A condom is a barrier form of contraception that is used to reduce the chance pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are usually made of latex, although they can also be made of polyurethane or polyisoprene.
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that happens outside of the uterus. The fertilised egg will usually implant onto the wall of a fallopian tube, which means that the egg will not develop and turn into a baby. In rare cases ectopic pregnancies can occur in the cervix area, ovaries or stomach. An ectopic pregnancy means that the baby cannot be saved.
Schoolyard and cyber bullying is a common problem amongst New Zealand kids.
A 2007 study of 9-year-olds found that 75 per cent of New Zealand children had suffered from bullying.
Smartphones can prove to be a useful tool in helping you make lifestyle changes.
Here are five free apps that will help you get fitter, eat better and set you on the way to having a healthier life.
A digital (finger) rectal examination is performed to check for abnormalities in the lower pelvic organs.
A biopsy is a procedure by which a small sample of tissue from the body is removed for diagnostic examination in a laboratory.
Diverticulitis is a disorder of the large intestine (colon) in which small pouches in the intestine (diverticula) form and become infected.
Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that occurs when skin comes into contact with certain substances, causing a rash, itching and scaly skin.
Cancer is when abnormal cells (malignant cells) multiply and grow within the body. Cancer can develop in body organs, tissue, the lymph system and bloodstream.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that are associated with an ongoing decline in brain function.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when blood clots occur in deep veins. Deep veins are found deep inside muscles, as opposed to superficial veins that are just below the skin.
The influenza vaccine ('flu jab') protects against three strains of the flu, including H1N1 (swine flu).
It is usually administered into the upper arm, and is 80 per cent effective in healthy adults under the age of 65.
Sufferers of coeliac disease, and those who are gluten intolerant, cannot digest gluten, and suffer from symptoms such as pain, cramping, stomach upsets, bloating, diarrhoea and lethargy.
We've all heard the excuses for not exercising – 'I'm too busy', 'I'm tired', 'there's not enough time in the day', and so on – but the benefits of exercising for 30 minutes, five days a week, can far outweigh any risks.
Voice disorder is any of a group of problems involving abnormal pitch, loudness or quality of the sounds produced by the larynx (the voice box).
Vitreoretinal surgery treats problems related to the retina and vitreous of the eye. The retina is the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. The vitreous is a clear fluid that fills the central cavity of the eye.
A vasectomy is surgery to cut and seal the vasa differentia (singular: vas deferens), the two tubes that carry a man’s sperm from the testes (testicles) in the scrotum to the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries sperm and urine out of the penis.
Vascular surgery treats diseases and disorders of the vascular system (the arteries and veins) with a variety of therapies, minimally invasive catheter procedures, and surgical reconstruction.
Vascular radiology is a type of interventional radiology, which uses image guidance methods to gain access to and view most organs, and organ systems, for diagnostic or treatment purposes. Images are used to direct interventional procedures, which are usually done with needles and catheters (narrow tubes).
The vagina connects the uterus (womb) and cervix (lower end of uterus) to the outside of the body.Vaginal surgery may be undertaken for cosmetic or medical reasons.
