Medical dictionary

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 Huntington's disease? Huntington's disease is a hereditary condition caused by a faulty gene in the DNA, which gradually stops parts of the brain from functioning. It can have a severe impact on a person’s abilities, affecting their coordination and movement, thinking behaviours and memory. Most people can develop symptoms as early as age 30 but the disease progresses l

What is hyaluronic acid? Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body. It is found as a cushioning agent, typically found in fluids around the eyes and in joints, and gives skin a fuller, more youthful look. Hyaluronic acid is used in medicine to treat joint disorders such as osteoarthritis and is usually taken either orally as a pill, or can be injected directly into the joint

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

What is hydrocephalus? Hydrocephalus is the name given to the build-up of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain (water on the brain). The function of this substance is to protect the brain, but too much of it puts harmful pressure on the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid also surrounds the spinal cord. This condition can be congenital, which means that you are born with hydrocephalus or it can be

What exactly is hydrolipoclasia? Hydrolipoclasia is a treatment used to reduce cellulite and localised fat, as well as to shape different areas of the body, mainly the waist, abdomen, thighs, arms, and double chin. The application of this technique consists of two phases. The first one is the infiltration of a type of hypotonic serum in the area to be treated, causing a reaction

What is hydronephrosis? Hydronephrosis literally translates to ‘water on the kidney’. It is a condition in which one or both of the kidneys swell as a result of urine build up, when urine cannot properly drain out from the kidney to the bladder. It can affect anyone at any age, but it is sometimes found in unborn babies during pregnancy scans. In this case, it is referred to as ante

Hyperacusis is a rare auditory disorder characterised by an increased sensitivity to everyday sounds that are typically perceived as normal or tolerable by others. Individuals with hyperacusis experience these sounds as uncomfortably loud, intrusive, or even painful. This condition can significantly impair daily functioning, causing distress and avoidance behaviors that may lead to social withdraw

What is hyperandrogenism? Hyperandrogenism refers to the excessive presence of the male sex hormones testosterone, androsterone and androstenedione in women, and the effects that they have on the female body.   What are the symptoms of hyperandrogenism? High levels of testosterone in the female body can cause the following male characteristics: Oily skin (seborrhoea) A