Device for detecting vaginal output

Abstract

A device for monitoring vaginal output comprising a base portion and a testing portion; wherein the testing portion comprises a testing strip and the base portion comprises a sensor configured to dete

Description

Field of invention The present invention relates to a device for detecting vaginal output. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a device for assisting visually impaired women to detect blood during menstruation. Background Over 2 million people in the UK have sight loss, and approximately half of those people are women. A majority of women who have sight loss struggle to monitor their menstrual cycle, and to identify their vaginal fluids to determine whether they are experiencing menstrual bleeding or discharge. This can create hygiene and health complications, such increases in genitourinary infections caused by prolonged pad use and can lead to women feeling embarrassed or paranoid. Often, women with sight loss have to rely on close friends or family to assist them with monitoring their menstrual cycle and with checking for the presence of menstrual blood. However, this means that women with sight loss often lack privacy and autonomy in relation to their menstrual management and hygiene. There is a demand for products which address at least some of these issues. Summary of invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for monitoring vaginal output. The device comprises a sensor. The device comprises a testing strip. The sensor is configured to detected changes to the testing strip. The sensor may be configured to analyse the state of the testing strip. The sensor may be configured to detect changes to the testing strip. The sensor may be configured to generate detection data based on the changes to the testing strip. The device may comprise a base portion. The base portion may comprise the sensor. The device may comprise a testing portion. The testing portion may be separable from the base portion. The testing portion may comprise the testing strip. Having a device comprising a testing strip and a sensor for detecting changes to that testing strip enables a user to use the device to test and analyse vaginal output. This provides the advantage of ensuring that visually impaired women are able to identify and monitor their vaginal output. Having separable base and testing portions may ensure that the testing strip is protected before use. When the testing portion and the base portion are connected, the testing strip may be concealed from the external environment to prevent absorption of liquids and to prevent the testing strip from changing from its original state. This ensures that the testing strip only interacts with, and in response to, vaginal output when a user brings the testing portion into contact with the vaginal output. The testing strip may be a pH test strip. The sensor may be configured to detect colour changes to the pH test strip. The sensor may be configured to detect the colour of the testing strip. The testing strip may be any other chemically sensitive colour changing test strip, and the sensor may be configured to detect colour changes to the testing strip. Using a colour sensitive testing strip provides a simple and reliable way to detect the presence of vaginal output and to classify the type of the vaginal output. Use of a pH testing strip provides the functionality of enabling a user to test for abnormalities in the pH of their vaginal output, for example, to help identify potential health issues or the presence of menstrual blood. The testing strip may be configured to react and change in response to the absorption of menstrual blood. The testing strip may be configured to react and change in response to the absorption of vaginal discharge. The testing strip may be configured to change dependent on the pH of the vaginal discharge. The testing portion may comprise a plurality of testing strips. The plurality of testing strips may be arranged in a layered arrangement such that only one testing strip is exposed at a time. Having a plurality of testing trips enables a user to remove and dispose of used testing strips. This enables a wider range of types of testing strips to be used, as the testing strips are not required to be suitable for multiple uses. The testing strip may be biodegradable. The testing portion may comprise a testing strip retainer configured to retain the testing strip within the testing portion. The testing strip retainer may comprise an aperture configured to expose a portion of the testing strip whilst retaining the testing strip within the testing portion. Having a test strip retainer with an aperture enables the user to bring the testing strip into contact with vaginal output, without having to remove the testing strip from the testing portion. This improves the ease of use of the device for the user and reduces the chance of the testing strip from moving out of its intended position. The testing strip retainer may be adjustable between a locking position configured to retain the testing strip and an access position configured to enable removal of the testing strip. The testing strip retainer may be rotatable between the locking position and the access position. The testing strip retainer may be, or comprise, a rotatable tray configured receive the testing strip. The testing portion may comprise a handle. The base portion may comprise an activation button configured to activate the sensor. Having an activation button ensures that the sensor is only activated when the user is ready to receive the results. This helps to ensure that users do not accidentally miss the results of their test. The device may comprise an output mechanism configured to provide an output in response to receiving detection data from the sensor. The base portion may comprise the output mechanism. The output mechanism may be a non-visual