What do the different smear tests results mean?
A smear test or cervical screening is a test done to check the health of the cervix. All those with a cervix, aged 25-64 will be invited to a screening at least every 5 years, but in some cases it is more often. Women between 25-49 are invited at least every 3 years, and 50-64 […]
Can you cure HPV? Why the HPV vaccine is so important
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that most of us (up to 8 out of 10) will have at some point in our lives. The virus infects the skin and any moist membrane such as lining of the mouth and throat, anus, cervix, vagina and vulva. While most HPV infections will clear up […]
Lost your sex drive? What is hypoactive sexual desire disorder?
It is estimated that 1 in 3 women experience some loss of sex drive during their lifetime. It’s important to remember that this problem is not uncommon, so you are not alone in feeling this way. But it’s often not discussed which can cause distress and a loss of intimacy in relationships. Hypoactive sexual desire […]
The Evra contraceptive patch on Love Island and why it’s caused so much fuss
After Rebecca Gormley, a contestant on popular ITV2 show Love Island, was seen entering the villa with a patch on her thigh, the world of social media was set alight with speculation over what the patch could be. Some viewers suggested it might be a nicotine patch used to help stop smoking, while others have […]
Why cervical cancer isn’t just an issue for women
In the UK just under 1000 women die from cervical cancer each year, and 3000 new cases of the disease are diagnosed, but cervical cancer isn’t just a women’s issue. Down the line, a cancer diagnosis can have a ripple effect on those closest to you. But right now there are steps we can all […]
Does ethnicity influence erectile dysfunction?
Your ethnicity and genetic make-up can mean that you’re more likely to experience certain conditions than others. There isn’t reliable evidence that certain ethnicities are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction (ED). But there is reliable evidence that conditions which could cause or contribute to ED are more common in certain ethnic groups. This is […]
Can transgender patients use online doctors?
If you’re transgender, or know someone who is, you may be aware that finding online doctor services catering to transgender patients can be difficult. Registration forms will ask you to choose ‘male’ or ‘female’, and this selection impacts which treatments you’ll have access to. How do patients who identify as a different gender to the […]
The HPV vaccine and Chinese students in the UK
Quick facts (中文翻译請点击这里) Anyone with human papillomavirus (HPV) can contract it or pass it on to others. Certain strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. HPV vaccine Gardasil 9 protects against nine strains of the virus. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Chinese women aged 15-44. 30% of cervical cancer […]
Talking about ED with a new partner
Starting a new relationship is exciting, whether you’re 18 or 80 – the butterflies in your stomach, the passion in your loins. There may come a time when you decide to take your relationship further and be sexually intimate. Living with ED can add a layer of needless anxiety to your first-time with a new partner. […]
How to make planned sex fun
The day-job, children, housework, food shopping, socialising – even if you still have some energy at the end of the day, you might not find time for sex. And planned sex doesn’t seem an appealing prospect, right? It’s true that being pressed for time rarely makes for a great sexual experience. Checking your watch beforehand (or […]
Movember: men’s health
November means winter’s coming. Warm coats, cosy evenings, and hot drinks. But while leaves are falling off the trees, there’s new growth elsewhere – right under some of our noses – Movember arrives. The Movember Campaign started back in 2004, when men in Australia started growing moustaches during November to raise money for prostate cancer. […]