AI-Powered Sexual Health Apps Are On the Rise — Here’s How to Use Them Safely

AI-powered sexual health apps raise concerns: The emergence of AI-driven sexual health applications has sparked debates about privacy, accuracy, and ethical considerations in the rapidly evolving health technology landscape.

• HeHealth’s Calmara AI app, which claimed to scan genitals for STIs, faced scrutiny and was ultimately pulled from the market following an FTC investigation.
• The app’s marketing strategy, targeted primarily at women, raised red flags among sexual health educators and critics.
• The incident highlights the need for careful evaluation of AI-powered health applications, especially those dealing with sensitive information.

Evaluating AI health apps: Key considerations: Experts recommend focusing on three main areas when assessing the credibility and safety of AI-powered sexual health applications.

• Marketing claims should be scrutinized for oversimplification of complex health issues and potentially misleading language.
• Medical claims need to be backed by scientific evidence and clearly communicate the limitations of the technology.
• Privacy policies must be thoroughly examined to understand how personal health information is stored, used, and protected.

The appeal and risks of AI in sexual health: The growing interest in AI-powered sexual health apps stems from various factors, but also comes with potential drawbacks.

• These apps offer privacy and convenience, appealing to those who may feel uncomfortable discussing sexual health concerns with healthcare professionals.
• However, the stigma surrounding STIs and limited sexual health knowledge can make users vulnerable to exploitation by profit-driven startups.
• Experts caution against relying solely on AI for medical diagnoses, emphasizing the importance of human expertise in healthcare.

Technical limitations and bias in AI models: Understanding the underlying technology is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness and fairness of AI-powered health applications.

• The quality and diversity of training data significantly impact the accuracy and reliability of AI models.
• Potential biases in AI systems can lead to inaccurate results, particularly for underrepresented groups.
• Companies should conduct and disclose audits of their AI models to address potential biases and limitations.

Regulatory landscape and consumer protection: The growing use of AI in healthcare has drawn attention from regulatory bodies and consumer protection agencies.

• Many consumer health applications fall outside the scope of HIPAA, creating potential privacy concerns.
• The FDA regulates medical devices, and consumers should check for agency approval when evaluating health apps.
• The FTC has shown interest in investigating potentially fraudulent claims and privacy issues in AI-powered health applications.

Expert recommendations for users: Sexual health educators and computer science researchers offer advice for consumers considering AI-powered health apps.

• Look for clear information about the app’s limitations and potential risks.
• Verify the credentials and expertise of the app’s creators and advisors.
• Be wary of oversimplified solutions to complex health issues and infantilizing language in marketing materials.
• Prioritize apps that collaborate with sexual health professionals and medical experts.

Broader implications for healthcare access: The rise of AI-powered health apps highlights underlying issues in the healthcare system and societal attitudes towards sexual health.

• These apps attempt to fill gaps in healthcare access, particularly for underserved populations.
• However, their emergence also underscores the need for improved sexual health education and more accessible, culturally sensitive healthcare services.
• As AI continues to evolve, striking a balance between innovation and responsible implementation in healthcare remains a critical challenge for developers, regulators, and consumers alike.