Medical dictionary

What are polyps? Polyps are abnormal tissue growths (clumps of cells) that appear as small bumps mostly on the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) or on the rectum (anus). It is also possible to develop polyps in the ear canal, cervix, stomach, nose, and uterus. Some people may develop only one whilst others can develop two or more at a time. They can either be on a stalk and therefo

What is postmenopausal bleeding? Menopause is a natural biological process, that marks the cessation of menstruation and of a woman's reproductive years. Menopause is reached when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months, it usually occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, however this varies from person to person. Postmenopausal bleeding refers to any vaginal blee

What is postpartum depression?   Postpartum depression is a feeling of sadness, melancholy, unhappiness, or depression that a woman can undergo after giving birth and can last up to one year after childbirth. The most likely cause seems to be the hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy, as well as imbalances that can affect the mood of the mother.   The sy

What is preconception care? Preconception care is an opportunity for you and your partner to improve your health before trying to have a baby. There is a greater chance of conceiving a healthy baby if both partners are healthy. Healthcare professionals can help you to assess your health, fitness and lifestyle and identify the areas of your life that need to be improved. Preconception care

What is pre-eclampsia? Pre-eclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure (hypertension) and high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria) in some pregnant women, usually from the 20th week of their pregnancy or after the baby has been born, a condition known as postpartum pre-eclampsia.     What are the symptoms of pre-eclampsia? Normally, a pr

What is pregnancy?   Pregnancy is the physiological condition of a woman, starting from the moment of conception of the foetus, including the baby’s growth, until birth. Pregnancy is usually categorised by weeks (for a total of 40) and lasts around 280 days. Under particular circumstances, the baby can be born before (premature birth) or after the estimated due date.  

What is preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)? Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique used to detect genetic diseases or defects in embryos being used for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) before they are implanted in the uterus. Following advice from a fertility specialist, PGD might be offered to a couple that may know of genetic disorders running in their families, or to test th

What is it?Any labour and birth that occurs before the 40th week of pregnancy is considered to be premature or preterm. Usually, a pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks. If labour and delivery happen between the 20th and 37th week of gestation, it is considered premature. There are several kinds of premature birth:Moderate to late premature birth: Between the 34th and the 37th week of pregnancyVery

What is premature menopause? Premature menopause, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or premature ovarian failure (POF), is a medical condition in which a woman's ovaries cease to function before the typical age of natural menopause, which is typically between 45 and 55 years old. In premature menopause, this process occurs before the age of 40. This condition can have sign