Medical dictionary

What is timed intercourse? Scheduled sexual intercourse, also known as directed intercourse or timed intercourse, is a simple reproductive technique monitored by a gynaecologist that may be recommended for couples who are having difficulty getting pregnant naturally. Why might timed intercourse be recommended? Usually, directed intercourse is recommended to couples who have

What is a transvaginal ultrasound? An ultrasound is a type of scan carried out by a sonographer which uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture inside your body. A transvaginal ultrasound looks specifically at female productive organs including the uterus, cervix, and vagina, by passing the scanner through the vagina. What does it involve? A transvaginal ultrasound is an int

What is trichomoniasis?   Trichomoniasis (trich) is the world’s most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI). In the UK there are few cases, and these tend to be clustered in urban areas, in particular London and Birmingham. It doesn’t often cause symptoms or problems, but it should be treated promptly.       What causes trichom

What is tubal factor infertility?   Tubal factor infertility refers to a type of female infertility caused by damage or dysfunction of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes play a vital role in natural conception, as they are responsible for transporting the egg from the ovary to the uterus and providing the site where fertilisation occurs. When these tubes are blocked, scarred, or d

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 a mid-pregnancy anomaly scan?   A mid-pregnancy anomaly scan, also known as a morphological or 20 week ultrasound, together with the first scan or dating scan, is the most important and detailed ultrasound performed during a pregnancy. It is carried out between the 20th and 22nd week of the pregnancy.     What does it involve?   A mid-pregnancy

What is urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. This is a common problem which causes embarrassment and can significantly affect quality of life. It is more common with ageing, but can occur at any stage of life. It affects both men and women. Normal continence relies on working nerves and muscles of the bladder (the storage area of urine) and urethra (

What is a urinary tract infection?Urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to inflammation in the urinary tract caused by bacteria, the most common type of infection in the urinary tract. An infection occurs when bacteria reaches the bladder (cystitis) or kidneys, multiplying in the urine. If left untreated, the infection may cause permanent damage to the bladder or kidneys.You should see a urologist