kadın sağlığı

Free Morning-After Pill Service Sees Huge Uptake Among Women in England

Hundreds of thousands of women have taken advantage of a new, free morning-after pill service at high street pharmacies across England. Launched in O

Hundreds of thousands of women have taken advantage of a new, free morning-after pill service at high street pharmacies across England. Launched in October, this initiative aims to enhance accessibility and spare women the hassle of scheduling appointments with a GP or a sexual health clinic. According to fresh NHS figures, nearly 305,000 doses of the emergency contraception were dispensed at pharmacies between October 2025 and March 2026.

Now, check this out: the number of women inquiring about regular oral contraceptives more than doubled! It skyrocketed from approximately 50,000 to over 115,000 within just 12 months leading up to February 2026. The morning-after pill, often referred to as emergency contraception, is specifically designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies… and it needs to be taken within three to five days after unprotected intercourse. The quicker it’s taken, the better it works. It operates by delaying or blocking the release of an egg, but hey, it only prevents pregnancy if ovulation hasn’t already occurred.

But wait, there’s more! Women also have the option to see a doctor or nurse to get a coil or intrauterine device (IUD) fitted, which can help prevent pregnancy at any point during their menstrual cycle. For it to be effective, though, it must be fitted within 120 hours—or five days—after unprotected sex. The government claims that making the morning-after pill accessible for free at pharmacies is a big step towards ending unfair barriers to women’s healthcare.

A spokesperson from the NHS described the pharmacy service as a “major step forward for women’s health,” highlighting that it offers “no appointment, no waiting, and no judgement.” Isn’t that refreshing? Women can easily check online to find their nearest participating pharmacy. Plus, all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who provide this service have undergone specialized training to handle emergency contraception and broader contraceptive care.

Wow, what a shift in women’s health services! This initiative not only provides immediate support but also encourages women to think about their contraceptive options more seriously. So, what’s next? Are we going to see even more changes in the way women access healthcare? Stay tuned!

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

How My Period Boosts My ADHD: A Surprising Connection

Layla Kornota, diagnosed with ADHD as a child, relies heavily on her phone alarms to navigate through her busy day as a teaching assistant. Picture t

Layla Kornota, diagnosed with ADHD as a child, relies heavily on her phone alarms to navigate through her busy day as a teaching assistant. Picture this: four alarms to wake up, one to get dressed, and another to pack her work bag. “This routine keeps my ADHD brain focused,” she says, scrolling through her phone. But here’s the kicker—this sense of control disappears when she waits for a reaction that never comes. It’s a classic ADHD struggle, where the brain processes information differently, leading to challenges with concentration, emotional regulation, and even sitting still, according to the NHS.

Conversations around this issue are buzzing on social media and chat forums, particularly among women, as they share their experiences. “I find myself waiting and waiting,” Layla explains, articulating the common frustration of feeling ignored or overlooked. Psychiatrist Sally Cubbin, a neurodiversity specialist involved in a study at Kings College, emphasizes the link between hormones and ADHD. She hopes that ongoing research will shed light on these connections, particularly during times when women may feel more impulsive or make riskier choices, such as binge eating or spending money.

“Women are more likely to take risks,” she says, “which can include not taking contraception or indulging in foods they know will make them feel ill. It’s not hunger; it’s that impulse that takes over.” Layla, for instance, adores pickles but acknowledges that overindulging leaves her feeling sick. “It’s this impulse that once it’s in your head, you just can’t shake off,” she adds.

Dr. Jessica Agnew-Blais, the lead academic on the Kings College project, points out that ADHD in women, particularly adults, is an emerging field of research. Not too long ago, ADHD was viewed mainly as a childhood disorder affecting boys. “Now, we see more and more women coming forward,” she notes. Thanks to increased awareness, many women are finally recognizing the struggles they’ve faced throughout their lives and are seeking help. “It’s not about changing who you are,” Dr. Agnew-Blais emphasizes, which can feel validating and freeing for those affected.

Layla reflects on her own journey. “I’ve often been hard on myself for not meeting expectations,” she admits. But finding a community of others with similar experiences has been a game changer. “It’s good to feel like I’m not alone in this,” she says.

So, what does the future hold for ADHD awareness and support? As more women open up about their experiences, the hope is that understanding and resources will expand. With ADHD services facing increased demand, many are left wondering how long they will have to wait for the help they need.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Why Heatwaves Are Harder on Women: The Hidden Struggles Revealed

Overwhelmed, irritable, dizzy, bloated, exhausted. These are the words frequently seen in comments sent to the BBC by women who are still recovering

Overwhelmed, irritable, dizzy, bloated, exhausted. These are the words frequently seen in comments sent to the BBC by women who are still recovering from the record-breaking heat in June and are now bracing for even more scorching weather. Extreme heat doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone. However, experts say heatwaves serve as a “stress-test” for women’s health. According to Dr. Cat Pinho-Gomes, an academic public health consultant at UCL, women may be slightly more vulnerable to heatwave-related deaths than men, although more evidence is needed to fully understand this disparity.

Digging deeper, the research reveals that women generally have a higher core body temperature and a greater body fat percentage compared to men. This additional layer of insulation can intensify their heat stress. Combine this biological reality with the natural fluctuations of women’s hormones, and it’s clear that their brain’s temperature regulation systems are often “out of kilter.” Dr. Pinho-Gomes emphasized that it’s not just biology at play; socioeconomic factors like lower pay and caregiving responsibilities further hinder women’s ability to care for themselves during heatwaves.

Age also plays a crucial role in this equation. The older you get, the more susceptible you are to heat-related health issues. Since women tend to live longer than men, they face increased risks associated with extreme temperatures. Additionally, elderly individuals are more prone to dementia, which can impair their ability to recognize thirst—a critical warning sign during heat stress.

Imagine dealing with all of this without air conditioning. Michaela Finn from North London shared her experience of being on her period during the late June heatwave, describing how the drop in estrogen, which drives the thermoregulatory system, put extra pressure on her heart to cool down. Similarly, Charlie Paddock, a 27-year-old from South London, remarked that her period symptoms felt amplified during the heatwave, making it hard to find relief from cramping without her trusty hot water bottle. Jess Allingham, 26, echoed these sentiments, saying she felt “absolutely exhausted, more than normal,” and experienced “total brain fog.” You could almost feel the collective sigh of frustration among them: “It was just about survival.”

Pregnant women face unique challenges as well. They struggle to regulate body temperature due to increased metabolic heat and fluid needs, making them more vulnerable to heat stress, as highlighted in a recent study published in the Lancet. Fluctuating progesterone levels during early to mid-pregnancy can exacerbate feelings of heat, but thankfully, estrogen levels rise in the later stages of pregnancy, which helps cool the body down.

For those carrying a human inside them, being heavily pregnant in the thick of summer is nothing short of hellish. One expectant mother lamented, “Sometimes a Mars ice cream would join me,” as a small comfort amidst the sweltering heat. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke: drink plenty of fluids, use fans, and exercise before sunrise or after sunset.

In this context, Dr. Pinho-Gomes suggests we should treat heat like a cardiovascular stress test, calling for more awareness and understanding of women’s needs in healthcare and policy-making. “We need more women sitting at the decision table in positions of power and influence,” she said. This isn’t just a woman’s issue; it’s a public health concern that affects everyone.

So, as the temperatures rise again, the question remains: What can be done to safeguard women’s health during these heatwaves?

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber