THE MORNING AFTER PILL Support, guidance and medication for women seeking emergency contraceptive treatment Like condoms and other forms of contraception, the morning after pill is an effective method for reducing the risk of pregnancy as a result of sexual intercourse. There are two kinds of emergency contraception. The first of these is the morning […]
Jet lag is when your normal sleep pattern is disturbed after a long flight. Symptoms usually improve within a few days as your body adjusts to the new time zone. Ways to reduce jet lag Jet lag cannot be prevented, but there are things you can do to reduce its effects. Before you travel Do […]
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 […]