Get the Right Treatment
Every year, millions of us visit our GP with minor health problems that can be easily resolved without a doctor’s appointment.
It is estimated that every year, 50 million visits to the GP are made for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete’s foot. By visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble.
Self-care
Keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home can help you treat many minor ailments. Colds, coughs, indigestion and many other minor complaints can all be treated with medicines that are available over the counter.
Your pharmacist can advise on what you might find useful to keep in your medicine cabinet. Always follow the instructions on the medicine label and consult your doctor if the illness continues or becomes more severe.
Your Local Pharmacist
For advice and reassurance from a medical expert, visit your local pharmacy. Pharmacists offer professional free health advice at any time – you don’t need an appointment. They can help you with a range of health issues, and answer questions about prescribed and over-the-counter medicines.
Pharmacists can also advise on health eating, obesity and giving up smoking. Some pharmacists have private areas where you can talk in confidence. They may suggest you visit your GP for more serious symptoms. It is possible to purchase many medicines from the chemist without a prescription. Find out more: http://ow.ly/h1d650wZ9w0
NHS Walk-In Centres
NHS Walk-In Centres offer convenient access to a range of NHS services for patients based in England only. You can receive treatment for many ailments including:
- infection and rashes,
- fractures and lacerations,
- emergency contraception and advice,
- stomach upsets,
- cuts and bruises, or
- burns and strains.
NHS Walk In Centres treat around 3m patients a year and have proved to be a successful complementary service to traditional GP and A&E services. Some centres offer access to doctors as well as nurses. However, they are not designed for treating long-term conditions or immediately life-threatening problems.
Accident & Emergency (A&E)
Major A&E departments assess and treat patients who have serious injuries or illnesses. Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for emergencies, such as:
- loss of consciousness,
- pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia,
- acute confused state,
- persistent, severe chest pain, or
- breathing difficulties.
If you’re injured or seriously ill, you should go, or be taken, to A&E. If an ambulance is needed you can call 999, the emergency phone number in the UK. You can also dial 112, which is the equivalent for the European Union.
Major A&E departments offer access 365 days a year and usually open 24 hours a day. Be aware that not all hospitals have an A&E department.
Wandsworth Physiotherapy Self-Referral
The getUBetter app provides free physiotherapy tips, advice and exercises, tailored to your injury, for a variety of joint and muscle problems listed above, as well as Women’s Pelvic Health. The service is available for anyone over 18 registered with a GP in Wandsworth. You can refer yourself at getUBetter – Request Access
Mental Health
Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. One in four people in the UK have a mental health problem at some point in their lives, which affects their daily life, relationships or physical health.
Mental health disorders take many different forms and affect people in different ways. Schizophrenia, depression and personality disorders are all examples of mental health problems. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia generally develop in old age, whereas eating disorders are more common in young people.
Urgent Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, please call Wandsworth’s 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line team on 0800 028 8000. They are there to help you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please only attend A&E if it is a life-threatening emergency. Find out more about our Mental Health Crisis Line team and how they can help you: https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/patients-carers/crisis-support/mental-health-support-line
Mental Health Wellbeing Podcasts
You can subscribe to wellbeing podcasts on the Mental Health Foundation Website.
The website of the Mental Health Foundation outlines the charity’s work in research, policy, service development and service user involvement. The site offers information and publications to download on research, good practice in services and on mental health problems and key issues.
Useful Links
Mental Health – Healthtalkonline
Healthtalkonline, an award-winning charity website, lets you share in other people’s experiences of health and illness. An excellent resource compiled after interviewing a wide range of people suffering from heart disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease
An information sheet helping to understand mroe about Alzheimer’s Disease
Depression
An information sheet helping to understand more about the causes, treatment and understanding of Depression
Alzheimer’s Society
Comprehensive information for people with all forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s Society is a membership organisation, which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Alzheimer Scotland
Alzheimer Scotland provides a wide range of specialist services for people with dementia and their carers. We offer personalised support services, community activities, information and advice, at every stage of the dementia journey
Mental Health Foundation
Founded in 1949, the Mental Health Foundation is a leading UK charity that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems, whatever their age and wherever they live
Pregnancy Information
The more you know about your pregnancy and your options, the more you are likely to feel in control. The information given here is based on The Pregnancy Book, which your midwife should give you at your first appointment.
