| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
A
Abstinence
No sexual activity such as intercourse or masturbation
Acini
Any small saclike component of the gland
Active surveillance
An option for men who have a low-risk prostate cancer that does not cause serious symptoms or is unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. The prostate cancer is monitored through regular medical check-ups and treatments are only given if the prostate cancer progresses.
Acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP)
An infection in the prostate gland which causes fever, severe pain in the lower back and genital area and burning, urgent and frequent urination. It is quite rare and can usually be successfully treated with antibiotics
Adenoma
A benign tumor having the origin or structure of a gland
Adjuvant
A substance added to a drug to increase or help its effect
Adrenal glands
Glands that sit on top of the kidneys
Albumin
A major protein found in blood
Alopecia
Hair loss
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
A protein found in the bloodstream of some men with testicular cancer
Alprostadil
An injectible prostaglandin drug (See Caverject®)
Anabolic steroids
Drugs that have the same action as male sex hormones (androgens) for enhancing muscle growth and repair. Anabolic steroids include natural hormones such as testosterone, or synthetic ‘man-made’ versions. Anabolic steroid use is illegal in Australia.
Anaesthetic
Drugs that cause loss of feeling (numbness) to a specific part of the body during a minor medical procedure (local anaesthetic), or that cause loss of feeling and unconsciousness during a major procedure such as an operation (general anaesthetic).
Androgen
A male sex hormone such as testosterone responsible for the development of male characteristics
Andrology
The study of the functions and diseases specific to males, especially of the reproductive organs. The equivalent to gynaecology for women
Antegrade ejaculation
Normal forward ejaculation
Anterior
Describing or relating to the front part of the body, organs or limbs
Antibodies
Proteins made by the body’s immune system in response to foreign substance; attacks foreign substance and protects against infection
Antigen
Antigens are generally foreign substances such as toxins or bacteria that cause the body to react with an immune system response
Antimetabolites
Anticancer drugs that are like substances needed by cells for normal growth
Anuria
A condition in which the body stops making urine
Anus
Opening at the lower end of the rectum through which stools are passed
Ascites
A buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity, which can cause swelling and the feeling of being bloated
Aspiration
Use of a thin needle to take small samples of tissue from the body
Assisted Reproductive Treatments (ART)
Assisted reproductive treatment, also known as assisted reproductive technology, refers to treatments used to assist people in achieving a pregnancy. ART covers a wide spectrum of treatments, such as IVF and ICSI.
Asthenozoospermia
Less than the normal number of moving sperm in the semen
Asymptomatic
A disease process that does not have symptoms
Atherosclerosis
A process that results in the build up of plaques or deposits in arteries that may lead to obstruction of blood flow
Azoospermia
The absence of sperm in the seminal fluid due to a blockage in the sperm ducts or poor sperm production
B
Benign
Non-cancerous
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
A non-cancerous enlargement the prostate gland due to an increase in the number of cells. The prostate can then push against the urethra and bladder, blocking the flow of urine “>A non-cancerous enlargement the prostate gland due to an increase in the number of cells. The prostate can then push against the urethra and bladder, blocking the flow of urine
Beta-human chorionic gonadtrophin (beta-hCG)
Protein found in the bloodstream that can be a marker of testicular cancer
Bilateral
On both sides
Biopsy
An operation to remove a small sample of tissue or cells from part of the body for testing and examination under a microscope
Bladder
Sac in the lower abdomen which stores urine that has passed from the kidneys down the ureter
Bowel
Part of the gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and the anus
BPH
See Benign prostatic hyperplasia or Benign prostatic hypertrophy
Brachytherapy
Radiotherapy using radioactive seeds or rods which are inserted directly into the prostate
C
Cancer
Diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system and to other parts of the body
Carcinoid
A small tumor that secretes serotonin and is usually found in the gastrointestinal tract
Carcinoma
Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs
Carcinoma-in-situ
Type of ‘pre-cancer’ that develops into testicular cancer in 50% of cases. Often found in the second testis of men diagnosed with testicular cancer and needs regular checks.
