'Morning after' pill (emergency contraception pill)

The 'morning after' pill is a type of emergency contraception. It can be used within a few days of unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Read more

Progestogen-only pill (mini pill)

The progestogen-only pill (POP) is a type of contraception (birth control) that is sometimes called the mini pill. Read about the types of POP.

Read more

Inserting an IUCD

A coil or intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUD) is a contraceptive device. An IUD can be removed by your doctor. Read about how this method of contraception works and how a IUD is inserted.

Read more

Why women need iodine – and how to get more of it (hint: ice cream)

More than 4 in 10 women could be deficient in iodine, a mineral needed in pregnancy for healthy brain development in babies, reports the University of Sydney.

Read more

Pineal gland

Find out about the pineal gland. This is a very small gland in your brain that makes the hormone melatonin, which controls your internal body clock.

Read more

Endocrine glands and their hormones

Find out more about the endocrine glands and hormones in your body, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland and adrenal glands.

Read more

Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a reliable method of contraception (birth control). Find out about the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD.

Read more

Could a pair of glasses help you sleep?

Body clock disorders and challenges like jet lag could possibly be helped by a special type of glasses that shine light into the wearer’s eyes.

Read more

Codeine no longer available over the counter from Feb 1

Pain-relief medicines that contain codeine will no longer be available without a doctor's prescription from 1 Feb 2018. Here’s what you need to know.

Read more

Are generic medicines the same as brand-name medicines?

To mark Be Medicinewise Week 2019, here's what you need to know about generic versus brand-name medicines and their ingredients.

Read more

Foods high in vitamin A

Vitamin A plays an important role in keeping you well and maintaining a healthy immune system. Here's how to include enough vitamin A in your diet.

Read more

Foods high in zinc

Foods high in zinc include seafood, red meat, poultry and dairy products. Learn which foods help you get enough zinc in your diet.

Read more

Vitamin A and your health

Vitamin A is important for good vision, healthy skin and for supporting the immune system. Most Australians can get enough from eating a varied, healthy diet.

Read more

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that is used to induce labor, strengthen contractions, or to control bleeding after childbirth.

Read more

Foods high in magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels. Find out which foods are high in magnesium.

Read more

Vardenafil (Levitra)

Vardenafil (Levitra) is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in males. Learn how to use it safely, and side effects to watch out for.

Read more

Testosterone blood test

A testosterone blood test can show us how much of the sex hormone testosterone is in your body. Males usually have more testosterone than females.

Read more

Can magnesium help to reduce anxiety?

Find out about the impact magnesium may have on anxiety symptoms and what you should consider before you take magnesium for anxiety.

Read more

Magnesium and your health

Magnesium is a nutrient essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels. Read about the benefits of magnesium.

Read more

Folate blood test

Folate is an important nutrient for making red blood cells. The folate blood test checks whether you have enough folate in your blood.

Read more

Better access to an overdose-reversing medication could save lives

A nasal spray has been added to the PBS, meaning many Australians could be saved from overdosing on prescription and illicit opioids.

Read more

Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium deficiency is when the body doesn’t get all the magnesium it needs. Read more about magnesium deficiency symptoms, diagnosis and causes.

Read more

Paracetamol poisoning has increased in Australia – here’s how to take it safely

Paracetamol is the most commonly used drug in Australia, but it's also the reason for most calls to poisons information hotlines.

Read more

Vitamin A deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency is often preventable in developed countries like Australia. Learn about the symptoms, causes and how to ensure you get enough vitamin A.

Read more

Vitamin D and your health

Vitamin D is very important for bone health. Learn about natural sources, supplements and health risks associated with too much or too little vitamin D.

Read more

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a strong opioid medicine prescribed by doctors for severe pain. Learn about its how it works and potential side effects.

Read more

Zinc deficiency

Zinc deficiency is when the body does not have enough of the mineral zinc. Read more about zinc deficiency symptoms, diagnosis and causes.

Read more

International normalised ratio (INR) test

The international normalised ratio (INR) test is a measure of the time taken for your blood to clot. Find out more about this test and what it means.

Read more

Zinc and your health

Zinc is a mineral that is essential for many of the body's normal functions and systems. Learn more about how much you need and how to get enough.

Read more

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, teas, chocolate and energy drinks. It acts on your brain and nervous system. Learn more about caffeine here.

Read more