Tech / Technology

Startup Daye launches tampon-based STI test

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Daye releases STI screening kit that uses a tampon instead of a swab. It’s a PCR test that screens for multiple STIs.
left: two tampons from daye's sti screening kit; right: hand inserting tampon into bag

Femtech startup Daye, who previously launched a digital period pain clinic and at-home microbiome testing, has now released a tampon-based STI screening kit.

At-home STI tests aren’t new, but Daye’s “repurposing” of a tampon into a testing device is novel. And there’s a clear need for more testing: From 2021 to 2022 there was a 24 percent increase in STI diagnoses in the UK — and over half of Brits admit they’ve never had a sexual health check. Left untreated, some STIs can impact fertility and increase your risk of certain cancers, among other health concerns.

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So you got an STI, now what?

Daye’s STI screening kit uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies to test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, mycoplasma, and ureaplasma. The test can detect trace amount of genetic material from pathogens (organisms that carry disease), according to the press release, and can detect multiple pathogens with a single sample.

Daye claims that the specificity of PCRs leads to fewer false positives and a more reliable diagnosis. Further, the company says that the diagnostic tampon collects more vaginal fluid and covers more surface area than a typical swab, so it can gather a better sample.

The STI screening kit underwent clinical trials with 600 patients. “The samples will be analysed in a UKAS-accredited lab, following CQC-approved screening methodologies using a PCR-based, CE marked diagnostic assay. The Daye Diagnostic Kit is registered with the MHRA,” the press release stated.

Going to get tested at a clinic can be an uncomfortable experience. Depending on where you live and health insurance policies, it can also be cost-prohibitive. In the UK, however, many sexual health services offer free STI self-sampling kits according to the UK Health Security Agency.

As if now, Daye’s STI screening kit is only available in the UK for £99 (or £129 for a combination with the microbiome kit). The website claims that the kits are coming to the U.S. and EU soon.

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“I love this innovative approach to improving access to healthcare,” board-certified OBGYN and fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Cynthia Wesley, told Mashable.

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“Despite living in a world where over a million people get an STI every day, STI testing has chronically low rates post COVID-19, and as a result, many women and AFAB [assigned female at birth] individuals could have an infection unknowingly because they have no symptoms,” said Daye founder Valentina Milanova in the press release.

“Our STI Diagnostic Tampon makes STI testing extremely easy, comfortable and discrete,” Milanova continued.
“We hope our approach will end the ‘STIgma,’ revolutionise STI testing and lead to a dramatic uptick in the number of women getting checked, helping them protect their long-term health and fertility.”

Tech / Technology

9 best dating apps for lesbians, gay women in 2023

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TikTok not doing it for you? These apps, including HER, Tinder and many others, may open your options for lesbian and gay dating.
An illustration of two people gazing lovingly at each other

Online dating as a lesbian, for the most part, still involves having your space invaded by straight people.

The heteronormative weirdness got so alienating that lesbians turned to TikTok as a means of meeting other single lesbians (and it worked), but it’s unrealistic to expect a social media app to work like a dating app for everyone. Lesbians who have exhausted their local romantic options are still going to want to see who else is out there in time for cuffing season.

And while it’s unfortunately still all too common to match with a woman just to be hit with the classic “My boyfriend and I are looking for a threesome,” dating apps have been making strides to make sure queer women actually have a space to date other queer women.

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How to find the best dating apps for lesbians

Mainstream dating apps attract the most users — including queer users. These days, Hinge, Bumble, OkCupid, and even eharmony all have clear filters about looking at people of the same gender or any gender at all, as well as filters that acknowledge the existence of non-traditional relationships. Especially if you don’t live in a densely populated area, going for a more popular app can help you actually make connections.

With that said, HER is an app by and for queer women, and it’s been growing steadily. According to their website, the app has over 13 million registered users worldwide. The app also emphasizes finding community and making friends in addition to dating, giving you plenty ways to find a connection with other queer women and nonbinary folks.

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For the full low down on our recommendations, check out our list below.

