Medical dictionary

What is complex endometriosis?Complex endometriosis is an advanced and severe form of endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. While typical endometriosis is often confined to the pelvic region, complex endometriosis extends deeper and may infiltrate nearby organs such as the bladder, bowel, ureters and, in rare cases, the

What is a cone biopsy?A cone biopsy, also known as cervical conisation, is small diagnostic procedure, performed using general anaesthetic, that removes a cone-shaped section of abnormal tissue from the cervix. A cone biopsy is used to detect cervical cancer or pre-cancerous cells. It is also a treatment option to remove all abnormal (pre-cancerous cells) cells. What does a cone bio

What are congenital malformations? Congenital malformations are defects or abnormalities in the baby's body that develop during pregnancy. There are more than 4,000 types of congenital malformations, and they are categorised into two main groups: Structural congenital malformations: Those in which the baby is born without a part of the body or they have a malformation in that part. Wi

What are contraceptive methods? Contraceptive methods prevent or reduce the possibility of pregnancy. They also help to plan the optimal time to have a child. Currently, there are multiple types of contraceptives administered orally, vaginally, as an injection, by subcutaneous, or physical implant. Common contraceptives include the pill, patch, implant, IUD, IUS and condoms. Regarding their

What is cystitis? Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial infection. The bladder is an important organ, that, along with the kidneys, ureters and urethra, make up the urinary system, which is responsible for filtering and removing bodily waste. Cystitis often causes acute or sudden pain. Although it is not a serious condition, more sinister complications can de

What are cysts?Cysts are closed sacs in the body’s tissue that may be filled with fluid, air, or other substances. They have a membrane, or “shell”, to divide them from the surrounding tissue, and the cells that make up this membrane are abnormal compared to the surrounding cells. Cysts can appear almost anywhere on the body, including on bones, organs, and the skin. There are hundreds or typ

What is a smear test? A smear test, now more commonly known as cervical screening, is an exam aimed at analysing cells from the cervix in order to identify anomalies, infections or lesions which could develop into cancer. It is a routine test that all sexually active women or women aged 25 or above should take at least once every three years. What does it involve? The test is not an i

What is a defecography? A defecography is a type of radiological imaging exam done to investigate potential conditions of the pelvic floor, rectum or anus - that is, anatomical anomalies that could cause an issue during defecation. Contrast medium is inserted in an upright ampoule-like device, which will be visible during the X-ray scan. What does a defecography involve? You will be s

What is a Doppler Ultrasound? A Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive test to measure blood flow through blood vessels. The device combines a regular ultrasound, which bounces sound waves off objects, with the Doppler effect to determine the speed at which the objects (in this case red blood cells) are moving.  The test is known as a Doppler ultrasound after Christian Doppler, who descri