‘Doctors strikes’ and ‘paw prints in space’

A round-up of stories from local newspapers and the BBC from the past week in the West of England.

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I was pressured into refusing a blood transfusion aged 11. The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ new policy changes nothing

Former followers say the organisation is still putting lives at risk, despite a policy update.

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I’ve been a sex educator for six years. Why did I start doubting my contraception choices?

Misinformation about contraception has been spreading on social media, alongside the “very real frustrations” of women complaining about side effects.

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I’ve been a sex educator for six years. Why did I start doubting my contraception choices?

Misinformation about contraception has been spreading on social media, alongside the “very real frustrations” of women complaining about side effects.

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Hundreds contact BBC about mystery skin condition ‘hell’ – but doctors can’t agree it exists

Some think it’s a severe case of eczema. Others say it’s a condition called TSW. But doctors are stuck in a dilemma.

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Why weight-loss jabs work better for some people than others

People who carry variations in two genes linked to appetite and digestion can lose more weight when taking drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro to treat obesity, research suggests.

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ChatGPT ‘uncovered woman’s rare condition’ after years of misdiagnosis

Phoebe was told she’d be treated as a mental health patient if she kept returning to A&E.

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ChatGPT ‘uncovered woman’s rare condition’ after years of misdiagnosis

Phoebe was told she’d be treated as a mental health patient if she kept returning to A&E.

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Incontinence problems leave me ‘leaking while competing’

Aimee Oliver never imagined that giving birth would ultimately cause her to need surgery for incontinence.

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Incontinence problems leave me ‘leaking while competing’

Aimee Oliver’s problems began in her 20s following the birth of her first child.

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