Medical dictionary

What is premature ovarian insufficiency? Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), premature menopause and premature ovarian failure are all terms to describe the same condition. These all describe the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40. This can occur as a teenager, in the 20s or 30s. Ovaries stop functioning correctly and are unable to produce the hormones oestrogen, progesterone or t

What is PMS?   Premenstrual syndrome, more commonly known as PMS, is the name for the symptoms that women experience before they menstruate, i.e. their period. Many women experience PMS, and symptoms vary from woman to woman, though in some it can be more severe, affecting their daily life to the extent where they must seek medical help.      Who does PM

What is prenatal diagnosis? Prenatal diagnosis is a set of tests that are carried out during pregnancy and allow us to monitor the formation and development of the foetus. There are different techniques, both invasive and non-invasive. Some of the tests are commonly performed on all women, while others are performed depending on the state and development of the mother and foetus. What

What is prenatal testing?   Prenatal testing are a series of screening tests done to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities or birth defects for the baby. These tests are usually carried out from 10 weeks, or between 14 and 18 weeks.     How does prenatal testing work?   Depending on the prenatal test done, it may be done via: Ultrasound: To

What is childbirth preparation? The term “childbirth preparation” encompasses a range of tools that help parents-to-be prepare for the birth of their child from the start of pregnancy. They usually take the form of talks providing information about: foetal development and medical check-ups; psychological aspects of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period; what happens d

What is a preventive mastectomy? Also known as a prophylactic mastectomy or risk-reducing mastectomy, a preventive mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both breasts to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are in the high-risk group of developing the disease. The surgery can greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer (up to 90 to 95 per cent). But it cannot 100 per ce

What is psychosexual therapy? The aim of psychosexual sex therapy is to help improve the physical intimacy between you and your partner and to overcome or manage any sexual difficulties you may be experiencing. Psychosexual therapy is designed to help support you to feel more comfortable when having sex.    Psychosexual therapy involves examining the mind to understa

What is reciprocal IVF?   Reciprocal IVF, also known as partner IVF, is a form of assisted reproduction popular amongst female same-sex couples as it allows both women to take part in the reproductive process of their baby. It involves one of the women donating her eggs to the other woman who will go on to carry the pregnancy. The donated egg is fertilised by donor sperm.  

What is rectocele? Rectocele, also known as posterior vaginal prolapse, is a condition in which the tissue wall between the rectum and vagina weakens. This allows the vaginal wall to bulge. Childbirth and processes that put pressure on pelvic tissues can lead to rectocele. Self-care measures are often very effective but severe rectocele may require surgical repair. What are the symptoms