Before you are pregnant
Your pregnancy and labour
- 37-40 weeks pregnantHow the baby develops
- 0-8 weeks pregnant
- 9-12 weeks pregnant
- 13-16 weeks pregnant
- 17-20 weeks pregnant
- 21-24 weeks pregnant
- 25-28 weeks pregnant
- 29-32 weeks pregnant
- 33-36 weeks pregnant
- 40+ weeks pregnant
- Your health in pregnancy
- Common health problems
- Antenatal care and classes
- Choosing where to have your baby
- Labour and birth
- When pregnancy goes wrong
You and your baby
General pregnancy topics
- Rights and benefits
- Make some decisions
- If you have a long-term condition (such as diabetes or high blood pressure)
Additional Information
Coughs & Colds
A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It can cause nasal stuffiness, a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and a cough. Usually it’s a self-limiting infection – this means it gets better by itself without the need for treatment.
On average, adults have two to five colds each year and school-age children can have up to eight colds a year. Adults who come into contact with children tend to get more colds. This is because children usually carry more of the virus, for longer.
In the UK, you’re more likely to get a cold during the winter months although the reasons why aren’t fully understood at present.
Treatment of a cold
For most people, a cold will get better on its own within a week of the symptoms starting without any specific treatment. However, there are treatments that can help to ease your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. These are available from your pharmacy, which means that you can treat yourself, rather than needing to see your GP.
There is no cure for colds. Antibiotics, which treat infections caused by bacteria, don’t work on cold viruses.
Self-help
There are a number of self-help measures that may help to ease the symptoms of a cold.
- Drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Steam inhalations with menthol, salt water nasal sprays or drops may be helpful.
- Vapour rubs may help relieve symptoms for children.
- Hot drinks (particularly with lemon), hot soups and spicy foods can help to ease irritation and pain in your throat.
- Sucking sweets or lozenges which contain menthol or eucalyptus may sooth your throat.
- Gargling with salt water may help a sore throat.
You should try to make sure you get enough rest if you have a cold. It’s not usually necessary to stay off work or school.
Colds & Flu
A factsheet on the causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention of colds & the flu
NHS – is it the common cold or the flu?
Colds and flu can share some of the same symptoms (sneezing, coughing, sore throat) but are caused by different viruses, and flu can be much more serious. Find out
Factsheet – Common Cold
Information about the diagnosis, treatment and symptoms of the common cold
Asthma
Asthma is a common condition that causes coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and breathlessness. Most people with asthma who take the appropriate treatment can live normal lives, but left untreated, asthma can cause permanent damage to the airways
Symptoms of asthma
The usual symptoms of asthma are
- coughing
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- tightness in the chest.
Not everyone will get all of these symptoms. Some people experience them from time to time; a few people may experience these symptoms all the time.
Treatment of asthma
There isn’t a cure for asthma. However, treatments are available to help manage your symptoms. Your treatment plan will be individual to you, combining medicines and asthma management in a way that works best for you
Living with asthma
Medicines are only part of your treatment for asthma. You will also need to deal with the things that make it worse. Keep a diary to record anything that triggers your asthma – this can help you to discover a pattern. Using a peak flow meter to monitor your lung function can also help. If you have repeatedly low readings in a certain situation (for example, at the end of a working day, after exercise or after contact with an animal) this may indicate the trigger.
Useful Links
Asthma UK
This website has been revamped to meet the needs of the thousands of people with asthma who visit the site each day, either to find important information about asthma and how to control it
Asthma
An excellent resource with useful video, audio, images and references relating to asthma.
