Almost half of American high school students are sexually active, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Each year, millions of teens contract sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, which can risk lives and cause other harmful consequences such as infertility.

A new app called MedXCom is designed to promote regular STD checkups and sharing STD status with potential sexual partners. Users can share their STD status, as well as other information, by bumping phones.

Dr. Michael Nusbaum, the New Jersey developer of the app, calls it “safe bumping,” and says those who screen negative for STDs at their doctors can ask to have the STD-free status documented on the app, allowing them to share the information with whomever they choose.

[Images via MedXCom via iTunes]

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

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