output mechanism. The non-visual output mechanism may be a vibrational motor. A non-visual output mechanism may enable visually impaired women to know the results of the testing, i.e., to identify the presence of and the composition of any vaginal output in a discrete and private manner. The output mechanism may be configured to provide one or more different outputs. The output mechanism may be configured to provide different outputs in response to different detection data. The detection data generated by the sensor may indicate whether or not vaginal output has been absorbed by the testing strip. The detection data may indicate, when vaginal output has been absorbed by the testing strip, what type of vaginal output has been absorbed. The detection data may indicate the pH level of the vaginal output absorbed by the testing strip. The detection data may indicate the colour of the testing strip after the absorption of vaginal output. The detection data may indicate the state of the testing strip. Detection data may refer to the detected pH level of the vaginal output absorbed by the testing strip. Detection data may refer to any information regarding vaginal output which is detected by the sensor. Detection data may indicate the detected state of the testing strip. The base portion may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit detection data from the sensor to an external device. The external device may be a smartphone. Transmitting detection data to an external device may enable the results from the testing to be used in a user application, which may enable women to track their menstrual cycle and / or to identify any potential health problems. Further, transmitting detection data to a user device may enable women to discreetly and privately access the results of their testing. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for monitoring vaginal output. The system may comprise a testing device and a user device. The user device may be an indication device. The testing device may comprise a testing strip. The testing device may comprise a sensor configured to detect changes to the testing strip. The sensor may be configured to generate detection data. The testing device may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit detection data. The user device may comprise a receiver configured to receive detection data transmitted by the transmitter. The user device may comprise a user device output mechanism configured to provide an output to a user based on the detection data. Having a system with a user device enables visually impaired women to receive results / feedback form the system discreetly via their own personal device. The testing device may be the device of the first aspect of the invention. The user device output mechanism may be an auditory output mechanism. The user device may be a smartphone. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for detecting vaginal output. The method may be a method of classifying vaginal output. The method of the third aspect may be performed using the device of the first aspect or the system of the second aspect. The method may comprise bringing a testing strip into contact with vaginal output. The method may comprise bringing the testing stripinto contact with a region which contains vaginal output. The testing strip may be part of a testing device.. The testing device may be the device of the first aspect of the invention. The region containing vaginal output may be a sanitary pad. The region containing vaginal output may be underwear. The method may comprise aligning the testing strip with a sensor. The method may comprise connecting a testing portion of the device to a base portion of the device to align the testing strip with the sensor. The method may comprise activating the sensor. The method may comprise activating the senor by pressing an activation button. The method may comprise classifying the vaginal output, using the sensor, by detecting changes to the testing strip. The sensor may detect a change in colour of the testing strip. The sensor may detect a change in colour of the testing strip based on pH level. The sensor may generate detection data. The method may comprise communicating the classification to a user via an output mechanism. The output mechanism may be a non-visual output mechanism. The output mechanism may be a vibrational motor. The method may comprise transmitting the classification to a user device. The method may comprise transmitting the classification to a user application installed on a user device. The user application may provide non-visual feedback to a user through the user device. The user application may provide visual feedback to a user through the user device. Optional features of any of the above aspects may be combined with the features of any other aspect, in any combination. For example, features described in connection with the device of the first aspect may have corresponding features definable with respect to the system of the second aspect, and vice versa, and these embodiments are specifically envisaged. Features which are described in the context or separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and / or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, those features may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Brief description of the drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device for monitoring vaginal output in accordance with the present invention; Figures 2(a) and (b) respectively show perspective views of the testing portion and base portion of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the testing portion of the device of Figure 1 with the testing strip retainer partially rotated away from a locking position; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a station for use with the device of Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a