Cardiologist
A doctor who specialises in heart disease
Castration
Removal of the testes
Catheter
A thin flexible tube used to take fluids in or out of the body
Caverject®
Drug therapy which is injected into the penis
Chemotherapy
Treatment with drugs that circulate in the blood stream to kill cancer cells through different parts of the body
Choriocarcinoma
A rare, highly malignant germ cell cancer
Chorionic Gonadotrophin
A human hormone made by chorionic cells (in the fetal part of the placenta)
Chromosomes
Structures in each cell in the body, which contain genetic material
Cialis®
Brand of oral PDE5 inhibitor which treats erectile dysfunction by promoting the body’s natural response to sexual stimulation
Circadian rhythm
A pattern based on a 24 hour cycle
Circumcision
Surgical removal of all or part of the foreskin of the penis
Colitis
Inflammation of the large intestine (the colon)
Colon
Part of the bowel between the small intestine and the rectum
Colonoscopy
Examination of the bowel using a fibreoptic endoscope
Congenital
Any condition that is present at birth
Congenital absence of the vas deferens
Absence at birth of ducts (tubes) that transport sperm from the testes to the ejaculatory duct
Contraceptive
A method to prevent pregnancy. Contraceptives include hormonal methods (such as the pill, injections, implant and intrauterine devices), and barrier methods (such as the male or female condom, or diaphragm).
Contralateral
The other side of the body, for example, the other testicle
Corpus cavernosum (singular: cavernosa)
Smooth muscle in the penis in the shape of two parallel cylindrical chambers. These fill with blood druing an erection.
Cortisone
A naturally occurring hormone produced in small amounts by the adrenal gland
Crohn’s disease
A chronic inflammatory disease, mainly involving the small and large intestine
Cryptorchidism
Condition in which one or both testicles do not move from the abdomen, where they develop before birth, into the scrotum. Also called undescended testicles or maldescent of the testis
CT scan (computerised tomography)
A specialised x-ray examination that is used to give 3D images of organs in the body to help define abnormalities within them
Culture
To grow cells, tissues or organisms, often in a sterile dish, for scientific purposes
Cyst
A closed sac or capsule, usually filled with fluid or semisolid material
Cystic Fibrosis
A hereditary disease of the exocrine glands and is characterised by the production of abnormal secretions
Cytology
The study of cells
Cytopathology
Checking the normal and abnormal features of cells using a microscope
D
Detrusor muscle
The large muscle in the bladder that expands to store urine and squeezes or contracts when the bladder is emptied and urine is passed
Dexyribonucleic Acid
A nucleic acid that carries the genetic information in the cell. The sequence of nucleotides determines individual hereditary characteristics
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
A weak male sex hormone
Diabetes
Potentially life threatening metabolic disorder where blood sugar levels are imbalanced
Diathermy
The use of heat to destroy tissue or cells. Sometimes used in a vasectomy operation to cut or block the vas deferens
Dihydrotestosterone
An androgen derived from testosterone
Doppler Assessment
A test to check blood flow in parts of the body
Down Syndrome
A chromosome disorder that causes mental retardation and a range of other physical problems, including infertility
DRE (digital rectal examination)
A physical examination where the doctor places a gloved finger into the patient’s rectum to check the size and shape of the prostate
Dysfunction
Not working properly
Dysuria
Pain or problems with passing urine
E
Ejaculate
Semen ejected from the penis
Ejaculation
Discharge of semen from the penis during sexual climax (orgasm)
Ejaculatory duct
The part of the male reproductive tract where the vas deferens joins with the seminal vesicle and passes through the prostate
Embolization
A treatment that clogs small blood vessels and blocks the flow of blood
Embryo
An early stage of development as a result of successful fertilisation, up to the eighth week of pregnancy
Endocrine
Refers to a process in which a group of cells secrete into the blood
Endocrine System
The system of glands (including the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, testes) which secrete their products (hormones) into the blood stream
Endocrinologist
A doctor who specialises in problems in the endocrine system (hormones and hormonal function)
Endoscope
A piece of equipment used to see inside the body. It usually is made up of a thin tube with a light and camera at one end. This tube is inserted into the patient and sends pictures from inside the body to a monitor or television screen for the doctor to examine more closely
Enuresis
Urinary incontinence not caused by a physical problem
Epididymis
A highly coiled tube at the back of the testes in which sperm are stored and mature. All sperm must pass along this tube to reach the vas deferens
Epididymo-orchitis
Inflamation of the epididymis and testis
Epithelium
The covering of the internal and external organs of the body and the lining of vessels, body cavities, glands and organs.
