Medical dictionary

What is a short frenulum?   A short frenulum is also known as frenulum breve. The frenulum of the penis is the elastic fold of the skin that joins the underside of the glans (head of the penis) with the inner surface of the foreskin. Its function is to help the foreskin to contract over the glans.   A short frenulum is when the frenulum of the penis is so short that it r

What is sperm retrieval? Sperm retrieval is the surgical extraction of sperm from the testicles in the case that a has obstructive azoospermia (a blockage is preventing healthy sperm from being ejaculated) nonobstructive azoospermia (the body produces too few sperm or isn’t producing any). A lack of sperm can be due to: An obstruction that prevents sperm from being released, pote

What is stress incontinence? Stress incontinence is the unintentional loss of urine when physical movement puts your bladder under pressure, for example, if you laugh or cough, run, sneeze or lift something heavy. Stress incontinence is much more common in women than in men. The condition can impact your mental health and those who have stress incontinence may at tim

What is a Testicular Biopsy? Testicular biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a tiny piece of testicle tissue for examination under a microscope. The biopsy is performed by making a small incision in the skin of the scrotum, the layers beneath and the outer layer of the testicle. A small piece of the testicular tissue is then removed.   What is

What is testicular cancer?Testicular cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the testes, which are the oval-shaped glands that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone in men between 15 and 35 years old. Testicular cancer can occur in one or both testes, and is more common in those who experience an abnormal testicular development or an undescended testicle.There are two main types of testicular

What is tubal ligation? Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure performed on some women to close the fallopian tubes which are the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. This procedure is performed as a permanent method of birth control (sterilisation). By closing the fallopian tubes, eggs released from the ovaries are prevented from travelling down them and sperm are blocked from travell

What is an ultrasound?   Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging procedure that allows you to see organs and soft structures inside the body. At present, they can be 2D, 3D or four-dimensional images. Ultrasound is a non-invasive technique, in which radiation is not used. Thanks to this, it is used to visualise developing foetuses in pregnancy.     What does an ultraso

What is an umbilical hernia? An umbilical hernia is a type of hernia that can be defined as parts of the internal organs protruding through a weakness in the surrounding cavity. In the case of an umbilical hernia, abdominal fat or part of the bowel passes through an area around the navel. What are the symptoms of an umbilical hernia? Umbilical hernias are very common, parti

What is cryptorchidism? An undescended testicle, medically known as cryptorchidism, is a common condition in young male children where one of the testicles has not moved into its usual position in the scrotum. It can occur with one (unilateral cryptorchidism) or both (bilateral cryptorchidism) testes. It is a problem that is thought to affect approximately 4% of baby boys, although in most c