The hormonal contraceptive pill is a popular choice worldwide for women who want to prevent pregnancy, but a new study suggests it could contribute towards depression.
A fungus in the gut could be a key factor in the development of Crohn’s disease, according to an investigation by an international team of researchers.
Some painkillers taken by millions of people for treating pain and inflammation may increase the risk of heart failure, according to a study.
Junior doctors in England have lost a legal battle with the government over the imposition of a new working contract.
Having acne may mean you are better protected against the ageing process, according to a study.
Around 1 in 5 people with bowel cancer who sought emergency medical help had experienced warning signs about the disease in the previous 12 months, suggesting they could have been diagnosed earlier, according to new research.
Manuka honey could hold the key to keeping indwelling flexible tubes used in hospitals bug-free, says a UK study.
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy may be associated with a lower risk of miscarriage in pregnant women, a new analysis suggests.
Health campaigners are calling for voluntary smoking bans wherever children are at play.
A study suggests many would-be participants in cancer drug trials set their expectations unrealistically high.
Junior doctors in England have suspended all strikes planned for the rest of the year.
New guidance has been issued on the management of asthma, with a major focus on helping doctors and nurses make accurate diagnoses and prescribe the right treatment.
Smoking cigarettes can alter genes and may have a long-lasting effect on our DNA, according to new research.
Normal boundaries seem to disappear as mums-to-be are quizzed about delicate issues and regaled with labour horror stories, not to mention people wanting to feel your baby belly. Get tips on protecting your privacy in pregnancy.
Thousands of women in the UK with breast cancer are being denied a 43p osteoporosis medication that could prevent their cancer spreading to their bones, according to a leading charity.
New UK research points to the benefits of tackling insomnia for people who have long-term pain.
People whose genetic profile makes them more susceptible to piling on the pounds respond equally well to losing weight through better diet and more exercise as the rest of the population, says a study.
Some people in England with cataracts are facing waiting times of more than a year for treatment, according to a sight-loss charity.
Feeding babies quantities of egg and peanut may reduce the risk of them developing allergies to these foods, a review of the evidence suggests.
The number of smokers in England has fallen to its lowest level, with fewer than 1 in 6 adults lighting up, according to official figures.
Beer goggles really may exist, according to scientists, who say that drinking the stuff can skew our emotions and make us recognise happy faces faster.
Exposure to bright light may increase men’s testosterone levels and could lead to greater sexual satisfaction, according to a pilot study.
People who have recently had body piercings are being warned that bacteria found in a commonly used cleansing spray could lead to a severe infection.
If you aren’t really a gym bunny but want to get fit or shift a few pounds it may be time to move the sofa back and stick on a fitness DVD. But which is best?
A new study has found that cervical cancer screening prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths.
The medicines regulator MHRA has issued a new warning to women using emergency contraceptive pills, also known as the morning after pill, that they may not work if they take some other medications
Taking long naps during the day might be a warning sign of type 2 diabetes, according to a study.
A major UK study has found that 99% of men whose prostate cancer is detected at an early stage live for at least 10 years whether the condition is treated or if doctors carry out ‘active surveillance’.
E-cigarette use may have helped around 18,000 people in England stop smoking last year, according to a study.
MPs and peers are calling on the government to change the law to legalise cannabis for medical use.
New figures suggest there are now 3.8 million adults with diabetes in England.
Two patients are making good recoveries after the UK’s first kidney transplants performed using robot-assisted keyhole surgery.
Measuring blood levels of a recently discovered hormone may boost diagnosis rates of teenagers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a small study.
Three out of 4 people in the UK are unaware that being obese increases the risk of getting cancer, says a report.
A major review of the safety and effectiveness of statins has concluded that their benefits have been underestimated and their potential harms exaggerated.
Evidence is emerging that bad weather really can ‘get you down’ after thousands of smartphone users reported that rain and cloud can make pain worse.
People who drink alcohol may be able to offset some of the extra risks of disease and death if they get the recommended amount of exercise, according to a study.
Many twins should be delivered at 37 weeks to minimise stillbirths and newborn deaths, according to a large international study published in The BMJ.
Having an irregular heartbeat could have more serious health consequences than previously thought, according to a study.
People with diabetes who use a particular injection kit to treat severe hypoglycaemia are being urged to check their stock after a dangerous fault was discovered in some batches.
Taking vitamin D supplements alongside usual asthma medication helps cut the risk of severe asthma attacks, according to a review of evidence
Junior doctors in England have called off an all-out strike scheduled for next week after being told that the walkout was called at such short notice that it endangered patient safety.
Tiny plastic beads found in cosmetics and other personal care products could be banned under proposals outlined by the government.
Injections with an antibody medication may offer hope to patients with life-threatening asthma, clinical studies find
The new school year is just around the corner, but research suggests that many 4-year-olds are not physically ready to start school.
Doctors are being urged to be cautious about prescribing blood pressure lowering medication to people with coronary heart disease because it may increase the risk of heart attacks, according to a study.
There are plenty of options to give relief from vaginal dryness. The first step is finding out what’s causing the discomfort.
Vaginal dryness can also be a sensitive subject as it is inextricably linked with your sex life and desire.
Thousands of patients in England are facing cancelled routine operations and appointments after junior doctors announced a week of strikes later this month.
