Doctor-Reviewed Health Guides: Conditions, Procedures & Health News

Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in which a worn-out or damaged joint is replaced with a prosthesis to restore function and relieve pain. It may be a total or partial joint replacement, most commonly of the hips, knees and shoulders, for severe osteoarthritis or fractures. It greatly improves quality of life but requires a recovery period with physical therapy.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) refers to fertility treatments in which eggs, sperm or embryos are handled outside the body in a laboratory. Used mainly for infertility or to prevent passing on genetic disorders, it includes IVF and ICSI. It typically involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization and embryo transfer, with U.S. success rates averaging approximately 21% per cycle.

Aquablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia that uses a robotic system and high-velocity water jets to remove excess prostate tissue without heat. It is performed through the urethra under general anesthesia, guided by ultrasound and cystoscopy. Most patients stay one night and resume normal activities within two weeks, with a low re-treatment rate.

Ascending aortic aneurysm repair is a traditional open surgery that fixes a bulge in the first segment of the aorta as it exits the heart. The surgeon removes the damaged artery and replaces it with a synthetic fabric graft. It is needed for emergency ruptures or aneurysms exceeding 5.5 centimeters, and recovery typically spans four to six weeks.

An auditory brainstem implant (ABI) is a surgically implanted device that provides sound sensations to people with profound hearing loss caused by a missing or nonfunctioning auditory nerve or cochlea. Unlike a cochlear implant, it bypasses the nerve to stimulate the brainstem directly. It requires complex neurosurgery, and while results vary, it helps users recognize environmental sounds and improves lip-reading.

An artificial urinary sphincter is an inflatable medical device that treats stress urinary incontinence by mimicking a healthy urinary valve. It has a pressure balloon, a urethral cuff and a manual pump; squeezing the pump deflates the cuff for urination, then it reinflates automatically. It is highly effective for people who have not responded to medications or bladder training.

Appetite stimulants are prescription medications that trigger hunger and improve nutrition in people with chronic illnesses like cancer or HIV/AIDS. Known as orexigenics, they work by altering brain chemicals, reducing nausea or improving mood. They work best with nutritional support and treatment of the cause of weight loss. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and sleepiness.

Anxiolytics are medications that reduce anxiety symptoms by modulating nervous system activity. They include classes such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants and beta-blockers, which work by boosting GABA’s calming effect or slowing the fight-or-flight response. They can significantly improve quality of life and therapy outcomes, but some types carry risks of sedation, addiction or overdose if misused.

Antispasmodics are medications that relax the smooth muscles of internal organs, which operate automatically. They mainly treat pain and cramping in the digestive and urinary systems, including IBS and overactive bladder, by blocking nerve signals or directly relaxing muscle fibers. Most side effects are mild but can include dry mouth, dizziness and blurred vision.

Anoscopy is a medical examination that uses a specialized scope called an anoscope to view the inside of the anus and lower rectum. It is mainly used to diagnose hemorrhoids, anal fissures and infections. The brief office procedure usually takes a few minutes, may cause mild pressure or discomfort, and requires no advanced bowel preparation or sedation.

Antiseizure medications are prescription drugs that control abnormal electrical activity in the brain; the term has largely replaced anticonvulsant because many seizures involve no convulsions. They stabilize neurons by regulating ion channels or enhancing inhibitory neurotransmitters such as GABA. Beyond epilepsy, some are FDA-approved for other conditions, such as pregabalin for fibromyalgia and valproate or lamotrigine for bipolar disorder.

Angiogenesis inhibitors are drugs that disrupt the formation of new blood vessels, which tumors need in order to grow. They block the chemical signals, primarily VEGF, that trigger vessel sprouting. They treat various advanced cancers and abnormal blood vessel growth in the eyes. While not a cure, they slow tumor growth and are given as pills or IV infusions.

Antidepressants are medicines that change how the brain uses neurotransmitters to regulate mood and behavior. They treat conditions ranging from major depressive disorder to chronic pain and obsessive-compulsive disorder; SSRIs, the most common type, increase serotonin. Usually taken as daily pills, they may take several weeks to work fully and should never be stopped abruptly or used without medical supervision.

Anger management is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches people to recognize triggers and develop healthy coping strategies, including communication skills, relaxation techniques and changing negative thought patterns. It matters for physical health, because chronic outbursts are linked to heart disease, high blood pressure and digestive issues. Consistent practice can improve emotional control and relationships.

Aortic valve surgery is a procedure to fix or replace a damaged aortic valve, which regulates blood flow from the heart to the body. It treats valve narrowing or leaking and can be done through open-heart or minimally invasive methods, usually with a five-to-seven-day hospital stay. It improves heart efficiency and reduces the risk of fatal cardiac events.

Antibiotics for tooth infections are medicines that stop bacteria spreading beyond a tooth abscess to other parts of the mouth or body. They are typically prescribed for severe infections or weakened immune systems and include penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides. Because they cannot fully clear bacteria inside a dead tooth, they are almost always combined with a dental procedure.

Antihyperlipidemic drugs are medications that bring cholesterol and triglyceride levels into a healthy range. They work by blocking cholesterol production in the liver (statins), stopping gut absorption (ezetimibe) or using antibodies to lower LDL cholesterol (PCSK9 inhibitors). They help prevent atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, and most are daily oral tablets, though some are injected.

Alpha-blockers are prescription medications that treat high blood pressure and enlarged prostate by blocking alpha-receptors, which prevents blood vessels from tightening. They come as selective blockers, which target specific receptors, and non-selective blockers with broader effects. Safe use means following the prescribed dosage schedule and watching for side effects such as dizziness or fainting.

Alginates are seaweed-based compounds that treat GERD by forming a gel-like raft on top of stomach acid, keeping acid out of the esophagus and giving immediate heartburn relief. They may work better than antacids, although pooled trial results are mixed, and generally safe for children and pregnant individuals, but people with kidney disease should consult a provider about sodium content.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a hormone treatment for advanced prostate cancer that lowers testosterone to starve cancer cells and slow tumor growth. It is given through periodic injections or surgical removal of the testicles. It can shrink tumors and extend life but may cause fatigue, hot flashes and bone density loss, and is often combined with radiation or chemotherapy.

Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone used to treat conditions like male hypogonadism, breast cancer and osteoporosis. Prescribed forms are generally safe under medical supervision, but misuse by athletes and bodybuilders involves dangerously high doses. This misuse can cause permanent health problems, including high blood pressure, blood clots, heart disease and severe hormonal imbalances.

Alprostadil is a prescription medication identical to a natural substance in the body that keeps blood vessels open. It treats erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis through an injection or a urethral suppository. Injections work for about 80% of men and the suppository somewhat less often, but it must be used carefully to avoid prolonged erections.

Addiction counselors are mental health professionals who specialize in treating substance use disorders, such as alcohol or opioid use disorder. They assess a patient's health, determine the severity of addiction and create tailored recovery plans that may include therapy, medical care and support groups. Their work helps reduce addiction stigma and connects people to resources for a healthier, substance-free life.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a mental health intervention that teaches people to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fight or change them. Through six core processes, including mindfulness, cognitive defusion and committed action, it builds psychological flexibility so behavior better matches personal values. It is highly effective for managing stress, PTSD and chronic conditions.