Medical dictionary

What is ovarian cancer debulking?Debulking is a type of surgery with the goal of removing as much cancerous tissue as possible. In terms of ovarian cancer treatment, this surgery will aim to remove some or all of the cancer, and may involve removing affected reproductive organs such as the ovaries, uterus, womb, cervix, lymph nodes or fallopian tubes. This treatment is very important for wome

What are ovarian cysts?  A cyst is a closed sac filled with fluid, a solid mass, or a mix, that occurs in the body’s tissue. In the case of ovarian cysts, they are sacs that grow on the ovaries in women. The ovaries are organs that make up the female reproductive system, one on each side of the womb. The ovaries release an egg as part of the menstrual cycle and both sex hormones

What is ovarian stimulation? Ovarian stimulation is a treatment used before other assisted conception procedures to both induce ovulation and to increase the number of eggs released. This can increase the chances of a pregnancy happening. Ovarian stimulation can be done either with medications, or it can be done using injections. Ovarian insemination may precede artificial insemination or in

What is an overactive bladder? An overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition where the patient frequently experiences a sudden, and often urgent need to urinate. These urges can occur at any time, night or day, and can have a serious impact on a person’s life, including their self-esteem and social life. In a significant number of patients, overactive bladder comes coupled with a loss of uri

What are ovulatory disorders? An ovulatory disorder refers to a dysfunction of the ovaries, which are the producers of oestrogen and eggs in the body. Ovulatory disorders, where ovulation is absent (anovulation) or abnormal, are one of the most common causes of infertility in women.     In a normal menstrual cycle, which lasts around 28 – 35 days, the ovaries w

What is oxidative stress?Oxidation is the natural process of your body reacting with oxygen as you breathe in and out. In this process, molecules known as free radicals are produced. These are oxygen-containing molecules which have one or more unpaired electrons. The molecule then “steals” an electron from another molecule in order to stabilise.Not all free radicals are harmful to the body – some

What is ozone therapy?Ozone therapy is form of alternative medicine which is based on the introduction of ‘ozone’ (e.g activated oxygen) into the body through various routes (such as the rectum, the vagina, intravenously, and subcutaneously). It has been suggested as a treatment or therapy for conditions such as AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis, along with disc problems such as herniated di

What is a pacemaker? A pacemaker is a small electric device which generates electrical impulses to regulate your heart rhythm particularly when the heart's own electrical system is so slow or sluggish that it fails to generate sufficient heart rate for normal day-to-day functioning. The major symptoms of low heart rates include dizziness, passing out, or shortness of breath on exertion.&nbs

What is paediatric alopecia?Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. If a child experiences hair loss before the age of 10, then they are considered to have paediatric alopecia. There are a variety of reasons why hair can fall out. It affects all races and genders.   What is a common age for children to get alopecia?Hair loss can occur at any age. Alopecia can begin during childh