The contraceptive pill increases your risk of getting a blood clot, as compared to a woman who is not on the pill. We know that women who use the pill for birth control have a higher risk of developing blood clots Some forms of the contraceptive pill cause a higher risk of clots than others-depending [...]
Taking the pill increases the risk of some types of cancer but may protect against others Your overall risk of cancer is lower if you take the pill Breast cancer occurs more often in women who take the pill- all women are advised to check their breasts regularly, and see a doctor if they notice [...]
Most women who use the contraceptive pill for birth control do not get any side effects. Serious side effects from the contraceptive pill are very uncommon. However, from time to time, side effects can arise. The contraceptive pill may cause high blood pressure. You should have your blood pressure checked at least once a year if [...]
If you are breastfeeding, the pill is not recommended as birth control because theoretically it might reduce the flow of milk. There are other more suitable types of birth control available such as the mini pill.
It used to be advised that antibiotics reduce the reliability of the contraceptive pill,in terms of birth control. However, we now know that most antibiotics have no effect on the pill- the exceptions are some uncommonly used antibiotics such as Rifampicin and Rifabutin. For most commonly used antibiotics, there is no impact on birth control, [...]
Yes. If you miss a pill and are worried your birth control has been interrupted, it's possible to take the morning after pill. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor, and follow the instructions carefully. There are two types of emergency contraceptive pill in Australia Levonorgestrel (brands include Levonelle, Postinor, Postella, Postrelle and Norlevo ) is [...]
Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1, otherwise known as HSV1. HSV2 is a similar virus which usually causes genital herpes, but rarely can also cause cold sores around the mouth. Cold sores are spread by skin to skin contact, such as kissing someone who has an active cold sore. The [...]
Cold sores are spread by skin to skin contact If you have active cold sores you should avoid newborn babies, elderly, or anyone with a weak immune system (e.g on chemotherapy) If you have no active cold sores, you’re not usually infectious to others.
No, usually you do not need any tests to diagnose cold sores. The diagnose tends to be obvious, based on history and the appearance of the lesions However, if there’s any doubt, your GP can perform a swab and send it to the laboratory for analysis for HSV1.
• People with recurring cold sores occasionally worry that there’s something wrong with their immune system, or that they’re deficient in a vitamin or mineral. But cold sores are very common, and most people who get them are otherwise perfectly well. • Sometimes tiredness or another viral illness can make you more prone to cold [...]