flowchart representing a method for using the device of Figure 1; and Figure 7 shows a flowchart representing a method for using a system comprising the device of Figure 1. Detailed description Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device 100 for monitoring vaginal output. The device 100 comprises a base portion 102 and a testing portion 104. In Figure 1, the base portion 102 and testing portion 104 are connected. The internal components of each portion 102, 104 are not visible and are concealed when the base portion 102 and testing portion 104 are connected. The base portion 102 comprises an activation button 108. The testing portion 104 comprises a handle 106 which enables a user to grip the testing portion 104. Figures 2(a) and 2(b) respectively show perspective views of the testing portion 104 and the base portion 102 when they are disconnected from each other. The testing portion 104 comprises a testing strip 112. The testing portion 104 comprises a testing strip retainer 114. In the embodiment shown, the testing strip retainer 114 is a tray which retains the testing strip 112 inside the testing portion 104. The testing strip retainer 114 is ring shaped and comprises a central aperture so as to expose an underside of the testing strip 112. In use, the exposed side of the testing strip 112 is brought into contact with a sanitary towel, a sanitary pad, underwear, or any other product / garment which may receive vaginal output. In some embodiments, the testing strip 112 is a pH testing strip. For example, the testing strip may be, or comprise, litmus paper. The testing strip 112 may be configured to change colour depending on the pH of a liquid absorbed by the testing strip 112. In some embodiments, the testing portion 104 comprises a plurality of testing strips 112 arranged in layers, such that only the lowest testing strip 112 (the testing strip 112 nearest to the testing strip retainer 114) is exposed at any given time. The, or each, testing strip 112 can be biodegradable. In some embodiments, the testing strip 112 is removed after use and is disposed of. In some embodiments, the testing strip is not a pH testing strip. In some embodiments, the testing strip 112 is configured to change colour in response to the absorption of specific chemicals. In other embodiments, the testing strip may comprise indicator lines. For example, the testing strip may comprise two regions which are configured to change in response to absorption of particular chemicals. The first region may be a ‘"control” region which changes colour in response to absorption of any liquid. The second region may be a “test” region which changes colour in response to absorption of particular liquids or chemicals. In some embodiments, each testing strip 112 is an absorbent layer of paper made from, or comprising, rayon polyester blends / latex microbeads. The paper can be made from, or comprise, wood cellulose. The wood is treated with solvents prior to paper manufacturing in order to remove resinous material and lignin from the wood. In some embodiments, the solvents used comprise sulphates — such as sodium sulphate or magnesium sulphate. A bottom layer of the testing strip 112may have a glossy coating to provide a tactile feature. Each testing strip can be configured to change from an original state to a detection state. Each testing strip can be configured to change into a plurality of different detection states. The original state refers to the state (e.g., the condition) of the testing strip before the absorption of any vaginal output. For example, in the original state, the testing strip may have its original colour. In some examples, in the original state, the testing strip may have no indicator lines present. A detection state refers to the state (e.g., condition) of the testing strip after the absorption of vaginal output. In some examples, in a detection state, one or more, indicator lines can be present. In some examples, in a detection state, the colour of the testing strip can be different from the colour of the testing strip in its original state. The testing strip changes into different detection states depending on the vaginal output absorbed. The base portion 102 comprises a sensor 110. The sensor 110 is configured to detect changes to the testing strip 112. The sensor can be configured to detect the state of the testing strip. The sensor may be configured to determine whether a testing strip is in its original state, or whether it is in a detection state. The sensor can be configured to detect which detection state the testing strip is in. The sensor 110 is disposed centrally within the base portion 102 such that, when the base portion 102 and testing portion 104 are connected to each other, the sensor 110 aligns with, and is exposed to, the testing strip 112. The sensor 110 is controlled via the activation button 108. The activation button 108 may act as a simple on / off button for the senor 110. Pressing the activation button 108 may activate the sensor 110 for a set period of time (i.e., enough time for the sensor 110 to detect changes, or a lack of changes, to the testing strip 112). The sensor 110 can be a colour sensor. The sensor 110 can be configured to detect the colour of the testing strip 112. For example, when the testing strip 112 is a pH testing strip 112, the sensor 110 can detect the colour of the testing strip 112 in order to determine the pH level of a liquid absorbed by the testing strip 112. The base portion 102 comprises an output mechanism (not shown). The output mechanism can be a non-visual output mechanism. For example, the output mechanism can be a vibrational motor. The output mechanism can be operated in response to a signal from the sensor 110, as explained later in this application. The base portion 102 comprises a battery (not shown). The battery is configured to supply power to the sensor 110 and the output mechanism. The battery can be a wirelessly rechargeable battery. The base portion 102 and the testing portion 104 each comprise magnets 116 configured to enable connection between the portions 102, 104. The magnets retain the relative positions of the base portion 102 and the testing portion 104 when they are connected. Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the device 100. The testing strip retainer 114 is removed from the testing portion 104. When assembled, the testing strip retainer 114 connects to the testing portion 104 so as to hold the testing strip 112 between the retainer 114 and the testing portion 104 (i.e., the testing strip 112 is sandwiched between them). Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the testing portion 104 and the testing strip retainer 114. Both the testing portion 104 and the testing strip trainer 114 comprise magnets 116. The magnets 116 are configured to fix the relative positions of the retainer 114 and the testing portion 104 whilst enabling a user to adjust the relative positions through the application of a force. In some embodiments, the retainer 114 is rotatable 180° relative to the testing portion 104. In Figure 4, the testing strip retainer 114 has been partially rotated away from a locking position. The locking position is where the magnets 116 of the testing portion 104 align with the magnets 116 of the testing strip retainer 114. The testing strip retainer 114 can be rotated 180° into an access position. In the access position, testing strips 112 can be removed for disposal and new testing strips 112 can be inserted. In other embodiments, the testing strip retainer 114 is not rotatable relative to the rest of the testing portion 104. Instead, the testing strip retainer 114 may be hinged and rotatable out of the plane of the testing portion 104. The testing strip retainer 114 may act lid a lid which is locked and released, for example, via a button. Figure 5 shows a station 200 which may accompany the device 100. The station 200 comprises a charging dock 210 configured to wirelessly charge the battery of the device 100. The station 200 also comprises a cleaning section 220. The cleaning section 220 comprises sanitiser spray and cleaning pads (e.g., cotton pads) which a user can use to clean the device 100. The station 200 may also comprises spare testing strips 114. The device 100 described herein can be used to assist visually impaired women monitor and track their menstrual cycle and monitor their menstrual and vaginal health. A flowchart for a method 300 of using the device 100 is shown in Figure 6. In step 310, a user removes the testing portion 104 of the device 100 from the base portion 102 and wipes the testing portion 104 onto a used sanitary pad. The user wipes the testing portion 104 onto the sanitary pad such that the testing strip 112 contacts and absorbs any liquid on the sanitary pad. Whilst the method described herein refers to a sanitary pad, the skilled person would recognise that the testing portion 104 could equally be wiped over underwear, or any other product / garment which may receive menstrual blood or other vaginal output. In step 320, the user reconnects the testing portion 104 to the base portion 102 and then, in step 330, the user presses the activation button 108 to activate the sensor 110. The testing portion 104 is connected to the base portion 102 such that the sensor 110 aligns with the testing strip 112. In response to the user pressing the activation button 108, the sensor 110 analyses the testing strip to identify the presence of vaginal output on the testing strip and to analyse the composition of any vaginal output. For example, the sensor 110 can detect the presence of menstrual blood, as explained below. In response to the user pressing the activation button 108, the sensor may determine the state of the testing strip 112. In alternative embodiments, the activation button 108 is not required, and the sensor is activated in response to the use reconnecting the testing portion 104 and the base portion 102. The pH level of menstrual blood is slightly alkaline and typically falls within the 7.1-8.0 range, while pH of vaginal discharge is typically slightly acidic, with a typical range of 3.5 to 4.5. As such, when the testing strip 112 is a pH testing strip 112, it will undergo a specific colour change in response to absorption of, or contact with, menstrual blood. As such, the sensor 110 can be a colour sensor 110 which detects a colour change of the testing strip 112 in order to measure the pH level of any liquid / discharge in the sanitary pad which is absorbed by the testing strip, in order to determine whether menstrual blood is present. In step 340, the user receives feedback from the device 100. The sensor 110, after analysing the testing strip (e.g., determining the colour change and associated pH), sends a signal to activate the output mechanism in the base portion 102. The output mechanism provides the feedback to the user. Different signals can be sent by the sensor 110 to the output mechanism depending on the detection made by the sensor 110. Different signals can be sent by the sensor to the output mechanism depending on the detected state of the testing strip. For example, when the output mechanism is a vibrational motor, a single vibration may be used to communicate to a user that vaginal discharge is present, and three vibrations may be used to communicate to a user that menstrual blood is present. A lack of any vibration may indicate an invalid test result (e.g., that the testing strip is still in its original state). As well as detecting the presence of menstrual blood, the device 100 can be used to detect vaginal discharge with an irregular pH level. The device 100 can indicate to a user that an irregular pH level has been detected, and this may indicate to a user that there is a potential health problem (e.g., an