NHS Choices 669 posts 0 comments

The following advice can help prevent the herpes simplex virus (HSV) spreading to others.Avoid having sexIf you have genital herpes, avoid having sex (vaginal, anal and oral) until any blisters or ulcers (open sores) around your genital…

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus is very contagious and spreads from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact, such as during vaginal, anal or oral sex.There are two types of HSV: type 1…

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition where stomach acid leaks out of the stomach and into the oesophagus (gullet). The oesophagus is a long tube of muscle than runs from the mouth to the stomach. Common symptoms of…

A number of self-care techniques may help relieve symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). They are described below. If you are overweight, losing weight may help reduce the severity and frequency of your symptoms…

The three most common symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) are: heartburn regurgitation of acid into your throat and mouth dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) These symptoms are discussed in more detail below.…

Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that affects movement of the shoulder. Frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis or shoulder contracture. If you have frozen shoulder, the amount of movement in your shoulder joint will be…

Many women are unaware they have fibroids because they do not have any symptoms. Around one woman in three with fibroids experiences some symptoms. If your fibroids do cause symptoms, you may experience one or more of the problems outlined…

Everyone can be at risk of having a fall, but older adults are more vulnerable than others. This is mainly due to long-term health conditions that can increase the chances of a fall. Other groups who are particularly at risk are young…

Making small changes in your home, such as using non-slip rugs and mats and ensuring that rooms are well lit, can make a big difference in helping to prevent accidents. For people over 65, other measures can be taken to help prevent a fall.…

Dystonia is a medical term that describes a range of movement disorders that causes involuntary spasms and contractions. The movements are often repetitive and take on unusual and awkward postures. They can also be painful. Dystonia is…

There are a range of treatments that may help to control the symptoms of dystonia, including medication, physical therapy and, as a last resort, surgery. Treatment for dystonia is based on what works best for the individual. As different…

Diaphragms and caps are barrier methods of contraception. They fit inside your vagina and prevent sperm from passing through the entrance of your womb (the cervix). Diaphragms are soft, thin domes made of latex (rubber) or silicone. Caps…

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. Most researchers think that it is caused by a combination of factors. The main contributory factors are thought to be: genetics the immune system previous infection…

Condoms are a form of barrier contraception. They prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching an egg. Condoms can also help stop sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, being passed from one sexual…

There are several things that may increase your risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), many of which can be avoided. Things you can change You can change some of the things that make COPD more likely. Smoking…

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. People with COPD have difficulties breathing, primarily due to…

Lynn Ashton, 46, was having a happy Christmas dinner until a candle set her plastic tablecloth alight.   “We were taking a break after the main course when one of my children said she could smell something funny,” says Lynn. "I rushed into…

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) allows specific genetic disorders to be diagnosed in the foetus at a very early stage. If a condition is identified that cannot be treated, or if it causes severe disability in the child, the child’s parents…

Chlamydia is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which means that you get it through having unprotected sex (sex without a condom) with someone who has chlamydia. How you…

You can protect yourself against chlamydia by: using a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex using a condom to cover the penis during oral sex using a dam (a piece of thin, soft plastic or latex) to cover the female…

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of inherited conditions that damage  nerves outside the brain and spine (peripheral nerves). It's also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy. The peripheral nerves are located outside…

Life after treatment How cervical cancer affects your daily life will depend very much on what stage your disease is at, and what treatment you're having. Many women with cervical cancer have a radical hysterectomy. This is a major…

Cancer treatment team Many hospitals use multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) to treat cervical cancer. MDTs are made up of a number of different specialists who work together to make decisions about the best way to proceed with your treatment.…

Cartilage damage is a relatively common type of injury. The majority of cases involve the knee joint. Symptoms of cartilage damage include: swelling joint pain stiffness a decreased range of movement in the affected…

Non-surgical treatment There are a number of non-surgical treatments that can help to relieve symptoms of damaged articular cartilage. They are described below. Physiotherapy – exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding or…

A caesarean section is an operation to deliver a baby. It involves making a cut in the front wall of a woman’s abdomen (tummy) and womb. The operation can be: a planned (elective) procedure, when a medical need for the operation…

Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), which causes them to become irritated and inflamed. The main symptom is a cough which may bring up yellow-grey mucus. Bronchitis may also cause a sore throat, wheezing…

Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus. This in turn can make the airways of the lungs more vulnerable to infection. The most common…

The most common symptoms of bronchiectasis is a cough, which affects around 9 out of 10 people with bronchiectasis. In three out of four cases the cough will bring up sputum (phlegm), which can be clear, pale yellow or yellow-greenish in…