Erectile dysfunction
An ongoing problem getting and maintaining an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse
Erection
Hardening of the penis for sexual intercourse
Extra-gonadal germ cell tumour (EGC tumour)
Rare tumours, found mainly in children, which develop from sperm-forming cells that are found outside the reproductive organs when there is no evidence of cancer in the testes
F
Fertilisation
The penetration of the egg by the sperm to create a zygote
Fertility
Ability to conceive or reproduce
Fetus
In humans, the unborn young from the end of the eighth week after conception to the moment of birth, as different from the earlier embryo
Fibrosis
Formation of fibrous tissue that replaces the normal tissue eg scars
Fine needle aspiration
Using a thin needle to take a small sample of tissue from the body for microscopic examination
Flaccid
Non-erect (soft) state of the penis
Follicle
The fluid-filled sac on the ovary in which the egg develops
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
A pituitary hormone which maintains sperm production
G
Galactorrhoea
Lactation not linked with childbirth or nursing
Gastrointestinal tract
An organ that starts from the mouth and finishes at the anus
Gene
The biologic unit of genetic material and inheritance
Gene mutations
An unusual change in the genetic material of a cell
Genetic
Study of genes and inherited characteristics
Geneticist
A doctor who specialises in the study of genetics
Genital System
The biological system which, in males, includes the testicles, the vas deferens, the prostate, and the penis
Genitourinary system
The parts of the body that play a role in reproduction, getting rid of waste products in the form of urine, or both
Germ cell
Testicular cell that divides to produce the immature sperm cells
Germ Cell Tumor
A tumor arising from germ cells. 95% of all testicular tumors are germ cell tumors. Germ cell tumors in men are classified as either seminomas or nonseminomas
Gland
An organ of the body that produces a hormone or other body secretion that is used elsewhere in the body
Gleason Score
A grading which indicates the rate of growth of the prostate cancer
Globulin
A family of proteins found in blood, milk and muscle
Gonadotrophic hormones
Hormones that are secreted by the pituitary gland
Gonads
Organs that produce the sex cells (e.g. sperm) and sex hormones (e.g. testosterone)
Gonorrhoea
A sexually transmitted bacterial infection
Gynaecologist
A doctor who specialises in the treatment of women’s diseases of the reproductive organs
Gynaecology
The study of functions and diseases of women
Gynecomastia
Breast development in the male
H
Haematuria
Blood in the urine
Haemoglobin
Oxygen carrying substance in red blood cells
Histology
The study of cells and tissues at the microscopic level
Histopathology
Study of diseases involving tissue cells
Hodgkin’s disease
A malignant disease of the lymph nodes (lymphoma)
Hormone
A substance that circulates through the body in the blood stream and promotes growth, reproduction and general well-being
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
A hormone made by chorionic cells (in the fetal part of the placenta). It is a very similar hormone to LH but it has a longer time of action
Human genome
The entire sequencing of DNA of the human species
Hydrocele
A swelling of (part of) the scrotal pouch because of an increased amount of fluid around the testicle
Hyperlipidaemia
Generic term for conditions where there are high concentrations of lipids in the blood such as cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins
Hyperplasia
The increased production or growth of normal cells in an organ or tissue
Hyperstimulation
Stimulation that is more than normal
Hypertrophy
An increase in the size of the prostate gland, usually caused by the growth of too many cells
Hypogonadism
An inability of the testes to produce high enough levels of testosterone (androgen deficiency) and/or sperm (spermatogenesis)
Hypospermatogenesis
Low sperm production within the testis
Hypothalamus
The area of the brain that controls endocrine functions, body temperature, hunger and thirst
I
Immunobead test
A simple test to detect if sperm antibodies are present in semen and is performed as part of the semen analysis test at specialised Andrology laboratories
Impotence
The failure to get or keep an erection
Impotent
Unable to have an erection adequate for sexual intercourse
Incontinence
Uncontrolled leakage of urine
Indolent
Little or no pain/side-effect
Infertility
Failure to achieve a pregnancy within one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse
Inguinal hernia
Protrusion of the intestines into the scrotum through the inguinal canal
Inguinal orchiectomy
Removal of the testicle through an incision in the groin
Intercourse
The act of having sex with penetration
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
A form of IVF used to treat male infertility in which a single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
Placement of sperm directly into the womb using a fine catheter
Intravenous
Placing a substance (e.g. drug) directly into the vein
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
A form of assisted reproduction in which sperm collected from the male is mixed with the female partners eggs outside the body
Involuntary muscle
Muscle that cannot be consciously controlled and responds to reflex action
J
K
Karyotype
A blood test to check for the number of chromosomes in cells
Klinefelter syndrome
A chromosome problem that causes low testosterone levels, breast development, small testes and infertility in men
L
Lesion
A change in body tissue caused by disease or injury
Levitra®
Brand of oral PDE5 inhibitor which treats erectile dysfunction by promoting the body’s natural response to sexual stimulation
Leydig cells
The testicular cell that produces the male hormone testosterone
Libido
Sex drive
Localised
Cancer that remains in the location where the first lump or growth developed and has not yet spread throughout the body
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland which stimulates the production of testosterone in the testes
Lymph node
Small oval structures that filter the lymph and fight infection. Found in the groin, abdomen, neck, armpit and other sites.
