Pap smears suck. This tampon-like device lets you screen for cervical cancer at home

Teal Health, a woman's health company, has developed a new product that allows women to take a sample at home and send it to a lab for testing, eliminating the need for a traditional pap smear. The device, which resembles a tampon, is designed to be comfortable to insert and use, and is accompanied by a telemedicine platform that guides women through the process. The company, founded by Kara Egan and Avnesh Thakor, aims to make the product accessible and affordable for all women, regardless of insurance status. The device has received FDA approval and will be available online, with insurance coverage and a donation program for those who cannot afford it. Cervical cancer is the fourth deadliest cancer among women, and early detection is key to its treatment. The traditional pap smear process can be uncomfortable and often skipped, leading to overdue screenings and increased risk of cervical cancer. The new device offers a more comfortable and convenient solution, and Teal Health is committed to making it accessible to all women.