Day: November 13, 2023

What is contraception? Contraception (birth control) can be used to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Pregnancy can happen when sperm released during penis-in-vagina sex fertilises an egg, which then implants in your uterus (womb). What should I think about when choosing contraception? There are many different forms of contraception. No form of birth control is 100% effective, but some methods are more effective than others. Aside from preventing pregnancy, some — but not all — methods of contraception can also help prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Discuss contraception with a new partner before having sex, so you can choose a method that

What is contact tracing? Contact tracing is the process of identifying people who have been in contact with an infected person. Informing contacts that they may have been exposed to an infection will help slow the spread of that condition. If you’re an infected person, your doctor may ask for the details of any people you’ve been in contact with. Doctors can then test your contacts and treat them to help prevent the spread of the condition. Contacts are sometimes offered counselling as well. Contact tracing is commonly used to find the contacts of people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV,

Contact dermatitis What is contact dermatitis? Inflammation of the skin is commonly called ‘eczema’ or ‘dermatitis’. Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes into contact with something that makes it red and inflamed. There are 2 types of contact dermatitis: Allergic contact dermatitis — this is caused by an allergen (a trigger). Each time you come into contact with the allergen, the skin gets inflamed. Irritant contact dermatitis — also known as contact dermatitis, this is when your skin gets inflamed when it’s exposed to an irritant, usually for a long period of time. What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis? Both

Your healthcare rights What are my healthcare rights? Healthcare rights ensure all patients and carers in Australia receive safe, high-quality care in partnership with healthcare providers. This article explains your rights and what to do if you feel they have been denied. Australians’ healthcare rights are set out in the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. These rights apply to any healthcare you receive, anywhere in Australia, including in public hospitals, private hospitals, general practice and in the community. The 7 basic healthcare rights are listed below: Access: You have a right to healthcare services and treatment that meet your needs. Safety: You have

What is Conn’s syndrome? Conn’s syndrome is a hormonal condition in which one or both adrenal glands produce more of the hormone aldosterone than normal. Aldosterone helps balance the levels of salt and potassium in the body and helps control blood pressure. Conn’s syndrome causes: high blood pressure (hypertension), which can be quite severe lower than normal potassium levels in the blood an increased volume of blood in the body Conn’s syndrome is also known as Conn disease or primary hyperaldosteronism. What are the symptoms of Conn’s syndrome? The most common sign of Conn’s syndrome is high blood pressure that is difficult to

What is heart failure? Heart failure (also known as ‘congestive heart failure’ or CHF) occurs when your heart muscle has become too weak to pump blood effectively through your body. It can also happen if your heart becomes too stiff to fill up with blood properly, so not enough blood is pumped around your body. As a result, your muscles and organs don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. This may cause fluid to build up in your body and make you feel breathless or tired. Heart failure is usually an ongoing (chronic) condition — unlike heart attacks, which occur suddenly and require immediate treatment (acute).

What is a congenital heart disease? Congenital heart disease is a birth defect. It happens when a baby is born with a heart that has not formed properly. Congenital heart defects can change the flow of blood and the way your heart works. There are many different types of congenital heart disease. Some are uncomplicated and do not need any treatment. Others can be very serious. These might need many visits to hospital for surgery over several years. What are the types of congenital heart disease? Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect in Australia. It affects about

What is a congenital disorder? A congenital disorder is a condition that is present from birth. Congenital disorders can be inherited or caused by environmental factors. Their impact on a child’s health and development isn’t always severe, and sometimes it can be quite mild. However, a child with a congenital disorder may experience a disability or health problems throughout life. It’s natural to be concerned about congenital disorders if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, especially if your family has a history of a particular disorder. It’s possible to test for some, but not all disorders during pregnancy, and there

What are condoms? Condoms are a form of contraception available for both males and females. A condom is a very fine sheath made of rubber or plastic. It’s designed to prevent your and your partner’s body fluids from mixing during sexual activity. Condoms can be used for vaginal, anal or oral sex. As well as reducing your risk of pregnancy, they can also reduce your risk of getting or spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Types of condoms There are 2 types of condoms: Male (external) condoms — these are rolled onto an erect (stiff) penis or a sex toy. Female (internal) condoms — these

