Day: November 10, 2023

What is gonorrhoea? Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It is sometimes known as ‘the clap’. It can affect the urethra (the tube for urine), cervix (the opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina), anus, throat or eyes. What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea? Gonorrhoea often has no symptoms. In women, if symptoms do occur, they usually develop within 10 days of infection. In women, symptoms may include: unusual vaginal discharge pain, discomfort or burning sensation when passing urine pelvic pain, especially during sex irregular bleeding, especially between periods or after sex anal discharge and

What is cirrhosis? Cirrhosis is permanent scarring of the liver caused by many liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and alcohol abuse. The liver is a vital organ that performs many important functions for keeping your body healthy, including: removing toxins from your blood storing vitamins, extra glucose and iron making and breaking down hormones and proteins Although cirrhosis can’t be cured, early diagnosis and treatment can stop or delay its progress. This can minimise damage and reduce the chance of developing complications. Cirrhosis happens when the liver is permanently damaged, causing scar tissue to replace healthy tissue. It usually develops slowly over

Circumcision What is circumcision? Circumcision is a small surgical operation to remove the foreskin and expose the glans (head) of the penis. The foreskin is a sleeve of skin that covers the end of the penis. This article is about male circumcision. All forms of female genital mutilation (FGM), which is sometimes known as female circumcision, are illegal in Australia. Why might I choose to get my baby circumcised? Parents may choose to circumcise their children for a range of reasons. About 1 in 10 newborn boys in Australia undergo circumcision in Australia today. Male circumcision has been performed for

What is the circulatory system? Your circulatory system, also called the cardiovascular system or vascular system, moves oxygen, nutrients and hormones to your body’s cells to use for energy, growth and repair. Your circulatory system also removes carbon dioxide and other waste products that your cells do not need. These key parts of your circulatory system maintain blood flow to all the cells in your body, so you can survive: blood — made up of red and white blood cells, plasma and platelets the heart — a muscular organ that pumps blood to all parts of your body blood vessels, include arteries, capillaries and veins

What is ciguatera poisoning? Ciguatera poisoning is a type of food poisoning. You get it by eating some types of fish. These fish feed in warm waters and can carry the ciguatera toxin. Many species of fish have been linked to outbreaks around the world. Ciguatera poisoning is most common in: The Pacific islands The Indian islands The tropical Caribbean In Australia, ciguatera toxin is more commonly found in fish that live in the warmer waters of: northern Queensland parts of the Northern Territory More recently, a number of cases have been reported in New South Wales. These have mostly been

How does smoking affect my fertility? Quitting smoking increases your fertility for both females and males. Females who smoke may have: difficulty conceiving early onset of menopause many cancers, including ovarian cancer Males who smoke may have: trouble getting and maintaining an erection lower sperm count damage to DNA in sperm causing health problems in your baby How can smoking affect my baby? Smoking during pregnancy exposes your baby to harmful chemicals. Every time you smoke, your baby effectively smokes too. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals pass through the placenta and into your baby’s body. Smoking also reduces blood flow to your baby. Smoking while pregnant can

Quitting smoking Why should I quit smoking? Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia. Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals and many of them can cause cancer. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and every cigarette is doing you harm. From the moment you stop smoking, however, your body begins to repair itself and you will start noticing the benefits quite quickly. Quitting smoking can be tough, but as well as the health benefits and being able to save money, there are other reasons to give up — with benefits both for the

Tadalafil (Cialis) What is tadalafil (Cialis)? Tadalafil is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, also called impotence) and problems with urination caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH). It is sometimes known by its generic name tadalafil, and sometimes known by its trade name, Cialis. There are also other brands of this medicine available. How does tadalafil work? Tadalafil works by helping to relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow more easily into the penis. If you have erectile dysfunction, this can make it easier to get an erection. If you have BPH, this can improve your urinary

What is chronic kidney disease? Kidney disease (also called renal disease) is a general term for when your kidneys are damaged and don’t function as they should. If you have kidney disease that lasts for more than 3 months, it’s called chronic kidney disease (or CKD). Your kidneys’ main job is to clean your blood and make urine (wee). When your kidneys don’t work properly, wastes and fluid build-up inside your body. Chronic kidney disease also can lead to other problems like heart disease and high blood pressure. Chronic kidney disease usually gets worse. If you are diagnosed early, you can usually slow down or

Chronic fatigue syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a chronic (long-term), complex and disabling illness that causes extreme fatigue and other symptoms that cannot be explained by any other medical condition. If you have ME/CFS, you are likely to feel very tired, very often, even if you have not been active. You may also have a host of other symptoms. Doctors do not yet understand the cause of ME/CFS, and there is no simple cure. If you or your child has ME/CFS, your doctor

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the body. It is produced by your body and also found in food. While it is needed for good health, too much cholesterol can damage your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease. Why is cholesterol essential? Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. For example, cholesterol is used to build cell walls and produce some hormones. Most of the cholesterol in your body is produced by your liver; the rest comes from the food you eat. What are the types of cholesterol? Cholesterol is carried in the blood

This page will give you information about surgery for a cholesteatoma. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional. What is a cholesteatoma? A cholesteatoma is a sac of dead skin cells that forms in a pocket in your middle ear. The cholesteatoma will slowly get larger and eventually fill your middle ear and mastoid bone. The cholesteatoma can cause an unpleasant-smelling discharge and loss of hearing. What are the benefits of surgery? The aim is to remove the cholesteatoma and stop the discharge. It may be possible to improve your hearing at the

What is cholera? Cholera is an illness caused by infection of the intestine with the vibrio cholerae bacteria. Infection may cause severe diarrhoea and, as a result, dehydration. It’s most often found in parts of the world with poor quality water and sanitation. What are the symptoms of cholera? Symptoms of cholera include: sudden watery diarrhoea vomiting Some people don’t have any symptoms or only have mild diarrhoea. Their faeces (poo) can still infect other people. Symptoms can appear within a few hours to up to 5 days after infection with the bacteria. About 1 in 20 people have a severe (bad) cholera infection.

What is cholecystitis? Cholecystitis is inflammation of your gallbladder, often caused by gallstones. It can be very painful and usually needs prompt medical treatment. Your gallbladder is a small organ underneath your liver on the right side of your upper abdomen. It stores a thick dark green fluid called bile, which the liver produces to help with digestion. What are the symptoms of cholecystitis? Symptoms of cholecystitis include: an intense pain in the middle or right side of your upper abdomen, spreading to your back or shoulders nausea and/or vomiting fever If you are in pain, don’t ignore it because cholecystitis is a

This page will give you information about a cholecystectomy and exploration of the bile duct. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional. What are common bile-duct stones? Common bile-duct stones are gallstones that move out of your gallbladder and get stuck in your common bile duct, which is a tube that connects your gallbladder to your intestines. Gallstones are ‘stones’ that form in your gallbladder. They are common and can run in families. Your liver produces a fluid called bile that is concentrated by, and stored in, your gallbladder. When you eat food, your

What is a cholecystectomy? A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small organ that sits just below your liver on the right side of your abdomen (tummy). It collects and stores bile, which is used to help digest food. Gallbladder removal can be done in 2 ways. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy — keyhole surgery. Open cholecystectomy — open surgery to remove your gallbladder. When is a cholecystectomy needed? Gallstones can form in your gallbladder. Your doctor may recommend having your gallbladder removed if you have gallstones that are causing problems. Most people don’t have any symptoms with gallstones. But sometimes, gallstones