When Innovation is Personal: The Story Behind Phlovid™
Having all the symptoms of endometriosis but not being able to confirm it without invasive surgery is a truly frustrating and isolating experience.
For over 10% of women and girls worldwide- this is the debilitating reality and it’s something I’ve personally struggled with- one that has inspired me to take action.
The Gender ‘Gap’ (The understatement of the century)
Recently, I heard someone say, “If men got pregnant, you could get an abortion at an ATM”.While the statement is obviously provocative, it strikes a nerve because of the underlying truth: women’s health issues often don’t receive the urgency and innovation they deserve.
Take endometriosis, for example. Despite its prevalence and negative impact on the lives of tens of millions of women (and by extension, on society), the gold standard for diagnosis is still laparoscopy —a deeply invasive surgery that has been in use since 1901.
Lets pause and reflect: a diagnostic method over a century old is still the best option we have.
The best option for a condition that disrupts careers, relationships, fertility and mental health, often leaving women in pain and isolation for years before they get answers…
This isn’t just a gap—it’s a systemic disparity.
Endometriosis is just one of many gynecological conditions where women face significant delays in accessing medical care.
Here in the UK, the number of women currently on gynecology waiting lists could fill Wembley Stadium nearly 8.5 times. It’s important to note that most of these women are not waiting for routine checkups—they are waiting for care that could change their lives.
The Challenge: Earlier Effective Diagnosis of Endometriosis
Even though endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, the average time to diagnosis is a whopping 10 years. That’s:
- 10 years of wondering if you’re fertile.
- 10 years of unpredictable “endo belly” bloating and chronic pain disrupting daily life.
- 10 years of searching for answers, only to feel dismissed or misunderstood by doctors.
- 10 years of missed opportunities—lost productivity, strained relationships, and canceled plans.
- 10 years of battling anxiety, depression, and the emotional toll of living without a diagnosis.
These challenges highlight why innovation in women’s health is so critical. As diagnostic science continues to evolve- using vaginal samples to identify uterine conditions like endometriosis- the demand for effective, convenient, and patient-friendly sample collection technology has become more pressing than ever.
This issue is deeply personal to me, which is why I’m incredibly grateful to have played a role in addressing it.
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve just filed a patent for Phlovid™—a device I invented for vaginal sample collection. Featuring an innovative self-sealing mechanism, Phlovid is designed to facilitate early detection of conditions like endometriosis.
By offering a non-invasive, accessible alternative to traditional diagnostic methods, this device has the potential to reduce reliance on surgeries and enable faster and more accurate diagnoses for women everywhere.
From Concept to Patent: The Collaborative Effort
The journey to Phlovid™ has been one of discovery, innovation, and execution.
I began with countless 3D-printed prototypes and testing iterations to refine the design. Once I had a proof of concept, I presented the idea to my Calla Lily Clinical Care colleagues and leadership team, gaining their invaluable support to move the project forward.
Collaborating with leading researchers in menstrual effluent analysis, in both Europe and the US, added another layer of expertise, helping us ensure the device’s potential for real-world impact.
Each stage of the process—from initial sketches to lab testing—taught me something new and brought us closer to developing a device with a resolute focus on meeting the exacting standards of leading diagnostic experts.
Why This Matters: Combining Passion and Purpose
Phlovid™ has the potential to play an important part in how hundreds of gynaecological conditions (like endometriosis) are detected, sparing countless women the physical and emotional toll of invasive procedures.
I look forward to engaging further with patent assessors to progress our application to grant!
On a personal level, Phlovid™ represents the intersection of my lived experience and professional purpose.
Turning pain into innovation is a path I never expected to walk, but I’m hopeful that this work will contribute to a better future for others.
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