Volume 4, Number 1, Jan-Feb-Mar 2012
EDITORIALEditorial
Dr Anne Connolly A heartfelt, if belated, welcome to 2012. It can be difficult to feel positive at this time of year. The Christmas and New Year celebrations are well in the past, the waiting room is full of patients with coughs and colds, and it can seem a long time until summer. The next few months are likely to seem especially depressing this year given the gloomy economic outlook, but there is still a lot to look forward to in 2012. POPULAR
TOPICEVIDENCE IN PRACTICEEvidence in Practice
Sue Lyon Here we provide need-to-know information and recommended actions resulting from new clinical research.
This issue highlights new findings on: further evidence supporting HPV testing in cervical screening; risk factors
for the failure of emergency contraception; and a quick and easy test to identify older women at high risk of falls
and fractures. POPULAR
TOPICTHERAPEUTICS REVIEWFrom fertility to menopause: bridging the gap with the LNG-IUS
Tim Hillard, Gilly Andrews The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS; Mirena) was first licensed in the UK for contraception in 1995. But it soon became evident that it had other clinical advantages and the LNG-IUS is now also available for the prevention of endometrial hyperplasia in women who are taking oestrogen as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). DISEASE FOCUSAfter the cure: gastrointestinal problems in cancer survivors
Dr Caroline C Henson, Dr Susan E Davidson Over the last 30 years, there has been a threefold increase in the number of cancer survivors. As a result more women are living with the long-term side-effects of their treatment. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy are especially important, as they are common and impair quality of life. Since patients are likely to present in primary care, GPs and practice nurses can help to ensure appropriate initial management and referral. POPULAR
TOPICBACK TO BASICSContraception after childbirth
QUALITY MATTERSSTIs in the over-45s: A public health approach
Catrina Donegan, Kate Brown Traditionally, older women and men have not been seen as being at risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and have not been considered by policy makers. But infection rates are rising at a time of NHS changes, including the proposed transfer of responsibility for sexual health promotion to local authorities. Significant new resources are unlikely, so we need to think creatively about how to respond to this worrying trend. POPULAR
TOPICHOW TOFind the cause of non-menstrual bleeding
Debby Holloway Non-menstrual bleeding is alarming for women, and is a frequent reason for a consultation with a health professional. There are many potential explanations. Most are benign, but some are potentially very serious. So a careful history and assessment are essential when a woman presents with post-coital, intermenstrual or postmenopausal bleeding. MONITORINGUltrasound: the guide to ovarian cyst management
Dr Rawan Obeidat, Mr Samir A Saidi Ovarian cysts are found in women and girls of all ages. They are usually asymptomatic, and most are benign and transient. Testing for tumour markers and risk of malignancy indices may help to predict the possibility of cancer, but imaging on ultrasound (US) remains the primary method of evaluating ovarian cysts. POPULAR
TOPICPATHWAYS IN PRACTICEAcute pelvic pain: when to raise the red flag
Dr K Orr, Dr R Northridge, Dr B Atputhasingam Most women experience occasional pelvic pain, but sometimes the symptom is so severe that it prompts them to seek medical help. Causes of acute pelvic pain in women are many, and can range in severity from a normal physiological event to a life-threatening illness. This article explains how to identify patients with the ‘red flag’ conditions that require urgent hospitalisation. PATIENT INFOProlapse
CLICK HEREWelcome to NOS.ORG.UK
Kathy Abernethy One in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 in the UK will fracture a bone, mainly due to poor bone health, and often after only a minor bump or fall. Established in 1986, the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) has grown into a well-respected national charity with about 25,000 members. Its website is an excellent source of information and advice for the general public, patients and professionals. PCWHFDelivering women's health in primary care
Sue Lyon Over 90 delegates travelled to York to attend the Second Annual Conference of the Primary Care Women’s Health Forum (PCWHF). Five expert speakers discussed how to deliver women’s health at the right time, right place and right cost in primary care. And another highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the winner of the latest PCWHF Best Practice Award. HAVE YOU HEARD?Have you Heard?
POPULAR
TOPICMATERNITY IN FOCUSPostnatal depression: when is medication the answer?
Dr Nusrat Mir Postnatal depression is a common and debilitating illness that can significantly affect a woman’s wellbeing, her relationships and her child’s behaviour and cognitive development. The consequences may be especially problematic if postnatal depression is not appropriately treated. So some women will need active intervention that may include antidepressant medication.
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