While there are some health issues that you should always seek professional advice for, did you know that there are others that you can successfully sort out yourself from the comfort of your home? Maybe you’re too busy to go to the doctors or too embarrassed, in which case you’ll be pleased to know that postal testing kits and treatments becoming more widespread. This allows you to save face in certain embarrassing situations, or simply save you time and effort. Here are some of the issues that you’re now able to test for (and treat) at home.

Male Pattern Baldness

Hair loss is very common in men over the age of thirty-five. In fact, two-thirds of men have significant hair loss by this time. However, it doesn’t make it any less embarrassing. A lot of men struggle to come to terms with this, and few are comfortable enough to speak to a GP about it. Thankfully there is safe and legal medication you can buy online which has been proven to be effective. Finasteride (sold under the brand names Propecia and Proscar) is the only drug which has ever been shown to effectively combat male pattern baldness. A large proportion of men with mild to moderate hair loss experience hair regrowth or at least slowed hair loss. The supplement works by blocking the enzyme which converts testosterone in the body to a chemical called DHT. DHT is a potent androgen which shrinks hair follicles on the crown of the head, to the point that they can no longer grow hair. You can buy this from various places on the internet after completing an online consultation. Another hair loss product that has been shown to be effective is in liquid form called Minoxidil- brand name Rogaine. It can help promote hair growth in both men and women. It can be purchased online, as well as in some high street pharmacies.



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Pap Smear Testing

Pap smear testing is an annoying yet vital screening process for most women. However, some women are embarrassed or put off by the procedure that they choose to skip these appointments. This is extremely dangerous since cervical cancer can go undetected for a long time, and by the time symptoms show it could be too late. Smear testing kits, as well as kits that test for HPV (the virus which causes cervical cancer 99% of the time), are available to buy online. If you send back the swab and get a positive result, you will have to speak to a doctor. But if it comes back normal, which is the case for most smear test results, you know you’re fine and it can save an embarrassing trip to the GP.

Contraception

The contraceptive pill is one of the most popular forms of birth control, and for a good reason. Taken correctly it prevents pregnancy more than 99% of the time. It can also help with other issues such as regulating your cycle and even improving hormonal acne. The only problem is it can be frustrating having to keep making trips to the doctors for a repeat prescription. Buying online saves you hassle and means it’s delivered right to your door. No having to rush around to the doctors after work or finding a chemist.



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STD Testing and Medication

Since many STDs can be symptomless, they can go unnoticed for a long time and wreak havoc on your body. If you believe you’re at any risk it’s better to be safe than sorry, and testing can give you peace of mind if you’re worried. You can buy online testing kits for diseases including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis- and can also purchase the treatment for these too if the results come back positive. You can even buy testing kits for HIV and hepatitis C which is a discreet way to find out your status if you’re unsure. Should you get a positive result with these, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. If it comes back negative, it will put your mind at rest, and you’ll know to be much more cautious in future.

Paternity Testing

Paternity testing is quick and painless, and is done by running a swab on the inside of the cheek to collect cells for testing. They are 99.9% accurate, and so having one done will remove all doubt from your mind. You might need paternity test doing on a new baby due to custody reasons, or to confirm the relation of an estranged family member. It could be a result of a relationship ending on bad terms, or you might even suspect a mix-up at the hospital. Either way, getting this test is done a good way to go. The results are confidential and allow you to find out without any reasonable doubt an individual’s paternity. In most cases, you will need to get consent for this. But it’s just a matter of all parties being tested signing a form (or a parent/ guardian signing on a child’s behalf). There are even prenatal paternity tests these days which allow you to determine the paternity of a child before they’re born.



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Morning After Pill

The morning after pill can prevent unwanted pregnancy if taken within seventy two hours hours. It works by delaying ovulation (releasing an egg) as well as irritating the uterine lining meaning a fertilized egg is less likely to implant. Due to the nature of the medication it’s is something you can’t delay with taking, thankfully there are websites which ship these by courier by the next day. And so if you’re going to order online make the transaction as quickly as possible, ideally right after the accident has occurred. You’re also able to order an additional pill in case any future mistakes happen. However, it’s important that this isn’t used as a substitute for contraception. If other methods of contraception fail then this is simply a backup (which is why it’s commonly referred to as ‘plan B’). It contains powerful hormones so isn’t something you should be taking on a regular basis. For full peace of mind, a long term method of contraception such as the pill, implant or IUD is recommended if you’re not looking to become pregnant. Always use a barrier method too, unless you’re in a monogamous relationship where both partners have been screened for STDs.

Cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. It can cause symptoms such as pain when urinating, low stomach pain and generally feeling unwell and tired. It’s more common in women but does also develop in men and children too. For most people, it’s an annoying and slightly embarrassing nuisance and can go away on its own within a few days. However, if it doesn’t, there are antibiotic medications you can buy online. There are also over the counter sachets you can drink to ease symptoms, you can buy these from any pharmacy. If you are getting particularly nasty symptoms, recurrent infections or if you’re a man (cystitis in men is more severe and could indicate something else going on in the body) it’s important to see a GP. But for milder, occasional cases you’re okay to treat this yourself. Maintaining good hygiene, not using perfumed bath and body products and changing your contraception can help in some cases. It’s not a serious condition in itself, but it can lead to bacteria traveling up to the kidneys and causing kidney infections. So it’s not something to take lightly.

Food Intolerance and Allergy Testing

Food allergies and intolerances can cause all manner of irritating symptoms. You could experience skin rashes, digestive problems, headaches, nausea and more. The non-invasive test can use blood or hair, and amazingly determine underlying health issues related to food with this. You’ll often know when you have a food allergy as symptoms come on fairly quickly after consuming it- rashes, itching, and wheezing can be common. In more serious allergies such as nut allergies, it can even lead to anaphylactic shock. However, just because you’re not experiencing problems on this level doesn’t mean there’s not something else going on. Food intolerances are very common and can be a little harder to work out, since they can come on hours after ingesting the food. If you have unexplained headaches, digestive problems or skin issues, and just can’t get to the route of them, something like this could be your answer. Knowing what you need to avoid can be incredibly useful and could be the end of your health issues once and for all. Common food intolerances include wheat, gluten, dairy and products containing histamine. Histamine is a chemical found in a lot of foods: certain alcoholic beverages, fruits, fish, soy, and cheeses can all contain it. Since these make up a large part of most people’s diets, it’s useful to know exactly what needs to be cut out. Then you can begin to make swaps for things that you are able to tolerate.



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Were you aware that so many issues could be tested for and treated online?