A note on what didn’t make the list

A decent number of dating sites and apps specifically for lesbians do exist, but most are plagued with the same issues: Either their sole purpose is to sexualize lesbians and aren’t really meant for genuine connection at all, or their lax security protocols make it way too easy for ill-intentioned men to sign up pretending to be women. (Creeps are drawn to porn-y names like Pink Flirt.) If you’re wondering why we left most of those so-called female-only apps out, that’s why.

Tech / Technology

Best dating sites for professionals in 2023

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Looking for love without sacrificing your career? Find the best dating sites for professionals in 2023.
Woman using smartphone while on her laptop

Meeting people in real life is ideal, but it’s not always realistic, especially when life revolves around non-stop work hours, launching a startup, juggling multiple clients and side hustles as a busy freelancer, and just generally trying to have it all.

There are not enough hours in the day, and honestly, the free hours we do have are typically spent showering, sleeping, or hovering over the sink, chowing down on whatever we can find for dinner or lunch. Sure, it’s not always pretty, but no one said success would be easy.

So, how do you find time to meet people when you’re too busy for happy hour? Fortunately, the philosophy of “work smarter, not harder” can be applied to your love life, too. 

The best dating sites for professionals make it easy to meet someone who’s on your level.

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How to balance your side hustle with a full-time job

Yes, we know you’re online all day for work, and the last thing you want to do is spend more time on your computer or phone trying to find a partner. But online dating lets you connect with potential partners on your own time and terms.

This means you can forego the awkward almost-maybe-not relationships and curate your dating experience to fit your lifestyle and schedule.

Are there dating apps for professionals?

When you think of dating apps, two things probably come to mind: Tinder (or worse, Facebook dating) and the question of how you’ll ever find someone who can understand that your busy lifestyle is just who you are. The good news is that we can answer both of these concerns right here and now.

First, let’s deal with the whole Tinder thing. Yes, it’s super popular, and for a good reason: people are getting laid! But if you’re looking for something more than a casual fling, there are so many other options out there. Hundreds of dating apps, including Bumble, EliteSingles, and The League, have features designed for single professionals interested in finding a more meaningful connection. You honestly don’t even need to download or use Tinder at all (unless you want to!).

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Now, let’s talk about finding someone who understands and respects your busy lifestyle. You’re not alone in wanting a life that’s meant to go somewhere, and you shouldn’t have to settle. You deserve someone who can lift you up and support you, not drag you and your dreams through the dirt.

How can you find this person? Through the very peculiar power of niche dating sites. Whether you’re looking for the best dating sites for professionals over 50 or dating apps for people earning six figures (or more), we’ve gathered a list of the best dating sites for working professionals.

Tech / Technology

How to unblock porn sites: Best VPN for porn in 2023 (UK)

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Unblock porn sites and stream anonymously with the best porn VPNs.
Laptop in dark room

Online privacy is in short supply, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Your data is seriously valuable stuff, and you should be doing everything you can to protect it when navigating the online world. And if you watch porn, you should be even more vigilant.

We’re going to take a wild guess that you’d prefer to be protected from the prying eyes of advertisers, your internet service provider (ISP), and your roommates when you’re visiting porn sites. If that is indeed the case, you should consider investing in a VPN. These cybersecurity services provide everything you need to unblock porn sites and stream anonymously.

What is a VPN?

VPNs provide powerful protection for your data and identity when you’re online. VPNs offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location), making all of your activity untraceable and secure.

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This concept can be difficult to grasp, so it can be helpful to think of VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware. It’s all about anonymity and cybersecurity, and that’s particularly important if you’re watching porn.

Do you need a VPN for porn?

There are two key reasons to consider a VPN for porn: anonymity and access.

The first reason is perhaps the most important. If you’re concerned about your ISP, housemates, landlord, or someone totally random accessing your data, you could probably benefit from using a VPN. Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you’re using a VPN. Even porn sites can track your activity if you’re unprotected. Pornhub tracks IP addresses for example, which means it has the potential to collect information about your site usage. But with a VPN, your IP address will always remain hidden.

