The newer progestogen-only contraceptive pills

POP contraceptive pills

The progestogen-only contraceptive pill (POP), also sometimes known as the ‘mini-pill’ is now more widely available. Lovima and Hana can be bought from a pharmacist without the need for an appointment with a GP or at a sexual health clinic. You can also order these from Dr Fox alongside other POPs Cerelle or Cerazette and get up to 12 months at a time. All these pills are medically the same, consisting of 75 micrograms of the progestogen desogestrel.

Progestogen-only pills may have fewer side effects compared to the combined contraceptive pill, but there are also many other benefits.

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Antibiotics online for cystitis

Macrobid nitrofurantoin medicine pack photo

Sadly, cystitis is incredibly common in women. Around 10–20% will get at least one attack of cystitis in a lifetime. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant, and you may be desperate for help – and fast. Some women have recurrent urine infections, which can be very troublesome and annoying.

This information below is only for women with a suspected urine infection, and for stand-by non-urgent antibiotics.

If men think they may have a urine infection, this needs a totally different approach.

Read on to find out all you need to know about urinary tract infection, antibiotics and stand-by treatment.

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All you need to know about pregnancy testing

Asian woman looking at pregnancy test
  • Is the pregnancy test positive or negative?
  • When to do the test?
  • What to do next?

Wondering if you might be pregnant can be a difficult time. You may be either desperate to be pregnant, or desperate not to be pregnant – but either way, you want to know as soon as possible – and be sure of the result.

Read on and see what pregnancy testing is all about, how and when to test, and what the results may mean.

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You, your periods, and your health

Woman with flower on stomach to symbolise her period

“Maybe if period pain burned calories, it would be worth it!” – so states the popular meme. If only that was true! But love them or hate them, periods are here to stay … at least until the menopause!

Read on and see…

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Easier ways to take your Pill – new recommendations for 2019

Combined contraceptive pill packs

But have we really been doing it wrong for 60 years?

The press reported this week that since the contraceptive pill was first launched – and this was 60 years ago! – we could have been doing it differently! They also stated that one of the reasons behind this was to please the Pope!

Let’s try and put this medical conundrum into understandable terms, and try to prevent confusion!

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Nitrofurantoin (MacroBID) for cystitis treatment

photo of Macrobid medicine packNitrofurantoin (MacroBID) is now available to women to buy online from Dr Fox in advance, ready for when needed. Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat uncomplicated cystitis.
How to order online

In the past few years nitrofurantoin has replaced trimethoprim as the first line treatment for cystitis.

Approximately 30% of cystitis infections in the UK are currently (2017) resistant to trimethoprim, compared with 3% resistance to nitrofurantoin. Read in full

Posted on in Cystitis