.”