Medical dictionary

What is an induced abortion?An abortion, also sometimes known as the termination of pregnancy, is when an embryo or foetus and placenta are removed from the uterus either spontaneously or done by medicine or a surgical procedure.   What are the different types of abortion?There are six different types of abortion, depending on the circumstances and gestation period:Sp

What is infertility?   Infertility is the inability of a couple to become pregnant through natural means. Infertility affects the couple, both the man and the woman, who cannot have a child naturally. There are two types of infertility: primary infertility (affecting couples who have not become pregnant after at least one year of unprotected sexual intercourse) and secondar

What is integrative medicine? Integrative medicine is a new patient-focused medical approach and philosophy that prioritises the well-being of patients suffering from chronic or acute health conditions through a combined use of medicine and evidence-based therapies. In simpler terms, integrative medicine is a personalised, holistic, and healing-oriented process that sees the patient's needs

What is interstitial cystitis?   Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammation of the bladder, also known as painful bladder syndrome. While interstitial cystitis describes chronic cases of bladder inflammation, cystitis is the term used for acute instances of the condition.      What are the symptoms of interstitial cystitis?   In patients suffe

What is intraoperative radiation therapy? Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a technique in which radiation is administered to a cancer tumour during a surgical procedure. Why is intraoperative radiation therapy performed? Intraoperative radiation therapy is mostly used in breast cancer, but it can also be applied to tumours of the pancreas, colon, rectum and liver, or in

What is an intrauterine device (IUD)?An intrauterine device, more commonly known as an IUD, is a contraceptive device. It is a small copper device that is T-shaped and inserted into the uterus. No hormones are released by this device, as copper changes the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg and survive. This change in mucus also stops a fertilised egg implanting itself.

What is intrauterine insemination? Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the most used techniques in reproductive medicine. Sperm is deposited in the woman's vagina through artificial means and not sexual intercourse. The semen used can belong to the partner of the woman who wants to become pregnant or it can come from a sperm donor.   What does it consist of? The

What is in vitro fertilisation? In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a procedure in which an egg is combined with sperm outside the body, in a laboratory. Once fertilised, the egg is transferred to the woman’s uterus, with the goal of successful pregnancy. It is a common fertility treatment. Why is in vitro fertilisation performed? This treatment is an option which can help a woman t

What is labiaplasty?Labiaplasty is a surgery that involves remodelling and resizing the labia minora which are the flaps of skin on each side of the vaginal opening. This can either be performed for cosmetic purposes, but sometimes it is for functional reasons. In most cases, local anaesthesia is used for a labiaplasty procedure. Labiaplasty should not be performed on girls aged less than 18