Learning about sex is an essential part of growing up, but it can be difficult for teenagers to find the advice and support that they need. The authors provide a guide to setting up a primary care service tailored to young people’s sexual health needs.
Positive diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome
Diagnostic and referral pathways are increasingly used to guide clinical practice in primary care. This article outlines a symptom-based pathway designed to provide a positive diagnosis and effective treatment for women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
New best practice in primary care award
It is truly gratifying to see the interest generated by the Primary Care Women’s Health Forum and our journal, Primary Care Women’s Health Journal (PCWHJ). At the last count, the Forum has over 3,500 members. It’s all about sharing best practice, so I’m delighted to invite you to enter your projects and initiatives for our Promoting Best Practice for Women in Primary Care Award.
Looking ahead to the menopause
Editorial
First, thank you for your very positive feedback to our first issue. We have received an excellent response, and you tell us that we are giving busy GPs and nurses the need-to-know information and practical tools they need to manage their female patients.
From poison to promise: botulinum toxin and the bladder
Generally considered a cosmetic treatment for facial wrinkles, botulinum toxin (BT-A) is proving a promising treatment for bladder disorders. But what actually is botulinum toxin, how does it work, and are there any risks? This article aims to answer these questions to help primary care professionals advise women contemplating this treatment.
The right treatment for abnormal vaginal discharge
All women have vaginal discharge, some more than others. But it is usually a change in the amount or type of discharge that causes a woman to consult her GP or practice nurse. This article explains how to distinguish between normal and pathological vaginal discharge, and how to choose the approach most likely to reassure the patient and resolve her symptoms.
HPV vaccination: an injection of success in primary care
Since the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination programme was introduced in autumn 2008, most PCTs have been very successful in reaching the routine target group of girls aged 12-13 years. It has been more challenging to deliver the vaccine to older girls but, as this article explains, both patients and practices can benefit if vaccination is offered as part of more general health promotion.
Lifting the curse: NICE’s approach to heavy periods
Heavy periods have a major impact on a woman’s quality of life. In the past, hysterectomy was the firstline treatment. But there is now a wide range of NICE-endorsed options that very effectively lift the curse of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Going with the flow in urodynamics
Women presenting with urinary incontinence can often be successfully treated in primary care with bladder retraining, pelvic floor muscle exercises and anticholinergic medication as appropriate. But some do not respond to conservative treatment and need referral to secondary care for investigation with urodynamics.
Could it be early menopause?
A 40-year-old woman with hot flushes, tearfulness and low libido could be going through early menopause. But there might be other explanations for her symptoms, and a careful history and investigation are essential to ensure that she receives the right treatment.
Is there really an alternative to HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, but bad publicity means that women ask about other options. This article outlines practical steps to help to minimise mild symptoms, and assesses the evidence for complementary and prescribed alternatives to HRT.