infection) and that they should visit a doctor or other medical professional. In some embodiments, the device 100 is connectable to a user device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or PC). The device 100 can be connectable via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or any other suitable wireless or wired connection means. The user device may comprise a user application which is audio accessible. The user application can be used to track the user’s menstrual cycle. The application may track the user’s cycle as the user performs tests using the device 100. For example, each time a user performs a test using the device 100, the device 100 may transmit detection data to the user device which indicates the results from the sensor 110 (e.g., the device 100 may transmit data to a user device indicating the detected state of the testing strip, which may indicate whether or not menstrual blood is present). The user application may input the data into an algorithm to identify a user’s position within their menstrual cycle and / or to predict the timing of further menstrual cycles. The user application may provide audio feedback to the user, for example, to alert them whether menstrual blood, or discharge, is detected. The user application may be configured to provide audio feedback to a user to communicate information about their menstrual cycle and / or vaginal health. The user application may also provide visual feedback to the user. For example, text may be displayed in a larger font to assist women who have visual impairments but who are not completely blind. In some embodiments, the user application may be configured to provide audio (and / or visual) feedback to provide one or more of the following cues: • “Menstrual blood detected” • “Menstrual blood not detected” • “You are on the 1st day of your menstrual cycle” • “You are on the Xth day of your menstrual cycle” • “Your menstrual cycle is expected to start in X days” • “Normal pH levels were detected” • “High pH levels were detected” • “Low pH levels were detected” • ‘"If you experience any of the following symptoms, please see a doctor”. • “Learn more about menstrual health. Audio guided podcast.” The skilled person will recognise that this list is non-exhaustive, and a range of other audio cues are possible. The user application may use an algorithm to track the user’s period cycle, giving them personalized data that can notify them of start and end of their current cycle, and / or to predict the start and / or end of future menstrual cycles. Further, since the device 100 can determine the pH level of vaginal output, the user application can provide personalized information for the user if they want to understand more information about their vaginal health, such as pH level, analyzing bacterial vaginosis symptoms, as well as an audio-guided podcast on proper hygiene, understanding their cycle tracking or ovulations windows, and PMS symptoms. The device 100 may have an accessible audio instruction manual associated with it. The manual may be accessible through a QR Code located, for example, on packaging for the device 100. The audio manual can introduce the device components, explain how to use the device 100 and how to interpret the results. Figure 7 shows a flowchart representing a method 400 for using a system comprising the testing device 100 and a user application installed on a user device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Prior to step 400, the user removes the testing portion 104 from the base portion 102 and brings the testing strip 114 into contact with vaginal output (e.g., by wiping the testing portion 104 across a used sanitary pad). The user then reconnects the testing portion 104 to the base portion 102. At step 400, a user presses the activation button 108 of device 100. This causes the sensor 110 to detect the colour of the testing strip 112 in order to determine the pH level of vaginal output present on the testing strip 112 (i.e., the sensor determines the state of the testing strip). Although the sensor 110 in this embodiment detects colour changes, the sensor may detect other changes to the testing strip in alternative embodiments. If the pH level is between 3.5-4.5, the vaginal output is classified as discharge and the method proceeds to step 430. If the pH level is between 7.5-9, the vaginal output is classified as menstrual blood and the method proceeds to step 420. At step 420, the sensor 110 sends a signal to the vibrational motor in the base portion 102 of the device to cause the vibrational motor to provide three distinct vibrations. The sensor 110 also sends a signal to the user device (e.g., through a wire or a wireless transmitter). The user application installed on the user device receives the signal from the sensor and provides an audio cue to inform the user that menstrual blood is present. The user application also stores the information provided by the signal and inputs it into an algorithm to track the user’s menstrual cycle. At step 430, the sensor 110 sends a signal to the vibrational motor in the base portion 102 of the device to cause the vibrational motor to provide a single vibration. The sensor 110 also sends a signal to the user device (e.g., through a wire or a wireless transmitter). The user application installed on the user device receives the signal from the sensor and provides an audio cue to inform the user that discharge is present. The user application also stores the information provided by the signal and inputs it into an algorithm to track the user’s menstrual cycle. From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of menstrual tracking and menstrual blood detection, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein. Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be 5 provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further 10 application derived therefrom.

Claims

1. A device for monitoring vaginal output, comprising:a base portion, the base portion comprising a sensor; anda testing portion, the testing portion comprising a testing strip;wherein the sensor is configured to detect changes to the testing strip; and wherein the base portion comprises a non-visual output mechanism configured to provide an output in response to receiving detection data from the sensor.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the testing portion is detachable from the base portion.

3. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the testing strip is a pH test strip, and the sensor is configured to detect colour changes to the pH test strip4. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the base portion comprises an activation button configured to activate the sensor.

5. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the non-visual output mechanism is configured to provide two or more different outputs, each output being provided in response to detection data from the sensor.

6. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the non-visual output mechanism is a vibrational motor.

7. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the testing portion comprises a testing strip retainer.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the testing strip retainer comprises an aperture configured to expose at least a portion of the testing strip.

9. The device of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the testing strip retainer is adjustable between a locking position configured to retain the testing strip and an access position configured to enable removal of the testing strip.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the testing strip retainer comprises a tray configured to receive the testing strip, wherein the tray is configured to rotate between the locking position and the access position.

11. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the testing portion comprises a handle.

12. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the base portion further comprises a transmitter configured to transmit detection data from the sensor to an external device.

13. A system for monitoring vaginal output, comprising:a testing device, the testing device comprising:a testing strip;a sensor configured to detect changes to the testing strip to generate detection data; anda transmitter configured to transmit the detection data; anda user device, the user device comprising:a receiver configured to receive the detection data transmitted by the transmitter; anda user device output mechanism configured to provide an output to a user based on the detection datawherein the testing device comprises a testing device output mechanism configured to provide a non-visual output in response to the detection data from the sensor.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the test testing device comprises a testing portion comprising the testing strip and a base portion comprising the sensor, wherein the testing portion is separable from the base portion.

15. The system of any of claims 13-14, wherein the testing device output mechanism is a vibrational motor.

16. The system of any of claims 13-15, wherein the testing device is the device of any of claims 1-12.25 11 2417. The system of any of claims 13-16, wherein the user device output mechanism is an auditory output mechanism.

18. The system of any of claims 13-17, wherein the user device is a smartphone.

519. A method of detecting and classifying vaginal output, the method comprising: bringing a testing strip into contact with vaginal output;aligning the testing strip with a sensor;activating the sensor to detect changes to the testing strip; and10 activating an output mechanism in response to a signal from the sensor;wherein the output mechanism is a non-visual output mechanism configured to provide an output in response to receiving detection data from the sensor.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the testing device comprises a pH testing strip 15 configured to change colour in response to absorption of vaginal output, wherein the colour change is dependent upon the pH of the vaginal output.

21. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein activating the sensor comprises pressing an activation button.2022. The method of any of claims 19-21, wherein the output mechanism is a vibrational motor.

23. The method of any of claims 19-22, wherein the method is performed using the 25 device of any of claims 1-12 or the system of any of claims 13-18.

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