How to choose a blood pressure monitor and measure your blood pressure at home Find out how to choose a reliable blood pressure monitor so you can measure your blood pressure at home. What is a normal blood pressure reading? A normal blood pressure reading is below 140/90, but if you have heart or circulatory disease, diabetes or kidney […]
WHAT IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION? Erection starts in the brain. When a man is sexually excited, the brain sends chemical messages to the muscles in the penis; this provides increased blood flow to the penis, filling two chambers inside. As blood fills these chambers, veins in the penis close up, allowing the penis to expand and […]
Dry or sore lips are a common problem, especially during hot or cold weather. There are things you can try yourself that may help. Things you can try yourself Do use a lip balm containing petroleum jelly or beeswax – you can buy these at a pharmacy or supermarket try a few different lip balms […]
Chlamydia is 1 of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. It's passed on through unprotected sex (sex without a condom) and is particularly common in sexually active teenagers and young adults. If you live in England, are under 25 and are sexually active, it's recommended that you get tested for chlamydia […]
Feeling sick (nausea) is common and usually goes away on its own. There are some things you can try that might help. Things that may help you stop feeling sick Do get plenty of fresh air distract yourself – for example, listen to music or watch a film take sips of a cold drink – […]
The menopause is when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether. Sometimes they can stop suddenly. The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of […]
You can often treat the flu without seeing a GP and should begin to feel better in about a week. Check if you have flu Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include: a sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above an aching body feeling tired or exhausted a dry cough a […]
WHAT ARE CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS? Oral contraceptive pills are a type of medication which helps to prevent pregnancy through using different types of hormones; oestrogen and progesterone. Globally, it is the most commonly used form of contraception in women and when used correctly, is over 99% effective at preventing an unwanted pregnancy. HOW DOES THE PILL […]
WHAT IS A MIGRAINE? Migraines are common conditions affecting around one in five women and up to 6 per cent of men. They can be loosely described as severe headaches involving a throbbing pain in the front or side of the head. A migraine sufferer often finds these headaches to be a recurring, debilitating problem. […]
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux). If it keeps happening, it's called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Check if you have acid reflux The main symptoms of acid reflux are: heartburn – a burning sensation in the middle of your chest an unpleasant […]