Remaining private and anonymous is the key argument for using a VPN for porn, but there’s another point to consider concerning access to your favourite sites. If you’re in a location that has a firewall up to block access to porn sites, you’ll need to use a VPN to bypass these restrictions. VPNs hide your real IP address and connect you to a server in another location, meaning you can bypass firewalls to stream on your favourite sites from anywhere in the world.

What features should you consider when selecting a VPN?

There are a number of things you should consider before selecting a VPN for porn. We have highlighted a selection of the most important VPN features to help you make a decision:

  • Connection speed — VPNs generally produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn’t accept anything significant. Make sure you opt for a VPN that doesn’t negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can’tstream porn without disruption.

  • Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it’s important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best services will all offer powerful protection for your data. This is obviously vital when navigating porn sites because you need to know that your data is secure.

  • Number of connections — Leading VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account, whilst others limit you to just a single device. Prioritise services that offer multiple simultaneous connections so you can stay secure on all your devices at the same time. You might stream porn on a number of devices, so it’s best to secure everything with the same account.

  • Privacy policy — This is something that some users might take for granted, but you need to pay special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of a VPN. These practices should be clearly laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren’t, you should not subscribe. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. Your favourite VPN should not store these details under any circumstances, as that would make the whole anonymity thing redundant.

  • Server network — The best VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. This is useful because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming porn.

You also need to consider things like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start with your selection process. Once you’ve picked a favourite option, you can consider the wide range of subscription plans on offer from leading services. There should be something that suits everyone.

Should you use free VPNs?

The big question when it comes to watching porn securely is whether you need to pay for a VPN. The bad news is that, just as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with these cybersecurity services.

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, and free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. The catch is that free versions usually come with limited data usage, meaning you can’t really do any streaming or downloading. Free trials come with everything you get in a paid plan, but they obviously don’t last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn’t a long-term solution.

Considering all of this, the best option for unblocking porn sites and streaming anonymously is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you will need to cough up the cash.

What is the best VPN for porn?

There are a lot of services out there offering similar packages, making it difficult to find the best VPN for you. We have tried to make your life a little bit easier by tracking down everything on offer and lining up a selection of the very best VPNs for porn. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list.

These are the best VPNs for porn in 2023.

Tech / Technology

Why are masked characters so hot? Sex therapists weigh in.

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Why are masked characters so hot? Sex therapists weigh in.

From thirsting over “Daddy” Michael Myers to simping for Scream franchise villain Ghostface, the internet is really into masked men. Last month, the phrase “Ghostface kink” trended on Google search because TikTok users were in the (horny) Halloween spirit. Some creators made videos from the point of view of someone being murdered by him (for sexy purposes), while others bought their partners Ghostface masks to spice up their love life.

Over the past few months, content creator Brittany Broski has waxed poetic about her attraction toTikTok cosplayers who dress up as masked character Ghost from Call of Duty as well as the masked band Sleep Token. A video of her talking about “jerkin’ it” to the mysterious rockers has half a million views on TikTok.

“If I see a man in a mask,” Broski has said, “it’s over.” That’s because, she admits with tongue-in-cheek self-awareness, “I have a mental problem, I have a mental lack somewhere… and I’m not really motivated to do anything about it.”

Our curiosity has been piqued by these feral FYP posts, so we asked two professionals to weigh in on the erotic possibilities of masks. What’s so enticing about them, even (or especially) when they’re worn by murderous characters? What does our attraction to masked figures tell us about our greater sexual desires?

Fear and uncertainty

Fear and arousal can be strange, sexy bedfellows. That’s because they “come from the same base emotion [of] physiological arousal.” says Gigi Engle, a certified sex and relationship psychotherapist and resident intimacy expert at dating app 3Fun. The adrenaline that accompanies fear increases heart rate and blood pressure. “It’s a state of euphoria so intense that we chase it and seek it out,” she says. “Think of people who absolutely love rollercoasters or scary movies. They genuinely enjoy the feeling of being afraid.”