Lymphadenopathy
Disorder characterised by a localised/generalised enlargement of the lymph nodes
Lymphoma
Cancer that happens in lymph nodes or other lymph tissues
M
Macroscopic
Big enough to see with the eye.
Magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI)
A specialised non-invasive medical imaging process, which does not use x-rays, to diagnose a wide range of diseases
Male menopause
A term often used to describe androgen deficiency which falsely implies a similarity between female and male hormonal decline later in life
Malignant
Potentially fatal cancerous cells that may spread through the body if not treated
Maturation
Becoming mature
Mediastinum
The centermost part of the chest, between the ribs and spine (front to back) and between the lungs
Menopause
Ceasing of menses (periods) in women only
Metabolic
Relating to the physical and chemical processes of the body
Metabolite(s)
Substances produced by body functions
Metastasis
Cancer cells spread from one part of the body to another
Metastatic
Cancer that has spread to another location in the body; a secondary deposit of cancerous cells
Micropenis
Abnormal smallness of the penis. Micropenis occurs when the penis fails to grow for the last two-thirds of the embryo’s development
Microscopic
Extremely small and not visible by the naked eye.
Morbidity
An illness or abnormal condition
Mutation
An unusual change in the genetic material of a cell
N
Nanomolar
Unit of measurement
Necrosis
Death of cells or tissue
Needle biopsy
The removal of a piece of living tissue for microsopic examination by inserting a hollow needle through the skin and into the tissue
Neoplasm
Abnormal growth of tissue
Nephrectomy
Surgical removal of a kidney
Nitrate
Type of drug which contains nitric acid
Nocturia
A need to pass urine more than twice at night
Non-seminoma
A type of testicular cancer that forms in specialised sex cells called germ cells (precursors of the sperm-forming cells)
O
Oestradiol
The major female sex hormone produced by the ovary.
Oestrogen
One of a group of female sex hormones (including oestradiol) that controls the development of female secondary sex characteristics and promotes the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system. Oestrogens are made mainly by the ovary, but also in the placenta and small amounts in the testis
Oligozoospermia (or oligospermia)
A very low number of sperm present in the seminal fluid
Oncologist
A doctor who specialises in the treatment of various types of cancer
Oncology
Study and treatment of cancer
Oocytes
A female germ cell in the ovary; a developing egg cell.
Oral medication
Tablet or capsule
Orchidectomy
Surgery to remove one or both testes
Orchidopexy
An operation to lower an undescended testicle and stitch it into the scrotum
Orchitis
Infection of the testes
Orgasm
Culmination of sexual excitement, usually accompanied by ejaculation in the male
Osteoporosis
Thinning of bones which leads to a greater chance of fracturing bones
Ovulation
The process by which an egg is released from the ovary
P
Paediatrician
A doctor who specialises in the treatment of children from birth to adolescence
PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)
Australian Government program for the subsidy of prescribed essential drugs, to provide them cheaper to the consumer
PDE5 (phosphodiesterase) inhibitors
Family of drugs used for treating erectile dysfunction by promoting the body’s natural response to sexual stimulation
Penetration
Act of entering deeply into a partner (with the penis)
Penile
Relating to the penis
Penile implant
A device surgically inserted into the penis to make the penis hard for intercourse
Penis
Male organ for urination and sexual intercourse.
Perineal
A part of the body between the scrotum and the anus
Perineal pain
Pain at the base of the scrotum and penis
Perineal prostatectomy
Removal of the prostate gland through a cut made between the scrotum and the anus
Perineum
The tissue between the anus and scrotum
Peritoneum
Smooth membrane that lines the abdomen wall and covers the organs within in it
Peyronie’s Disease
Build up of plaques around the core of the penis, which can lead to change in shape and painful erections
pH
Measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a fluid.