NHS – Asthma
Further information about symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention of Asthma.
Bereavement information
In the unfortunate event that a person has passed away, there are three things that must be done in the first few days;
- Get a medical certificate from your GP or hospital doctor (this is necessary to register the death)
- Register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland). You will then receive the necessary documents for the funeral.
- Make the necessary funeral arrangements.
Register the death
If the death has been reported to the coroner (or Procurator Fiscal in Scotland) they must give permission before registering the death.
You can register the death if you are a relative, a witness to the death, a hospital administrator or the person making the arrangements with the funeral directors.
You can use the ‘Register a Death’ page on the gov.uk website that will guide you through the process. This will also explain the registration process for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Arrange the funeral
The funeral can usually only take place after the death is registered. Most people use a funeral director, though you can arrange a funeral yourself.
Funeral directors
Choose a funeral director who’s a member of one of the following:
- National Association of Funeral Directors
- National Federation of Funeral Directors
- Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors
These organisations have codes of practice – they must give you a price list when asked.
Some local councils run their own funeral services, for example for non-religious burials. The British Humanist Association can also help with non-religious funerals.
Arranging the funeral yourself
Contact the Cemeteries and Crematorium Department of your local council to arrange a funeral yourself.
Funeral costs
Funeral costs can include:
- funeral director fees
- things the funeral director pays for on your behalf (called ‘disbursements’ or ‘third-party costs’), for example, crematorium or cemetery fees, or a newspaper announcement about the death
- local authority burial or cremation fees
Funeral directors may list all these costs in their quotes.
Cancer
One in three people will be affected by cancer at some stage in their life. There are many different types of cancer and this page doesn’t cover them all, but the general information will help you to access further information and support.
Macmillan Cancer Support – The cancer line and how it can help
There are videos available Macmillan and the support they offer on the Macmillan Video Site
There is further information and educational videos on the Cancer Research UK Video Site
Useful Links
Cancer – Healthtalkonline
Healthtalkonline, an award-winning charity website, lets you share in other people’s experiences of health and illness. An excellent resource compiled after interviewing a wide range of people suffering from heart disease.
Cancer Overview
An excellent resource with useful video, audio, images and references relating to differing forms of Cancer, the causes & treatments.
Cancerhelp
Free information service provided by Cancer Research UK about cancer and cancer care for people with cancer and their families. Information is formatted in such a way that makes understanding the website an easy process
Macmillan Cancer Support
Europe’s leading cancer information charity, with over 4,500 pages of up-to-date cancer information, practical advice and support for cancer patients, their families and carers.
NHS
Further information about symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention of Cancer
Child’s Health 0-6 years
Children’s Immunisation Schedule
Here’s a checklist of the vaccines that are routinely offered to everyone in the UK for free on the NHS, and the age at which you should ideally have them.
Routine childhood immunisations
| When to immunise | Diseases protected against | Vaccine given | Site** |
| Two months old | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | DTaP/IPV/Hib (Pediacel) | Thigh |
| Pneumococcal disease | PCV (Prevenar 13) | Thigh | |
| Rotavirus | Rotavirus (Rotarix) | By mouth | |
| Meningococcal group B (MenB) | MenB | Left thigh | |
| Three months old | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Hib | DTaP/IPV/Hib (Pediacel) | Thigh |
| Meningococcal group C disease (MenC) | Men C (NeisVac-C or Menjugate) | Thigh | |
| Rotavirus | Rotavirus (Rotarix) | By mouth | |
| Four months old | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Hib | DTaP/IPV/Hib (Pediacel) | Thigh |
| Pneumococcal disease | PCV (Prevenar 13) | Thigh | |
| Meningococcal group B (MenB) | Men B | Left thigh | |
| One year old | Hib/MenC | Hib/MenC (Menitorix) | Upper arm/thigh |
| Pneumococcal disease | PCV (Prevenar 13) | Upper arm/thigh | |
| Measles, mumpsand rubella (German measles) | MMR(Priorix or MMR VaxPRO) | Upper arm/thigh | |
| MenB | MenB booster | Left thigh | |
| Two to six years old (including children in school years 1 and 2) | Influenza (each year from September) | Live attenuated influenza vaccine LAIV4 | Both nostrils |
| Three years four months old or soon after | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio | dTaP/IPV (Repevax) or DTaP/IPV(Infanrix-IPV) | Upper arm |
| Measles, mumpsand rubella | MMR (Priorix or MMR VaxPRO)(check first dose has been given) | Upper arm |
Please note
** Where two or more injections are required at once, these should ideally be given in different limbs. Where this is not possible, injections in the same limb should be given 2.5cm apart.
Immunisations for at-risk children
| Target Group | Age & Schedule | Disease | Vaccines required |
| Babies born to hepatitis B infected mothers | At birth, four weeks, eight weeks and Boost at one year1 | Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix B / HBvaxPRO) |
| Infants in areas of the country with TB incidence >= 40/100,000 | At birth | Tuberculosis | BCG |
| Infants with a parent or grandparent born in a high incidence country | At birth | Tuberculosis | BCG |
Childrens Health
There is a good guide on the NHS website which describes various conditions affecting children. There is advice on how to diagnose them, how to treat them and if further advice should be consulted.
When Should I Worry?
Having an ill child can be a very scary experience for parents. If you understand more about the illness it can help you to feel more in control. This booklet is for parents (and older children) and deals with common infections in children who are normally healthy.
NHS childhood illness slideshow
Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
Child’s Health 7-15 years
Routine childhood immunisations
| Girls aged 12 to 13 years old | Cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 (and genital warts caused by types 6 and 11) | HPV (two doses 6-12 months) | Upper arm |
| 14 years old (school year 9) | Tetanus, diphtheria and polio | Td/IPV (Revaxis), and check MMR status | Upper arm |
| Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y disease | MenACWY | Upper arm |
Please note
** Where two or more injections are required at once, these should ideally be given in different limbs. Where this is not possible, injections in the same limb should be given 2.5cm apart.
When Should I Worry?
Having an ill child can be a very scary experience for parents. If you understand more about the illness it can help you to feel more in control. This booklet is for parents (and older children) and deals with common infections in children who are normally healthy.
There is a good guide on the NHS website which describes various conditions affecting children. There is advice on how to diagnose them, how to treat them and if further advice should be consulted. NHS childhood illness slideshow
Fevers
Most symptoms of a fever in young children can be managed at home with infant paracetamol. If the fever is very high, they may have an infection that needs treating with antibiotics.
Head Lice
Head lice are insects that live on the scalp and neck. They may make your head feel itchy. Although head lice may be embarrassing and sometimes uncomfortable, they don’t usually cause illness. However, they won’t clear up on their own and you need to treat them promptly
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds (also known as epistaxis) are fairly common, especially in children, and can generally be easily treated.
NHS Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. The main symptom of COPD is an inability to breathe in and out properly. This is also referred to as airflow obstruction.
Useful Links
NHS
Guide to the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks of COPD from the NHS
COPD Factsheet
This factsheet is for people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or who would like information about it.
British Lung Foundation
Information and guidance on living with COPD
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a preventable disease that was responsible for the deaths of 88,000 people in the UK in 2008 (British Heart Foundation CHD Statistics 2010). In all, 191,00 died from heart and circulatory disease in the UK. Death rates are highest in Scotland and North of England and lowest in the South of England. CHD is the biggest killer in the country.
British Heart Foundation – Vinne Jones’ hard and fast hands-only CPR
There are videos available on all aspects of BHF and heart disease on the BHF video site
Audio MP3 Downloads
Now you can download and listen to podcasts free from the BHF – either on the move or in the comfort of your own home. We have a few examples below.
“The British Heart Foundation is Britain’s leading charity fighting heart and circulatory disease – the UK’s biggest killer. The BHF funds research, education and life-saving equipment and helps heart patients return to a full and active way of life. The charity relies on donations to continue its vital work.”
