Our Mission
Gnosis is a biodesign intervention created to combat the stigmatization of sexually transmitted infections. Our aim is to empower people to take responsibility for their sexual health and encourage confident and open conversations about STIs through the implementation of a two-fold campaign. STIs can affect all people, but can only be identified and treated through STI testing. These stigmatized infections continue to be a health concern due to a lack of testing, or unprotected sex, and therefore people are unknowingly transmitting the infection to their partners.
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The only way to stop STI transmission is to get tested
and treated by a medical professional.
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But, what about females?!
Gnosis condoms are designed to detect STI sores only on the penis, which we realize excludes half the population of people who can be affected by STIs.
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The difference in the structure and environment of the vagina renders our current condom inapplicable to females. The vagina is so much more complex and sensitive that using cabbage juice as a visual pH indicator would be misguided, confusing and inaccurate. We want to make STI detection as simple and unintimidating of a process as possible for all people, not just those with male genitalia.
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So, what if you don't have a penis?
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In short, we ask you to be patient as we develop our line of female STI detection products. It is important to us to develop products for all people because we recognize that anyone can be affected by STIs regardless of their sex organs.
In the meantime, we encourage you to attend Gnosis workshops that specifically focus on vaginal health and protection and empower you to get tested if you think you may have contracted a STI. Remember, getting tested is a form of self-care!