Volume 1, Number 3, Oct-Nov-Dec 2009
EDITORIALEditorial
Dr Anne Connolly This is always a very busy time and practices look set to be under even more pressure this year. But, while pandemic flu is back on the agenda, women are continuing to consult us about their other health problems and concerns. So, we’ve done our best to give you the practical information that will help you to manage the health of your female patients. EVIDENCE IN PRACTICEEvidence in Practice
There are just not enough hours in the day to read all the research journals, even if you wanted to. This section of PCWHJ –
Evidence in Practice – will keep you on top of relevant research without having to spend hours in the library or on the worldwide web.
Each review gives you a bite-size summary of new research, pulling out key points for primary care and recommending the action
that you might consider taking. POPULAR
TOPICTHERAPEUTICS REVIEWPersonalising the pill: the right choice for each woman
Alison Cruse The combined oral contraceptive Pill (COCP) has been in regular use since the 1960s and is now the most popular method of hormonal contraception for women in the UK. There is a COCP to suit most women but long-term adherence depends on each woman being aware of her options and having the ability to make an informed choice of Pill.
DISEASE FOCUSBreaking new ground in osteoporosis
Dr Jonathan R Bayly Although current treatments for osteoporosis are effective, long-term adherence is often disappointing. But the management of osteoporosis is changing. New bisphosphonate formulations already offer more convenient dosing. And it is important to know about other new and emerging approaches that look set to offer a wider choice of therapy for women with post-menopausal osteoporosis.
POPULAR
TOPICCHANGING BEHAVIOURWeighty matters: obesity, fertility and pregnancy
Miss Anupama Shahid, Mr Ertan Saridogan In the UK about half of women of reproductive age are either overweight or obese. Obesity is known to adversely affect female fertility, as well as the health of mothers and their children. But even modest weight loss can restore fertility and improve a woman’s chances of a successful pregnancy.
BACK TO BASICSBack to basics: Causes of post-coital bleeding
POPULAR
TOPICPREVENTION IN PRACTICEFacing the flush: supporting women during perimenopause
Dr Julie Ayres The menopause is an inevitable event in the lives of all women. For some, it is very positive, ending menstruation, the need for contraception and the threat of unwanted pregnancy. But for others, it is a time of unpredictable hormone activity, and troublesome and unpleasant symptoms that seriously compromise quality of life. This article
discusses the options available to women to manage their health and well-being during the menopausal transition or perimenopause.
POPULAR
TOPICQUALITY MATTERSUrinary incontinence: careful assessment is key to successful treatment
Fiona Marsh Urinary incontinence (UI) – the complaint of any involuntary leakage of urine – is common and affects women of all ages. Most patients present in primary care, and require a thorough initial assessment to ensure that they receive
appropriate treatment and, where necessary, referral.
POPULAR
TOPICHOW TOEstablishing a sexual health service for young people
Dr Stephen Searle, Lindsay Sands 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.
POPULAR
TOPICPATHWAYS IN PRACTICEPositive diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome
Dr Peter Whorwell 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).
PATIENT INFOLooking ahead to the menopause
PCWHFNew best practice in primary care award
Lesley Cave 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.
CLICK HEREWelcome to womens-health-concern.org
Kathy Abernethy The stated aim of the Women’s Health Concern website is “to provide an independent service to advise, reassure and educate women about their health concerns, to enable them to work in partnership with their own medical practitioners and health adviser”. An alternative could be “everything you wanted to know about women’s health, but did not have the time to ask”.
HAVE YOU HEARD?Have you Heard?
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