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring
The BHS recommends that only properly validated BP monitors be used both in the clinic and at home. All the monitors listed on their website have been clinically validated. This means that all the machines, regardless of their cost, give reliable readings when used correctly. Please note that added cost does not equate to added accuracy.
View a list of clinically validated BP monitors
Useful Links
CHD – Healthtalkonline
Healthtalkonline, an award-winning charity website, lets you share in other people’s experiences of health and illness. An excellent resource compiled after interviewing a wide range of people suffering from heart disease.
CHD
An excellent resource with useful video, audio, images and references relating to CHD.
NHS
Further information about symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention of CHD.
British Heart Foundation
Our vision is of a world in which people do not die prematurely of heart disease. We will achieve this through our pioneering research, our vital prevention activity and by ensuring quality care and support for people living with heart disease.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus. There are two types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2.
According to the charity Diabetes UK, more than two million people in the UK have the condition and up to 750,000 more are believed to have it without realising they do.
More than three-quarters of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes mellitus. This used to be known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity-onset diabetes mellitus. The number of people with type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing as it commoner in the overweight and obese, which is itself a growing problem.
The remainder have type 1 diabetes mellitus, which used to be known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
What’s the treatment for diabetes?
It’s recognised that the sooner the blood sugar levels are brought under control, the better the long term prospects of preventing damage. Lifestyle advice about diet, weight management and regular activity is the first step.
Type 1 diabetes will require immediate insulin therapy, Type 2 diabetes will first be managed with a drug called Metformin, if lifestyle changes alone aren’t effective. There are now several other drugs used in type 2 diabetes, although eventually some type 2 diabetics will need insulin therapy as it’s a progressive disease
There is further information and education on the Diabetes UK Video Site
Useful Links
Diabetes – Healthtalkonline
Healthtalkonline, an award-winning charity website, lets you share in other people’s experiences of health and illness. An excellent resource compiled after interviewing a wide range of people suffering from heart disease.
Type 1 Diabetes
An excellent resource with useful information and references relating to Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
A useful resource regarding Type 2 Diabetes.
Diabetes UK
Largest charity in the UK devoted to the care and treatment of people with diabetes in order to improve the quality of life for people with the condition
NHS
Further information about symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention of Diabetes
Diarrhoea
Acute diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection and affects almost everyone from time to time. A common cause in both children and adults is gastroenteritis, an infection of the bowel.
Bouts of diarrhoea in adults may also be brought on by anxiety or drinking too much coffee or alcohol. Diarrhoea may also be a side effect of a medication
NHS
Symptoms, causes, treatment and information
Macmillan Cancer Support
Diarrhoea as a result of cancer treatment
Living with Pain
The NHS website contains lots of useful information, tips and advice on living with chronic pain.
Help from your GP and use of NHS services dedicated to pain management can help make sufferers more independant, reduce the severity of pain and assist in day to day with coping with what can be a debilitating condition.
Useful Links
Men’s Health
Five health symptoms men should not ignore:
“British men are paying the price for neglecting their health: more than 100,000 men a year die prematurely.
On average, men go to their GP half as often as women. It’s important to be aware of changes to your health, and to see your GP immediately if you notice something that’s not right.” Find out more
Prostate Cancer
Each year about 36,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it the most common cancer in men. It mainly affects men aged over 50.
Symptoms
- difficulty in starting to pass urine
- a weak, sometimes intermittent flow of urine
- dribbling of urine before and after urinating
- a frequent or urgent need to pass urine
- rarely, blood in your urine or semen and pain when passing urine
These symptoms aren’t always caused by prostate cancer but if you have them, see your GP.
Find out more about the symptoms, causes and diagnosis of prostate cancer by using the resources below.
Resources
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer, though the most common cancer in young men, it is still quite rare. With 2000 new cases being diagnosed each year, this makes it the biggest cause of cancer related death in 15 – 35-year-old males. It accounts for around 70 deaths a year within the UK alone.
What to Look Out For
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is swelling or a pea-sized lump in one of the testes (balls). There is no current screening test therefore it is important that you look out for the following signs and symptoms.
- A dull ache, or sharp pain, in your testicles, or scrotum, which may come and go
- A feeling of heaviness in your scrotum
- A dull ache in your lower abdomen
- A sudden collection of fluid in your scrotum
- Fatigue, and generally feeling unwell.
Resources
NHS – Information on Testicular Cancer
Sexual Problems
It’s estimated that one man in 10 has a problem related to having sex, such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. Dr John Tomlinson of The Sexual Advice Association explains some of the causes, and where to seek help.
NHS Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting 8.5 million people in the UK. It develops gradually over time, causing joints to become stiff and painful. It can affect any joint but commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, feet and spine.
Who develops osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis usually develops in people who are over 50 years of age, and it is more common in women than in men. It is commonly thought that osteoarthritis is an inevitable part of getting older, but this is not true. Younger people can also be affected by osteoarthritis, often as a result of an injury or another joint condition.
Useful Links
Arthritis Research UK
Arthritis Research UK is the charity leading the fight against arthritis. Everything we do is underpinned by research
NHS
Guide to the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks of Ostearthritis from the NHS
Osteoarthritis Factsheet
This factsheet is for people who have osteoarthritis or who would like information about it.
Arthritis Care
Arthritis Care exists to support people with arthritis. They are the UK’s largest organisation working with and for all people who have arthritis.
Senior Health
Seasonal Flu Vaccination
Influenza – flu – is a highly infectious and potentially serious illness caused by influenza viruses. Each year the make-up of the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the influenza viruses that the World Health Organisation decide are most likely to be circulating in the coming winter.
Regular immunisation (vaccination) is given free of charge to the following at-risk people, to protect them from seasonal flu:
- people aged 65 or over,
- people with a serious medical condition
- if you are pregnant
- people living in a residential or nursing home
- the main carers for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer becomes ill
- healthcare or social care professionals directly involved in patient care
For more information on flu immunisation, including background information on the vaccine and how you can get the jab, see Seasonal flu jab
Eating Well & Exercise – helping you maintain a healthy body
We’re bombarded with scare stories about weight, from size zero to the obesity ‘epidemic’. But a healthy body is determined by different factors for each of us.
NHS – Good Food Guide
Information on a healthy diet and ways to make it work for you
NHS – Why be active?
Even a little bit of exercise will make you feel better about yourself, boost your confidence and cut your risk of developing a serious illness.
Sexual Health
Both men and women need to look after their sexual health and take time to understand the issues that surround contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
For instance there are some STIs, like chlamydia, that you could be carrying without having any symptoms. This infection can affect fertility, so it’s important to make use of the sexual health services available for free on the NHS.
Useful Resources:
Sex & Young People
A comprehensive guide to the questions you may have about sex from the NHS
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Issues, symptoms and treatments
Sexual Health FAQs
Expert answers from a qualified Doctor
Netdoctor
Here you’ll find tips for a fulfilling sex life plus advice on STDs, contraception and common sex problems.
FPA – The Sexual Health Charity
Sexual health advice and information on contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy choices, abortion and planning a pregnancy.
Contraception
There are so many different types of contraception available that you should be able to find the right method. You may have to try several different things before you choose the one you like most.
Useful Resources
NetDoctor
A Family Planning specialist writes about the different types of contraception, the benefits and pitfalls and how effective they are
Contraception – NHS
Information on Contraception from NHS Choices including why, when and how it should be used and with links to other useful resources.
Hormonal Contraception
This factsheet is for women who are taking hormonal contraceptives, or who would like information about them.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection among under-25s. Often there are no symptoms, but testing and treatment are simple.