Phytoestrogens
Parts of plants that are chemically similar to the hormone oestrogen
Pituitary gland
A small gland that sits at the base of the hypothalamus which is part of the brain
Placebo
A dummy medication or treatment
Plasma
The liquid part of the blood and lymphatic fluid
Polycystic
Presence of many cysts
Polycythaemia
The presence of too many red blood cells in the blood
Potency
The ability of the male to perform sexual intercourse
Prednisolone
A synthetic steroid similar to hydrocortisone and used in various compounds as an anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antiallergic drug
Premature ejaculation
Expulsion of semen from the penis before penetration has been achieved
Priapism
Unusually persistent and often painful erection
Primary seminiferous tubule failure
The sperm producing cells in the testes either did not develop or have been permanently destroyed. It is an untreatable condition
Prognosis
An indication as to the future outcome of a disease
Prolactin
A hormone produced and secreted into the bloodstream by the anterior pituitary gland
Prostate
A gland within the male reproductive system that is located just below the bladder
Prostatectomy (radical/retropubic)
An operation to remove the prostate gland (involving an incision or cut in the abdomen to go behind the pubic bone) to take out the enlarged part of the prostate (in the case of BPH) or all of the prostate (in the case of prostate cancer)
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
A substance produced by the prostate that may be found in increased amounts in the blood of men who have prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia or infection or inflammation of the prostate.
Prostatitis
Inflammation of the prostate gland
Prosthesis
An artificial replacement for a missing body part, often used for cosmetic purposes
PSA (prostate specific antigen)
A substance produced by the prostate that may be found in increased amounts in the blood of men who have prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or infection or inflammation of the prostate
Psychiatrist
A doctor who specialises in diagnosis and treatment of psychological or mental problems
Psychologist
A therapist, not necessarily a doctor, who treats psychological or mental problems
Psychosis
Mental disorder or problem
Puberty
The period in both males and females in which changes occur in reproductive organs/ovaries/testes so that reproduction is possible
Q
R
Radiation Oncologist
The specialist that deals with radiotherapy
Radical prostatectomy
An operation to remove the whole prostate gland, usually when cancer has been diagnosed
Radiology
The use of radiation (for example X-rays) to diagnose or treat disease
Radiotherapy
Treatment of disease with ionizing radiation
Rebore
Also known as a ‘TURP’ (transurethral resection of the prostate). This operation involves the removal of small pieces of prostate using a small camera and resector that are inserted into the penis via the urethra. No external cuts and wounds are needed with this operation
Rectal examination
An examination in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the patients rectum to feel for abnormalities (for example, changes in the prostate)
Rectum
Commonly known as the “back passage”, this part of the body includes the last 10-15 cm of the large intestine leading to the anus
Remission
A significant decrease in the symptoms of the cancer
Resection
Removal of part of an organ or structure
Retrograde ejaculation
A condition where the semen flows backwards into the bladder rather than out of the penis during orgasm
Retroperitoneum
The back of the abdomen where the kidneys lie and the great blood vessels run
Retropubic Prostatectomy
Removal of the prostate gland through a cut made in the lower abdomen
Risk factor
An aspect of lifestyle or behaviour, a health condition, an environmental exposure or an inborn or inherited characteristic, known to be linked with health-related conditions considered important to prevent
S
Scrotum
The skin pouch that holds the testes
Semen
Fluid that is ejaculated from the penis during sexual activity; contains sperm and other fluids from the testis, prostate and seminal vesicles
Seminal fluid
The thick white fluid mainly produced by the prostate and seminal vesicles containing sperm that is ejaculated by the penis
Seminal vesicles
Sac-like structures in the male, found near the prostate gland, which produce fluid that is part of the semen ejaculate
Seminiferous tubules
The sperm-producing tubules in the testes in which sperm are produced
Seminoma
Type of testicular cancer that arises from sperm-forming or germ cells
Sertoli cells
Cells in the testes that are responsible for nurturing the spermatids (immature sperm)
Serum
The clear liquid that can be separated from clotted blood
Sex-hormone binding globulin
A protein produced by the liver that binds sex hormones (testosterone and oestradiol) in the blood
Sexual intercourse
Sexual relations between two people
Sildenafil
See Viagra®. Brand of oral PDE5 inhibitor which treats erectile dysfunction by promoting the body’s natural response to sexual stimulation
Sleep apnoea (apnea)
Temporary stoppage of breathing during sleep
Sperm
Mature male sex cell
Sperm bank
Facility where sperm are kept frozen in liquid nitrogen for later use in artificial insemination
Sperm morphology
A semen analysis factor that indicates the number or percentage of sperm in the sample that appear to have been formed normally.
