Medical dictionary

What is urogynaecology? Urogynaecology is a subspeciality of gynaecology that assesses, investigates and treats a woman’s pelvic floor issues as one. A urogynaecologist is a gynaecologist who has specialised in urology. What are pelvic floor disorders?  A urogynaecologist treats pelvic floor issues. The pelvic floor is a band of muscles, that both men and women have, that s

What is UroLift®? The UroLift® system is a minimally-invasive procedure used for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is considered to be a revolutionary system as no heating, cutting or tissue removal is required. The procedure is a treatment option for the early stages of BPE, which means that the patient can stop taking

What are vaginal cysts? A vaginal cyst is a benign sac-like growth filled with air, fluid or pus that develops in the vaginal wall. Most develop on or under the lining of the vagina. Some vaginal cysts are so small that they can’t be seen by the naked eye. Others can grow much larger to the size of an orange.       There are different types of vaginal c

What is vaginal dryness? Vaginal dryness occurs due to a decrease in the levels of oestrogen hormones that keep the vagina lubricated and prevent any kind of pathology. When oestrogen levels are low, the vaginal lining shrinks and thickens, impeding lubrication. Vaginal dryness is a disorder that occurs frequently in those just before the menopause. This can be due to the

  What are vaginal problems? The most common vaginal problems are:  Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs); Dryness; Pelvic floor relaxation – supporting ligaments and connective tissues can weaken and lead to prolapse; Sexual problems.  Infections can also lead to a number of vaginal problems. Common infections that aff

What is vaginal prolapse? Vaginal prolapse, also called pelvis organ prolapse (POP), is when the muscles that support the organs in the pelvis weaken and one or more of the organs begins to bulge into and even out of the vagina. Organs that can prolapse in this way include: Bladder Uterus Urethra Rectum (end of the bowel) Is vaginal prolapse life-threatening? While not l

What is vaginoplasty? Vaginoplasty is a vaginal rejuvenation surgery that aims to correct the distension and loosening of the vaginal canal tissues and to recover the tightening and contraction capacity of the vaginal muscles. Both childbirth and ageing can cause the vaginal canal muscles to loosen. Vaginoplasty is a gynaecological procedure that is sometimes referred to as vaginal rejuven

What is a valvuloplasty? The heart has four valves, which determine the pathway of blood flow through the heart. The mitral and tricuspid valves are located between the atria and the ventricles, whilst the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve are found between the ventricles and the arteries leaving the heart. Heart valve repair or valvuloplasty is a surgical technique used to fix defects in he

What is a varicocele? A varicocele is formed by a varicose vein (an unusually swollen vein) or a group of varicose veins, located in the scrotum or in the spermatic cord. Varicoceles usually develop during puberty, growing larger and more noticeable with time. They occur most often on the left side of the scrotum, and although not usually harmful, in some people it can cause pain in the testicl