Causes and risk factors Chlamydia is usually passed from one person to another during vaginal, oral or anal sex, or by sharing sex toys. It can live inside cells of the cervix, urethra, rectum and sometimes in the throat and eyes.
Useful Links
Chlamydia
This factsheet is for people who have chlamydia, or who would like information about it.
Stroke
A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
Like all organs, the brain needs the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die. This can lead to brain damage and possibly death.
Strokes are a medical emergency and prompt treatment is essential because the sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.
The NHS Stroke Act FAST pages offer a great deal of information about stroke, including how to recognise the signs, some real stories of stroke sufferers and advice on how to live your life after a stroke.
Chest Heart & Stroke Charity (N.Ireland)
Chest Heart & Stroke Charity (Scotland)
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or ‘mini-stroke’, is caused by a temporary fall in the blood supply to part of the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can cause symptoms that are similar to a stroke, although they don’t last as long. A TIA lasts only a few minutes and is usually resolved within 24 hours
As TIAs are serious, it is important that they are always investigated so that appropriate treatment can be given quickly. With treatment, the risk of a further TIA or a full stroke can be greatly reduced.
Women’s Health
Cervical Screening (Smear Tests)
Cervical screening is a method of preventing cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix (lower part of the womb). Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, but it is a test to check the health of the cervix.
Most women’s test results show that everything is normal. But for one in 20 women, the test will show some changes in the cells of the cervix. Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells will go back to normal on their own. In some cases, the abnormal cells need to be treated to prevent them becoming a problem later.
NHS – Cervical Screening
The why, when & how guide to cervical screening
NHS Inform (Scottish Patients)
Cervical Screening information, risks, benefits and tests for patients based in Scotland
Cervical Screening
This factsheet is for women who would like information about having a cervical smear test for screening. This means having the test when you don’t have any symptoms.
HPV Vaccination
Since September 2008 there has been a national programme to vaccinate girls aged 12-13 against human papilloma virus (HPV). There is also a three-year catch up campaign that will offer the HPV vaccine (also known as the cervical cancer jab) to 13-18 year old girls.
The programme is delivered largely through secondary schools, and consists of three injections that are given over a six-month period. In the UK, more than 1.4 million doses have been given since the vaccination programme started.
What is Human papilloma virus (HPV)?
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name of a family of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes that line your body, such as those in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat. These membranes are called the mucosa.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV viruses, with about 40 types affecting the genital area. These are classed as high risk and low risk.
How you get HPV?
Types of HPV that affect the skin can be passed on by skin contact with an affected person. The types of HPV that affect the mouth and throat can be passed on through kissing. Genital HPV is usually spread through intimate, skin to skin, contact during sex. You can have the genital HPV virus for years and not have any sign of it.
How HPV can cause cervical cancer?
Most HPV infections are harmless or cause genital warts, however some types can cause cervical cancer. Most HPV infections clear up by themselves, but in some people the infection can last a long time. HPV infects the cells of the surface of the cervix where it can stay for many years without you knowing.
The HPV virus can damage these cells leading to changes in their appearance. Over time, these changes can develop into cervical cancer. The purpose of cervical screening (testing) is to detect these changes, which, if picked up early enough, can be treated to prevent cancer happening. If they are left untreated, cancer can develop and may lead to serious illness and death.
NHS – HPV Vaccination – Why, how and when is the vaccination given and what are the side effects
HPV Vaccine – This factsheet is for people who would like information about the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. About 46,000 women get breast cancer in the UK each year. Most of them (8 out of 10) are over 50, but younger women, and in rare cases men, can also get breast cancer.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites over 2 million women for screening every year, and detects over 14,000 cancers. Dr Emma Pennery of Breast Cancer Care says: “Breast X-rays, called mammograms, can detect tumours at a very early stage, before you’d feel a lump. The earlier it’s treated, the higher the survival rate.”
Find out more about breast cancer screening
Macmillan Cancer Research – The causes and symptoms of breast cancer in women and explains how it is diagnosed and treated
NHS – Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention & screening information
NHS Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice