This is not an operation. It is a procedure so commonly used in obstetric and gynaecological investigation that it probably deserves a special mention. It is used as an imaging technique for several procedures, like egg pick-up operations in IVF, and for amniocentesis in early pregnancy. The fact that this technique does not use x-rays [...]

For some unknown reason the ovaries have a ‘use-by’ date. After a time of useful function, when they can produce eggs to make babies, they and their neighbour (the uterus) down tools and walk off the job, so to speak. Usually the rest of the body has a couple of decades to go, but not [...]

What happens when you have a vasectomy? Most doctors or centres that perform vasectomies will ask you to come in to see them first to talk about the procedure before you actually make a booking to have the vasectomy. The doctor will also examine you and make sure you are suitable to have a vasectomy [...]

The Temperature method is based on the fact that when you ovulate, your body temperature rises between 0.2 and 0.5°C and it stays that way until your next period starts, then it drops down again. The next period usually starts between 12 and 16 days after you ovulate.

How do you use the Temperature method?

You have [...]

Q. I am on the minipill and I often forget to take my pill when I am supposed to. I haven’t got pregnant though, so does it really matter?

A. If you really don’t want to be pregnant it does matter. Even though you have not become pregnant so far, you could get pregnant any time [...]