What is addiction? Addiction is when you have a strong physical or psychological need or urge to do something or use something. It is a dependence on a substance or activity even if you know that it causes you harm. It can impact your daily life. This article describes the types, causes and signs of addiction, and where to get help. Many people have heard of addiction to: smoking drinking alcohol gambling taking drugs prescription medicines Addiction to drugs can include cannabis, ice and amphetamines. Alcohol and nicotine are also drugs. It’s possible to be addicted to anything, such as: Computers — computer addiction is increasing. You may

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) What is complex PTSD? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in people who have been through a traumatic event. The event may have threatened their life or safety, or they may have witnessed a serious accident, death or natural disaster. Complex PTSD is a condition that can occur after prolonged and repeated trauma, particularly due to child abuse or domestic violence. Trauma can cause problems with memory and disrupt the development of a person’s identity and their ability to control emotions and form relationships with others. What are the symptoms of complex PTSD? People with complex

Acts of kindness and compassion Benefits of kindness and compassion Research is showing that people who are kind and compassionate are more content with their lives. They have better physical and mental health and feel less isolated, fostering stronger relationships. Small acts of kindness, such as a smile, or ‘hello’ can have enormous power. The person being kind and the recipient can both benefit. You can be kind, generous and compassionate to someone you know, or to a stranger. Studies have shown benefits from kindness, compassion and giving. The benefits can be: greater sense of contentment or wellbeing good mental health less stress better

What is compartment syndrome? Compartment syndrome is a painful condition caused by high pressure in a group of muscles (a muscle compartment), most commonly in the leg. High pressure can be caused by bleeding or swelling. When pressure reaches dangerous levels, it reduces blood flow, oxygen and nourishment to nerves and cells. What is a compartment? A compartment is a group of muscles enclosed in a tough sheath called fascia keeping the muscles together. The sheath does not stretch easily, so if there is a build-up of blood or fluid inside the compartment, pressure can build up. What are the

The role of a nurse What do nurses do? Nurses work with people and their families to: help prevent disease maintain health treat any existing health problems Nurses can work in: hospitals the community aged care other organisations Nurses specialise in different areas of care including: pregnancy and childbirth (midwifery) child and family health community nursing mental health palliative care In Australia, nurses and midwives need to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to practise. What types of nurses are there? There are different types of nurses. The different types indicate the level of training that

The pill (combined oral contraceptive pill) What is the combined oral contraceptive pill? The combined oral contraceptive pill is a type of contraception (birth control). It is often just called ‘the pill’. Some doctors refer to it as the ‘OCP’. You take the pill as a daily tablet. It contains 2 hormones — oestrogen and progestogen. Types of combined oral contraceptive pills There are many different types of combined OCP. If you are thinking about going on the pill, talk to your doctor about the best option for you. You need a doctor’s prescription to take the pill. Some types of the pill are

What is a coma? When someone is in a coma, they are unconscious, they do not respond, and they cannot be woken up. A coma is a medical emergency and the person in the coma will need immediate treatment in hospital. Someone who is in a coma is alive but completely unresponsive to the world around them. There is very little activity in their brain. Some people in a coma can breathe on their own but others will need help. They won’t be able to cough or swallow and they won’t respond to pain, light or sound. Their eyes will

What is a colposcopy? A colposcopy allows your doctor to examine your vagina and cervix very closely. The doctor uses a colposcope, which looks like a pair of binoculars with a bright light. It allows the doctor a greatly magnified view of the surface of the vagina and cervix. If an area needs further investigation, the doctor can remove a tiny piece of tissue and send it to a laboratory for a biopsy. Why is a colposcopy performed? A colposcopy is usually done to assess the health of your cervix (the neck of the womb), the vagina and vulva to see

What is a colostomy? A colostomy is surgery to bring part of your colon (bowel or large intestine) to the wall of your abdomen (tummy). At the skin it forms a stoma. A stoma is an artificial opening on the outside of your abdomen. The colon is the first 1 to 1.5 metres of your large intestine. It absorbs water and nutrients and passes the remaining waste to your rectum. A colostomy allows faeces (poo) and gas to leave your body via the stoma. A small disposable bag is worn on the outside of your body to collect the faeces. Large intestine, colostomy