Sperm motility
The ability of sperm to swim. Poor motility means the sperm have a difficult time swimming toward their goal, the egg.
Sperm retrieval
The doctor removes sperm from a man’s reproductive tract (testis or epididymis) using a fine needle, biopsy gun, or other instrument
Spermatic cord
The spermatic cord is made up of the vas deferens, nerves and blood vessels and attaches the testes to the body
Spermatids
Immature sperm
Spermatocele
A spermatocele is (usually) a small cavity, filled with watery liquid, in the epididymis.
Spermatogenesis
Production of sperm in the testes
Spermaturia
Spermaturia is the release of sperm into the urine. This can happen in men with long periods of sexual abstinence. This is quite normal and is a way of discharging sperm from the body
Stem cell
Undifferentiated, primitive cells in any tissues with the ability both to multiply and to change into more specialised cells
Steroid
A large group of chemical substances related in structure to one another and each containing the same chemical skeleton
Stroma
The tissue or supporting framework of an organ
Symptom
A sign that a person has a disease or condition. Some signs may be fever, nausea, vomiting
Systemic therapy
Treatment that uses substances that travel through the bloodstream, reaching and affecting cells all over the body
T
Tadalafil
See Cialis®. Brand of oral PDE5 inhibitor which treats erectile dysfunction by promoting the body’s natural response to sexual stimulation
Teratoma
Non-cancerous growth, sometimes identified following chemotherapy for testicular cancer, which has the potential to grow and become malignant
Testicle/testis (plural: testes)
The male reproductive organ that produces sperm and the male sex hormones
Testicular biopsy
Taking a small piece of flesh or ’tissue’ from the testis and examined under a microscope
Testicular function
The ability of the testicles to produce sperm and testosterone
Testicular torsion
Twisting of the spermatic cord, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle and causing severe pain. A medical EMERGENCY because the testicle will die after a few hours
Testosterone
Male sex hormone
Total androgen blockade
Therapy used to block male sex hormones (androgens) in the body. This may be done with surgery, hormonal therapy, or a combination
Toxicity
The degree to which something is poisonous
Transmembrane
Passing across a thin layer of tissue
Transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy (TRUS)
A biopsy of the prostate using an ultrasound probe in the rectum to help the doctor choose different parts of the gland from which to take sample tissue for pathology testing
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
Also known as a “rebore”, this operation involves the removal of small pieces of prostate using a small camera and resector that are inserted into the penis via the urethra. No external cuts and wounds are needed with this operation
Tumour
Abnormal lump of cells that grows in the body; can be benign or can spread to other parts of the body
Tumour marker
A substance found in the blood or urine that suggests the presence of cancer
Tunica Vaginalis
A double layered pouch derived from the peritoneum that covers each testis
U
Ultrasonography
Imaging deep structures of the body
Ultrasound
Medical process, which takes images or pictures using special sound waves, that are used to examine organs inside the body without the need to make cuts or incisions
Undescended testicle
Failure of the testis to descend from the groin or abdomen, where they develop during gestation, into the scrotum
Urethra
The tube that leads urine from the bladder out of the body via the penis. In men, secretions from accessory glands also empty into the urethra
Urethritis
Inflammation of the urethra
Urinary tract
All organs and ducts involved in the secretion and discharge of urine from the body
Urologist
A doctor who specialises in diseases of the urinary tract in men and women, and the genital organs in men
Uterus
The part of a woman in which a baby develops before birth
V
Vagina
The lower part of the female reproductive tract that connects the cervix to the outside
Vardenafil
See Levitra®. Brand of oral PDE5 inhibitor which treats erectile dysfunction by promoting the body’s natural response to sexual stimulation
Varicocele
A collection of enlarged (dilated) veins in the spermatic cord
Vascular
Conditions involving blood vessels
Vas deferens
Duct that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct
Vasectomy
Male sterilisation procedure in which the vas deferens is cut
Venous
Relating to a vein (blood vessel in the body)
Viagra®
Brand of oral PDE5 inhibitor which treats erectile dysfunction by promoting the body’s natural response to sexual stimulation
W
X
Y
Yolk sac
Part of the embryo during development which may rarely lead to cancerous growth in the gonads, sacrum and in the chest cavity
Z
Zygote
A cell produced by the union of a sperm and egg