With all that excitement, blood flow to the genitals also increases. “This is why people in fearful states sometimes report experiencing a genital response despite not feeling turned on,” says Engle. “Consensual encounters designed to amplify the ‘near-death’ feeling are not literally putting you in a life-threatening situation, but your nervous system doesn’t know how to make the distinction.”

So, those TikToks that make it kind of hot to be killed by Ghostface? The fun is all in the fantasy. “Even though fear can amplify sexual excitement, you also need to know that the ‘fear’ or perceived ‘danger’ is grounded in real safety,” Engle notes. “In order to become fully aroused, we need to feel safe.” 

Anonymity and confidence

“Sometimes a mask grants the opposite of fear and can help someone feel safe and confident,” says Bobby Box, certified sex educator at b-Vibe. “Similar to how trolls who feel comfortable being rude online but not in person, there is a veil that can make someone act more bold or out of character.”

“When you obscure even a portion of someone’s face, their identity is immediately changed,” Box explains. Plus, masks can alter the voice, “further removing any identity from an individual.”

Then, the possibilities for sexy fun multiply. “This person can be anyone and do anything, which can be incredibly sexy given the scenario,” he says. “I know many gay men who prefer anonymous sex or ask that you wear a blindfold so their identity isn’t revealed. While some men do this because they are closeted, others are merely turned on by the fact they’re having sex with a stranger.”

A study from early in 2023 found that people who think they are attractive are less likely to still wear a mask in hypothetical situations like a job interview or while walking their dog than someone who does not think they are attractive. Box says this extends to the bedroom, where masks can make someone who isn’t confident in their appearance feel more comfortable and adventurous.

Role-play and fantasy

When it comes to role-play, masks are “a simple way to visually assume a role without much effort,” says Box. “I mean, Clark Kent wore a measly pair of glasses as a disguise and nobody knew he was Superman.”

Bad boy tropes and forbidden trysts up the ante of a sexual encounter with any partner, whether they’re a stranger or a long-term love. Masks are often crucial to the believability of this kind of role-play and help with immersion, says Box. If our desire to make out with a tragic character is motivated in part by our belief that our love can fix him (ex. the Phantom of the Opera, Kylo Ren), then removing his mask is a sign of deepening trust and connection.

When people are attracted to fictional characters they see in horror films and media, that attraction can get mixed up with fear in interesting ways. Engle explains that when fear is “coupled with an erotic cue or image,” for example, “a sexy actor starring in the scary movie you’re watching (think Brad Pitt in Seven)… [T]he physiological arousal produced by fear can be mistaken for sexual arousal because people are misattributing the true source of that arousal.” Basically, “they’re linking it to the sexy person rather than to the fearful situation.”

And this happens for people you’re attracted to IRL, too. Engle says that “riding a rollercoaster with a date you’d fancy seeing naked later,” for example, can also make it hard to separate fear from attraction.

Ironically, covering up in the bedroom may be one of the easiest ways to set yourself free from insecurities or expectations. As long as you feel safe, incorporating masks into sex is totally normal.

Tech / Technology

Best dating sites for men Nov. 2023: Find love or a hookup

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Find your perfect match on the best dating sites for men, updated as of Nov. 2023. Whether you’re looking for casual flings or committed relationships, we’ve got you covered.
man swiping right

Meeting someone organically, or “in the wild” as some call it, is a challenge these days. Unless you’ve got a strong case of main character syndrome or are literally the star of a romantic comedy, you’re more likely to meet someone through online dating.

But online dating isn’t always easy. It can be tough to keep up a conversation with someone you don’t know anything about, especially if you’re only basing your opinion on their looks. And that’s if you can even find someone worth chatting to in the first place (a.k.a. someone who doesn’t immediately give you “the ick.”)

The best dating apps for men are a good place to start when you’re ready to put yourself out there. Read on for tips on how to navigate online dating and our tried-and-true recommendations for the best apps.

Why is online dating so hard?

Online dating poses a challenge for both men and women, but in different ways: If it’s a lady you’re pursuing, chances are she’s received more than a few unsolicited messages already. For women, maneuvering around the bounty of creeps is often more work than it’s worth.

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Knowing what to say when you’re first messaging someone can feel impossible. You don’t want to come across as weird or too overeager, but you also don’t want to seem uninterested. It’s a fine line to walk, and with the added competition, a seemingly unfeasible challenge. Here are a few tips to help you get the conversation started, and help you move past that first message writer’s block:

Be yourself and respect boundaries

The internet is plagued with tales of nasty messages and absolutely whack opening lines from men. Avoiding the creep factor with someone you just matched with shouldn’t be hard — simply don’t be pushy about sexting, getting a phone number, or meeting up in person. (Just don’t be pushy about anything, really. It’s as simple as that.)

As for devising an opener that’ll blossom into a nice conversation, it’s important to remember that even the most harmless intent to be funny or flattering can quickly go south.

For men who are a little rusty or generally shy about messaging first, choosing the right dating app can make all the difference. Bumble, the app where only women can make the first move, is an obvious safe choice for the latter.

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Here’s a good rule of thumb: Be yourself. There’s no magic formula for finding the perfect match, but being yourself is your best bet to find someone who shares your interests and values. It also doesn’t hurt to look at their profile before you start chatting. This will help you get a better idea of who they are and what they’re looking for.

Seeing someone’s hobbies, favorite movies, career goals, or even political views before talking to them opens up a wealth of clever icebreakers.

Be honest about what you want

Tinder can be the right app for some singles, but it’s not the only option. If you find yourself constantly deleting and re-downloading Tinder every other month, it might be time to try a different dating site.

Think about what’s not working: Is it too entrenched in hookup culture? Is it not focused on hookups enough? Do you find yourself mixing intentions with people not looking for the same thing? Each dating site serves a different purpose, and things are a lot easier when you’re mingling with people who want what you want.

What are the best dating sites for men?

The answer to this question isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but we’re here to help you pick the best option based on what you’re looking for.

From fling-based apps to dating sites that cater to more serious relationships, here are the best dating sites and apps for single men — whether you’re looking for a date, movie buddy, friend with benefits, or love and commitment.

Tech / Technology

Best dating sites for serious relationships in Nov. 2023

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Looking for a serious relationship? Here are the top dating sites for finding a long-term partner, updated as of Nov. 2023.
Graphic of people using dating apps.

Meeting people isn’t easy, whether you’re trying to build a platonic friendship or a romantic one. But if you’re ready to embrace cuffing season with open arms, we do think there’s a case to be made for checking out The Apps™. And fear not, the best dating apps for finding a serious relationship are some that you’ve probably already heard of.

We know, we know — finding someone on a dating app who’s genuinely interested in a meaningful, long-term relationship rather than a hookup or situationship can feel nearly impossible. But finding someone in real life can be just as hard and, in many cases, just as disheartening.

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Finding your person takes time, effort, and patience, no matter what method you end up choosing. But the good news is that finding a long-term partner online is easier than it’s ever been before. A 2023 report from the Pew Research Center states that one in every 10 partnered adults found their partner through a dating site or app. And hey, that could be you.

Which dating app is best for serious relationships?

OkCupid, Bumble, and Hinge are each known for their unique features to steer singles toward their one and only. Their secret? Algorithm-driven matching systems that prioritize compatibility, taking into account your interests, values, and preferences through long-form questionnaires.

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Depending on what you’re looking for, there are dating apps out there that offer advanced filters and search options to help you find people who are on the same page as you. Others offer multiple ways to showcase your personality through photos, bios, and prompts so you can express yourself in an authentic way.

If you’re ready for commitment and don’t know where to find people looking for the same thing, or if you want to know what dating apps are best for different types of daters, know that you have more options than just eharmony and Match. Here are a few of our favorite dating sites for serious relationships: