Dr. Yudara Kularathne: A CEO and Pioneer for Men’s Sexual Health | 23/100 Interviews
In the ever-evolving intersection of technology and healthcare, Yudara Kularathne MD, FAMS(EM) stands as a pioneer reshaping men's sexual health with his venture, HeHealth . Born in Sri Lanka, Dr. Yudara began his journey as an emergency doctor in Singapore, blending his medical expertise with a technical background developed through a continued passion for engineering. The inception of HeHealth stemmed from a profound realization—while saving lives in the hospital impacted a few each day, leveraging technology could extend that impact to millions globally.
The driving force behind HeHealth is deeply personal for Dr. Yudara. A friend's distressing experience, fearing potential sexually transmitted infection (STI), exposed the harsh reality of stigma hindering individuals from seeking timely medical advice. The emotional toll of misinformation led Dr. Yudara to envision a solution—a digital test, costing mere cents, to provide accessible and anonymous sexual health insights, removing the stigma associated with traditional consultations.
Dr. Yudara's commitment to making a difference led him to tackle a prevalent issue—delayed diagnoses. Recognizing that 50% of STIs take 90 days after symptoms appear to get a diagnosis, HeHealth aims to connect individuals to the right clinics on day one, making a significant stride towards early intervention and reducing the time between symptom onset and diagnosis.
Discussing trends in the male-specific healthtech space, Dr. Yudara emphasizes the lack of information and services tailored to men. Most men are not aware of the pill that has a 99% success rate of preventing HIV contraction. Addressing the challenge of societal expectations tied to masculinity, HeHealth provides an anonymous platform leveraging AI to bridge the communication gap around men's sexual health.
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Dr. Yudara acknowledges the challenges in the space, including the reluctance of men to address sexual health issues openly. He emphasizes the need to break down barriers, especially regarding HPV, a condition often closely tied to female health but men are equally as susceptible to; HPV infections can cause throat cancer for men as it is similar to the cervix for women. Looking ahead, Dr. Yudara envisions a future where technology, particularly AI, transforms the healthcare landscape, making it more accessible and destigmatized.
HeHealth operates on a unique business model, offering mostly free services in the early stages while exploring ways to collaborate with pharmaceutical companies in the future. The platform's website, without a dedicated app, engages users effectively. Dr. Yudara shares insights into the user base, with a significant portion returning for paid consultations, showcasing the value HeHealth brings to those seeking peace of mind and professional advice.
With a focus on North America, HeHealth has already made substantial strides, converting 40,000 users who actively use the service. Dr. Yudara notes the absence of direct competitors and highlights the platform's role in encouraging users to consult with doctors, potentially saving lives by addressing issues that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Dr. Yudara's journey with HeHealth is a testament to the transformative power of technology in reshaping healthcare. As he continues to push boundaries and challenge societal norms, HeHealth stands as a beacon of progress in the realm of men's sexual health, proving that a digital revolution is underway, and everyone deserves accessible, stigma-free healthcare.
Lecturer at Keio University| Cultural Anthropologist| Media Analysis| Sustainability| Sport and Climate Action| Social Change Theory| Social Impact Analysis| Semiotic Analysis|
1 年Not wishing to comment negatively as I think this is a fantastic app idea and could see dramatic impact in diagnosis of STDs. In men. But why would this photo-based diagnosis app only be aimed at men? Presentation of STDs on external genitalia are easily diagnosable for both male and female so why aim this at men? But, much more so, the disproportionate funding allotted to research on men’s sexual health is without question unacceptable. So to see another attempt at serving that need is just less digestible than if it were be touted as a landmark in non gender specific sexual health. And the phrasing in the text implying that herpes is more of a woman’s health concern….. um? Women are more likely to seek medical advice and get diagnosed, but the actual source of their unwanted condition lies in their (usually) male partners (of course cyclical). So while I laude the use of tech to diagnose, perhaps get more men to acknowledge their personal symptoms, there needs to be a wider dialog about openness and accountability in sexual health. Will there be counseling attached to these diagnostic sites? Guidance on informing partners? Love the new tech, dislike what I’m seeing as continuation of biased focus on one gender’s sexual health.
Sr. Director of Strategic Partnerships at Moderna | Angel Investor - Healthcare | Mentor | Advisor
1 年Dr. Yudara Kularathne MD, FAMS Risa Kazui Nice! Happy to connect you both.