Tiger Woods Sex Scandal Drives Need for STD Testing

Chicago, IL (Vocus) January 5. 2010 -- In the wake of the Tiger Woods sex scandal, STD Test Express, the leader in online STD testing services, will offer free HIV testing on January 12, 2010 at STD Test Express - Tiger Day (www.STDTestExpress.com/TigerDay).

The aftershocks of the Tiger Woods story continue as the media reports on claims of unsafe sex practices and health consequences. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that sexually active men and women who are not in long-term, mutually monogamous relationships get tested for HIV every year.

While the media follows the nation’s intrigue on the private lives of celebrities and extramarital affairs, public health officials seek to raise our awareness on the importance of screening, safe sex, STD prevention, and sexual health.

According to TMZ and Us Magazine, Rachel Uchitel, the first mistress of Tiger Woods to reveal their relationship, announced that she is planning to get tested for STDs.

“We applaud Ms. Uchitel for recognizing the need to take control of her sexual health. Getting tested for HIV and other STDs should be done regularly if you are a sexually active adult,” says Michelle Sobel, co-founder of Analyte Media, the publisher of STD Test Express. “We’re extending free HIV testing on January 12 for everyone to jumpstart their health for the New Year.”

STD Test Express provides private, convenient, and rapid turnaround STD testing. Customers can request tests from a full range of FDA-approved test panels for the detection of chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Free doctor consultations by phone are available for people who have a positive test result. When appropriate, the physicians can prescribe medication for immediate followup and treatment.

“Consumer-driven innovations like telemedicine in partnership with direct access screenings offer patients high-quality, affordable and convenient health care,” says Wolf Shlagman, CEO of Consult a Doctor. “Our partnership with Analyte Media and STD Test Express has helped thousands of people take control of their sexual health in a new, effective way.”

STD Test Express has been recognized by the American Social Health Association (ASHA) for its positive messaging around sexual health. The site encourages people to stop wondering and start actively managing their sexual health. STD Test Express won a 2009 WebAward for Standard of Excellence in the category of Healthcare. Other 2009 WebAward Healthcare winners included McKesson Corporation, Livestrong, and Mayo Clinic Health Solutions.

In addition to best-in-class service, other high impact areas of www.stdtestexpress.com include:

-STD Test Recommender – A free personalized test recommendation based on the CDC and other national health guidelines, lifestyle and other risk factors. Test Recommendor (http://www.stdtestexpress.com/test-recommender)

-UNZIPPED – A sexual health blog responding to user questions and comments. STD Test Express Blog (http://www.blog.stdtestexpress.com)

-Real Stories – a series of videos featuring consumers with a wide array of STD stories and how testing has impacted their lives. STD Test Express Real Stories (http://www.stdtestexpress.com/std-stories)

About STD Test Express

STDTestExpress.com is the award-winning provider of physician-authorized STD testing and results counseling, with most current accurate information about sexually transmitted disease and STD testing. The American Social Health Association (ASHA) has endorsed STD Test Express for its positive messaging about sexual health. STD Test Express is managed by Analyte Media.

About Analyte Media

Analyte creates online clinics where people access expert information, products, services and communities to transform their health. The Analyte platform engages consumers with rich-media user experiences and connects them with a network of integrated diagnostic laboratory services and licensed, board-certified physicians to provide trusted healthcare, on demand.

About Consult A Doctor™

Consult A Doctor offers convenient 24/7 access to physicians for phone and secure e-mail medical consultations. Its proprietary nationwide cross-coverage network of U.S. licensed primary care physicians and specialists provide specific answers to medical questions and advice regarding non-emergency, routine medical conditions. Consult A Doctor’s physicians discuss symptoms, recommend treatment options, diagnose many common conditions, and prescribe medication when appropriate. This Consumer-Driven Telemedicine service reduces healthcare cost for all payers by providing members with more convenient and more efficient access to medically equivalent care in a lower-cost setting.

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