Medical dictionary

What is foreskin and what are the most common foreskin-related problems? The foreskin is a layered fold of skin which covers and protects the end of the penis in uncircumcised children and adults. While the foreskin does not need any special care in infancy or early childhood, later on in life it is important to correctly wash and care for the foreskin in order to prevent problems. Problem

What are gallstones?   Gallstones are hard lumps or stones, usually made of cholesterol or sometimes other substances like bilirubin that form in the gallbladder. These stones develop gradually over several years and can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a pebble. There are usually several stones present at once, however, in some cases only one stone will f

What is gender reassignment surgery? Gender reassignment surgery is any surgical procedure involved in facilitating a male-to-female (MtF) or female-to-male (FtM) transition. Gender reassignment surgery is complex and can involve a number of separate procedures, carried out over several operations.   When is gender reassignment surgery required? Surgery is generally the last s

What is GreenLight Laser Therapy?   GreenLight Laser Therapy™ is a technique that can treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition affects roughly forty per cent of men over the age of fifty in the UK, and involves an enlargement of the prostate gland.   This leads to blocking the urethra and to a thickening of the bladder tissue. Y

What is a gynaecological examination?A gynaecological examination is done to assess the overall health of the female reproductive system. During the exam, the gynaecologist will look at the external and internal reproductive organs, as well as at the breasts, to determine whether there are any problems or conditions present.  What does a gynaecological examination involve?During a gynaec

What is haematuria? Haematuria is the presence of blood in the urine. Bleeding may arise from any part of the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys (most people have two, where urine is made), ureters (the tubes connecting each kidney to the bladder), the bladder, the prostate gland (in men) and the urethra.      Is haematuria always visible? There

What is HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound)?High-intensity focused ultrasound or HIFU is a medical procedure which involves using high temperature, ultrasonic waves to remove problematic portions of bodily tissue. The cheap cost of HIFU compared to other alternatives, combined with its typically non-invasive nature, have led to increased testing, particularly in the past five years. Why

What is HoLEP? Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a very common endoscopic procedure in the urology field. It treats conditions such as hypertrophy of the prostate and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). What does it involve? The procedure consists in detaching the adenoma from the prostate. This is then broken down into small pieces and removed. The Holmium laser

What is a hydrocele?A hydrocele is a swelling of fluid, most commonly occuring in the scrotum between the thin layer of tissue surrounding the testes. These can be common in newborns, but also occur in older boys and men following injury to or inflammation of the scrotum. Generally, a hydrocele is not painful and may not need treatment, but it is always a good idea to visit a doctor.  Pr