General Health 59
Urology Awareness Month 2020
Each September The Urology Foundation (TUF) runs Urology Awareness Month to help raise awareness of urological disease and raise money for important research and training for medical professionals on these conditions. This year we’ve decided to get involved and help support TUF throughout the month of September. Often people are embarrassed to talk about urological […]
The history of birth control
When was the pill invented? The very first pill was invented by a chemist in Mexico City called Dr Carl Djerassi in the late 1940’s. Using wild yam roots, he was able to synthesise progestogen, a steroid hormone that produces the effects of the natural female sex hormone. A progesterone pill works by thickening the […]
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 […]
Coronavirus (COVID-19) new guidance and new tests
As we are all aware, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be the biggest challenge facing the UK and the world at this current moment. As we move through the pandemic, government guidance has to change regarding what we can and can’t do, all in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus. In fact, […]
How to use our acne service
Acne is a condition that will affect most of us at some point in our lives, not just teenagers. We recognise that acne can impact self-esteem, which can in turn affect our social interactions, school or working life. Back in February we launched our new and improved acne service, aiming to tailor acne treatment to […]
Coping with stress in a pandemic
Each year, April marks Stress Awareness Month. Organised by the Stress Management Society, the awareness campaign aims to open up the conversation around stress. Stress is very common, and as many as 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. […]
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 […]
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 […]