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Medical Glossary

Understanding healthcare terminology - A to Z guide of medical terms

A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P R S T U V

A

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)

A hormone produced by ovarian follicles. AMH levels help assess a woman's egg count and ovarian reserve, commonly used in fertility assessments.

ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology)

Medical procedures used to treat infertility, including IVF, ICSI, and IUI. These techniques help couples conceive when natural methods fail.

Anesthesia

Medication that numbs sensation in a specific area (local) or makes you unconscious (general) during surgery to prevent pain.

B

Beta hCG

The pregnancy hormone measured in blood tests. Detecting beta hCG confirms pregnancy and its levels help monitor early pregnancy progress.

Biopsy

Removal of a small tissue sample for laboratory examination to diagnose diseases like cancer. Can be done with a needle or during surgery.

C

Cataract

Clouding of the natural lens inside the eye that causes vision to become blurry or dim. Treatment involves surgically removing the cloudy lens.

Cesarean Section (C-Section)

Surgical delivery of a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus. Performed when vaginal delivery isn't safe.

Chemotherapy

Use of strong drugs to treat cancer. Chemotherapy can kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and prevent cancer from spreading.

Cryopreservation

Freezing and storing embryos, eggs, or sperm at very low temperatures for future use in fertility treatments.

D

Dialysis

Artificial process to remove waste and excess water from blood when kidneys cannot function properly. Two types: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography)

An X-ray imaging technique that uses contrast dye to visualize blood vessels in the brain, heart, and other organs.

E

ECG (Electrocardiogram)

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart. ECG helps diagnose heart conditions, irregular heartbeats, and heart attacks.

Embryo

A developing human from fertilization until about 8 weeks of pregnancy. In IVF, embryos are created in the lab and transferred to the uterus.

Endoscopy

Procedure using a flexible camera to examine internal organs or structures. Used for diagnosis and treatment of digestive, respiratory, and other conditions.

F

Fertilization

The process where a sperm and egg combine to form an embryo. In IVF, fertilization happens in the laboratory rather than in the fallopian tube.

Folic Acid

A B vitamin essential for healthy cell growth. Recommended before and during pregnancy to prevent birth defects in the baby's brain and spine.

G

Glaucoma

Eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure. Can lead to vision loss if untreated but is manageable with medication or surgery.

I

ICSI (Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

A specialized IVF technique where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg. Used for male factor infertility or previous IVF failures.

IUI (Intra-Uterine Insemination)

A fertility treatment where prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus around ovulation time to increase chances of fertilization.

ICU (Intensive Care Unit)

A hospital unit providing intensive medical care for critically ill patients. Equipped with advanced monitoring and life-support equipment.

IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization)

An assisted reproductive technology where eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the uterus.

L

Laparoscopy

Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and a camera. Also called keyhole surgery, it offers faster recovery and less scarring than open surgery.

LASIK

Laser eye surgery to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea.

M

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A non-invasive imaging technique using strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of internal organs and tissues.

Miscarriage

Loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. Common causes include chromosomal abnormalities, hormonal issues, and health conditions.

N

NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)

Specialized unit for premature or ill newborns requiring intensive medical care. Staffed by neonatologists and equipped with infant incubators.

O

Obstetrics

Medical specialty focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Obstetricians provide prenatal care and manage deliveries.

Oncology

The branch of medicine dealing with cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Oncologists treat tumors using surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

P

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)

A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts. Symptoms include irregular periods, weight gain, and difficulty conceiving.

Platelets

Blood cells that help stop bleeding by forming clots. Low platelet count increases bleeding risk and may require treatment.

R

Radiology

Medical specialty using imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound to diagnose diseases and guide treatments.

S

Sonography / Ultrasound

Imaging technique using sound waves to create pictures of internal organs and fetuses. Safe and commonly used during pregnancy monitoring.

Stress Test

A test that monitors heart activity during exercise or medication-induced stress. Helps detect heart problems that don't appear at rest.

T

TPA (Third Party Administrator)

Insurance intermediary that processes claims and facilitates cashless treatment. Patients can get treated without paying upfront at empaneled hospitals.

Trauma

Physical injury caused by accidents, falls, violence, or disasters. Trauma care involves emergency treatment and surgery for severe injuries.

U

Ultrasound

Sound wave imaging used to view internal organs, monitor pregnancy, and guide certain procedures. Completely safe with no radiation.

V

Ventricle

Lower chambers of the heart that pump blood to the body. Problems with ventricles can cause heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions.