Day: December 12, 2023

Contraception options 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

What is itchy skin? Itchy skin, also known as pruritis, is a common irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the itchy area. It can occur anywhere on the body and can be very frustrating and uncomfortable. Itching may occur on a small part of the body, for example around the area of an insect bite, or it can affect the whole body such as an allergic reaction. Itchy skin is usually not serious. But sometimes it can be caused by a serious medical condition. What causes itchy skin? Common causes of itchy skin include: Dry skin: Skin can

What are itchy eyes? Itchy eyes, also known as ocular pruritis, are a very common problem. Itchy eyes are usually caused by an allergy or by a condition called dry eye syndrome. You might also have itchy eyelids, usually at the base of the eyelashes, and your eyes and/or eyelids might be swollen. What causes itchy eyes? The most common cause of itchy eyes is an allergy. Itchy eyes can be triggered by exposure to pollen, animal fur, mould, dust mites, make-up or eye drops. The body reacts to the trigger by releasing histamine, causing the blood vessels in the eye

Having an itchy bum or an itchy anus can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable problem. However, anal itching is quite common and once the cause is discovered and treated, most people get complete relief. An itchy anus, also called pruritus ani, is a common complaint. The itch, in or around the anus, can be extremely intense and persistent, causing a constant urge to scratch. What causes an itchy anus? There are many different possible causes for having an itchy anus, such as: leakage of poo (stool) from the rectum as a result of diarrhoea, constipation, diet, food intolerance or tears in the

Loneliness and isolation Why do I feel lonely or isolated? You can feel lonely or isolated for many reasons even when other people are around you. Some reasons you might feel lonely or isolated may come from what is happening in your life, especially if you’ve experienced major changes. These include: living alone or lacking close family around you grieving for a friend, a spouse or your partner going through a separation, divorce or family break up retiring from work, changing schools or jobs, or being unemployed living away from home for the first time having a language or cultural barrier or

Coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis What is coronary heart disease? Coronary heart disease is a chronic (long-lasting) disease. It affects the blood vessels that supply blood to your heart. It is also called coronary artery disease. Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of death in Australia, and it cannot be cured. However, there are treatments that can reduce your risk of future heart problems and improve your symptoms. What causes coronary heart disease? Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply your heart with blood become blocked. There is no one cause of coronary heart disease, but risk factors can increase your

What is irritability? Irritability is a state that involves feelings of anger or frustration, of being impatient and quick to get annoyed, especially over small things. People with irritability have a tendency to react with anger to slight provocation. They have a short temper and may snap at people. When should you see your doctor? It’s common to feel irritable from time to time, but if you feel unusually irritable or irritable all the time or on edge, it is important that you talk to your doctor as it could be a symptom of a mental health condition, like depression,

How do I know if my cycle is normal? Your menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and continues until (but not including) the first day of your next period. How long your period lasts and how often you get your period is different for everyone. Normal menstrual cycles range from 21 to 35 days long, with an average of 28 days. Periods usually last from 3 to 7 days. If you always have approximately the same number of days between periods, your menstrual cycle is regular. If your periods don’t follow a pattern, they are irregular. This is