Medical dictionary

What is hypogonadism?   Hypogonadism, also known as gonad deficiency or testosterone deficiency, occurs when the body's sex glands - the testicles in men and the ovaries in women - produce little or no sex hormones (testosterone and oestrogen). The sex glands are responsible for controlling secondary sexual characteristics, such as the development of breasts in women and the growth

What is hypospadias? Hypospadias is a relatively common congenital condition found in baby boys, in which the opening of the urethra is not found in its usual position at the end of the penis; instead it is located somewhere along the underside. The position of this opening (known as the urethral meatus) in hypospadias is most commonly at the junction of the head (glans) of the penis and the sh

What is a hysterectomy? A hysterectomy is a surgery that involves removal of the uterus (womb), meaning you are no longer able to get pregnant post-surgery. There are different types of hysterectomy, and the type that you would be recommended would depend on why you require a hysterectomy. The procedure is a big operation using general anaesthetic with extensive recovery periods, and is reco

What is a hysteroscopy? A hysteroscopy is a clinical procedure that allows the specialist to view the cervix, the inside of the uterus, and the openings of the fallopian tubes to study the functions and shape of the endometrium. There are two types of hysteroscopy: Ambulatory, or in-clinic, to diagnose and treat uterine pathologies without surgical intervention. Diagnostic: where a

What is infertility?   Infertility is the inability of a couple to become pregnant through natural means. Infertility affects the couple, both the man and the woman, who cannot have a child naturally. There are two types of infertility: primary infertility (affecting couples who have not become pregnant after at least one year of unprotected sexual intercourse) and secondar

What is interstitial cystitis?   Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammation of the bladder, also known as painful bladder syndrome. While interstitial cystitis describes chronic cases of bladder inflammation, cystitis is the term used for acute instances of the condition.      What are the symptoms of interstitial cystitis?   In patients suffe

What is an intrauterine device (IUD)?An intrauterine device, more commonly known as an IUD, is a contraceptive device. It is a small copper device that is T-shaped and inserted into the uterus. No hormones are released by this device, as copper changes the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg and survive. This change in mucus also stops a fertilised egg implanting itself.

What is kidney cancer? Kidney cancer, sometimes referred to as renal cancer, is a type of cancer affecting the kidneys which most commonly occurs in people over the age of 60. It is one of the commonest cancers in the UK. There are different types of kidney cancer: renal cell carcinoma transitional cell carcinoma Wilm’s tumour Kidney cancers are graded on a scale of one-fou

What is pyelonephritis? Kidney infection, or pyelonephritis is a condition that causes one or two kidneys to become infected, resulting in inflammation. The infection first affects the lower urinary tract - usually the bladder - and then the kidneys, as it moves upstream.  It can be of two types: Acute: it is sudden and severe, and caused by a bacterial urinary trac