Medical dictionary

What is genetic testing? Genetic testing is a series of tests that may detect changes in chromosomes, genes or proteins. Usually, they are performed by medical professionals, including doctors, nurse practitioners and clinical geneticists. However, there are also direct-to-consumer genetic tests which are marketed directly to consumers at home, via the internet, television, magazines or in shop

What is genital dermatology? Genital dermatology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions affecting the genital area. Skin problems in the genital area can be very itchy or painful, distressing and embarrassing. They can interfere with sexual functioning, self-image and interpersonal relationships. Some genital disorders are contagious, including se

What are genital warts?Genital warts (also known as condyloma) are a common type of sexually transmitted infection (STI), manifesting as small growths or lumps, usually pink in colour, around the genitals. They frequently occur in clusters, although sometimes there may be only a single wart. Spread by skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or (occasionally) oral sex, genital warts are

What is analysed? Genotypic HIV drug resistance analysis examines genetic mutations in the HIV virus that may confer resistance to antiretroviral medications. What does the result mean? The result of genotypic HIV drug resistance analysis indicates which specific antiretroviral drugs the HIV virus may be resistant to, based on detected mutations in its genome. Why undergo the analy

What is geriatric medicine? Geriatric medicine is a growing medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of older people. Older age involves a distinct set of challenges. Many older people are living with multiple long-term conditions and are much more vulnerable to a range of problems. Your reactions to medication also changes in older age. A geriatrician is a specialist wh

What is gestational diabetes? Sometimes during pregnancy, women can develop high blood sugar levels, but typically this will disappear after giving birth. Gestational diabetes can occur at any point during pregnancy, however, it most commonly appears in the second half of pregnancy. A specialist consultant endocrinologist or obstetrician will help with the diagnosis and treatm

What is Gilmore's groin? Gilmore's groin, also known as sportsman's groin, athletic pubalgia, or inguinal disruption, simply means a tear or rupture of the groin. It's referred to as Gilmore's groin these days due to the fact that the revered doctor Jerry Gilmore first discovered what it was back in 1980, figuring out why footballers were unable to play football when they re

What is gingivitis? Gingivitis is a periodontal disease, which affects the tissues that support the teeth such as the gingiva (the part of the gums around the base of the teeth), periodontal ligaments and the alveolar bone. The most common form of gingivitis is also the most common type of periodontal disease, caused by plaque on the teeth.   What are the symptoms of gi

What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes the progressive loss of fibres in the optic nerve, whose proper functioning is essential for clear vision. Primary open-angle glaucoma or simple chronic glaucoma: this is the most common type of glaucoma, affecting approximately 80 per cent of patients with this disease. Angle-closure glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucom