All Posts

Pembrokeshire is home to some of the toughest triathlons, sportives and trail races in the UK. Hard training puts real demands on your body, and a blood test gives you a clear picture of how it is coping. The end of the racing season and the start of winter training are two of the most useful times to test. When is the best time to test? At the end of the season. A long season of racing can leave iron stores, vitamin D and other markers lower than you might expect. Testing no

If osteoarthritis is affecting your mobility, comfort, or enjoyment of everyday activities, Ostenil Plus may help. At Pembrokeshire Medical, we offer Ostenil Plus injections as an effective treatment for patients experiencing joint pain, particularly in the knee, who are looking for an alternative to steroid injections or longer-lasting symptom relief. What is Ostenil Plus? Ostenil Plus contains sodium hyaluronate, a naturally occurring substance found within healthy joint fl

Thinking about a private blood test but not sure what actually happens? Here is how it works at our clinic in Fishguard, from booking to getting your results explained. Do I need a referral? No. You can book most of our blood tests directly online, without seeing your NHS GP first. If you are not sure which test is right for you, a short appointment with one of our GPs can help you choose, so you only pay for what is useful. How it works, step by step Choose your test. Browse

Feeling tired is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor. Often the cause is lifestyle, such as poor sleep, stress or a heavy workload. But sometimes a blood test can point to something that is easy to treat. Common causes a blood test can check for Iron deficiency and anaemia. A full blood count and ferritin (your iron stores) show whether low iron could be the cause. Low vitamin B12 or folate. Both are needed to make healthy red blood cells. Low vitamin D. Very c

GLP‑1 injectables such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have become some of the most widely discussed treatments for weight management. For many people, they offer a sense of hope — a way to regain control over appetite, cravings, and long‑term weight. Used well, they can be genuinely transformative. But as their popularity grows, so does the need for clear, compassionate guidance. At Pembrokeshire Medical, we see the benefits these medications can bring, bu

Why HPV Vaccination Matters Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. It is a very common virus, and most people will get it at some point in their lives. While many HPV infections clear up on their own, some types can cause changes in cervical cells that may develop into cancer over time. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV most likely to cause cervical cancer. In the UK, the new single-dose vaccine is routinely offered to teenagers, usua

Cholesterol testing is a common part of health checkups, but many people find the results confusing. Terms like HDL, LDL, and triglycerides often come up, and it’s not always clear what they mean or why different people have different target levels. This post breaks down the main types of cholesterol tested, explains what the numbers mean, and explores why personalised targets matter. It also covers the role of advanced tests like apolipoproteins and lipoprotein(a), which pro

Vitamin D Deficiency: Understanding Its Impact on Health in Wales Vitamin D deficiency affects many people across Wales, often without them realising it. Despite the importance of this nutrient for overall health, NHS services do not routinely test for vitamin D levels. At Pembrokeshire Medical, we frequently find cases of deficiency, even in individuals who spend time outdoors or consider themselves healthy. Understanding where vitamin D comes from, why it matters, and how t

Winter brings a unique set of challenges for our health and wellbeing. As the days grow shorter and colder, it’s easy to let good habits slip and ignore those small but persistent niggles that can affect our quality of life. The new year offers a perfect opportunity to reset, build healthier routines, and take proactive steps to care for your body and mind. At Pembrokeshire Medical, we encourage you to embrace this fresh start by focusing on winter wellness and making your he

Prostate cancer affects a significant number of men in the UK, with about 1 in 8 men diagnosed during their lifetime. For Black African-Caribbean men, the risk is even higher, with 1 in 4 affected. Despite these numbers, testing for prostate cancer is often inconsistent and misunderstood. Many men do not know when or how to get tested, and some assume it is part of routine health checks when it is not. This November, it is vital to raise awareness about prostate cancer risks,

Why Do Micronutrients Matter? Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, play a vital role in numerous bodily functions. During and after menopause, the decline in estrogen can lead to changes in how the body absorbs these nutrients. This can result in deficiencies that may worsen common menopausal symptoms. For instance, low levels of certain vitamins and minerals can contribute to feelings of tiredness, mood swings, and cognitive issues like brain fog. Additionally, d

After all, why wouldn't we celebrate the joyful rollercoaster that is menopause? Understanding Menopause Menopause is a natural milestone in a woman’s life. It marks the end of our reproductive years. While it is a normal biological process, it can bring challenges that feel overwhelming for many women. During menopause, women may experience various symptoms. These can include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, weight gain, and decreased libido. As w

Heart health is a critical aspect of overall well-being. Many people underestimate the importance of regular check-ups and evaluations...

Navigating the healthcare system can feel like wandering through a maze, especially for private patients in the UK. One area that often leaves folks scratching their heads is prescription charges for medications. While some medical practices, like us at Pembrokeshire Medical, might include the prescription fee in their consultation costs, there are still drug charges set by pharmacies that you need to keep in mind. Understanding Prescription Charges for Private Patients What

Taking charge of your health before problems arise is a powerful way to live well. Instead of waiting for illness to strike, adopting...

Vitamin B12: The Essential Nutrient for Your Health Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a vital water-soluble vitamin that supports many essential functions in the body. Despite its importance, many individuals remain unaware of its sources, benefits, and how to manage potential deficiencies. Read on to understand the significance of Vitamin B12, where to find it, the risk factors for deficiency, and the options available for replacement, including injections. What is Vi

If you’ve ever felt like your mood completely shifts every month—where you're not just “a bit hormonal,” but truly struggling to cope—you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining it. For some women, the days leading up to their period can bring overwhelming emotional and physical symptoms that seriously affect day-to-day life. This condition is called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and it affects up to 1 in 20 women. What Is PMDD? PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual

The Importance of Nutrient Absorption Nutrient absorption refers to how our bodies take in essential vitamins, minerals, and other compounds from food. No matter how healthy your diet is, if your body struggles to absorb those nutrients, you will not reap the benefits. Various factors, including age, medications, and particularly gut health, can significantly impact how well we absorb nutrients. For instance, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition fou

Finger-prick food intolerance tests, often marketed as IgG antibody tests, are widely available. However, their reliability is controversial. These tests typically measure levels of IgG antibodies against specific foods. High levels are suggested to indicate an intolerance. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. Food for Thought IgG Reflects Exposure, Not Intolerance The presence of IgG antibodies to certain foods is a normal immune response. It o

Private medical care is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Many individuals are turning away from the NHS for a variety of reasons,...