Medical dictionary

What is a high-risk pregnancy? A high-risk pregnancy is one that involves complications or associated factors that pose a risk to the health of the mother and the foetus. Currently, around 10 per cent of pregnancies are considered high risk. Why is a pregnancy considered high-risk? The main factors that can identify a pregnancy as high-risk include: High blood pressure –

What is HIPEC? Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an alternative method of delivering chemotherapy, used alongside surgery to treat different types of cancer, particularly peritoneal cancer that has spread from the appendix, colon, or stomach. Unlike traditional chemotherapy that is delivered intravenously, HIPEC delivers heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen to des

What is menopausal hormone therapy? Menopausal hormone therapy, and more specifically hormone replacement therapy, involves taking medication to replace oestrogen lost during the menopause. Menopausal hormone therapy is one of many types of hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement can also be offered to: men experiencing a loss in testosterone as part of the “ma

What is the human papillomavirus (HPV)?   Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the term for a common group of viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes. There are more than 100 different types, most of them harmless, but some types are associated with an increased risk of cancer or cervical dysplasia (abnormal changes in the cells of the surface of the cervix). These are acqui

What is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine? The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a vaccine that protects against certain strains of this virus, which can cause cervical cancer in women and genital warts (both in men and women). In the UK the vaccine is given to girls from age 12. To enquire about the HPV vaccine, visit your GP or book an appointment with a specialist. W

What is hypoplasia? Hypoplasia is the incomplete development or underdevelopment of an organ or tissue. Hence, organs or tissue affected by hypoplasia have a below average number of cells. There are different types of hypoplasia, depending on what tissue is affected. The most common types are: Testicular hypoplasia (seen in Klinefelter's syndrome) Optic nerve hypoplasia Enamel

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 ICSI?   Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an in vitro fertilization technique where sperm is directly injected into the egg. In some cases, the sperm needs to be extracted from the man first with surgery. ICSI treatment is performed by specialists in fertility.      Why is ICSI performed?   ISCI is carried out to treat cases of mal