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

Iontophoresis is a medical procedure that uses low-level electrical currents to carry medications or minerals through the skin. It is most often used to treat hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, by temporarily blocking sweat glands. During a 20 to 30-minute session, the area sits in water or under moist pads. It is noninvasive and can often be done at home.

An iron infusion is a medical treatment that delivers iron directly into the bloodstream through a vein. It is mainly used for iron-deficiency anemia in patients who cannot take oral supplements or need iron raised quickly. The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, followed by brief observation, and most patients feel better within a few days to a week.

Jawline fillers are injectable dermal treatments that add shape and volume to the lower face. In a quick 10-to-20-minute procedure, a licensed professional injects substances such as hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite to define the jawline and smooth wrinkles. Results are visible immediately and last from six months to five years, depending on the filler type.

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a cancer treatment that delivers targeted radiation directly to the area where a tumor was just removed, while the patient is still in the operating room. It allows a higher, more precise dose in a single session, replacing weeks of daily traditional radiation. It is most commonly used for breast cancer.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a specialized form of IVF in which a single healthy sperm is injected directly into a mature egg. It is highly effective for male factor infertility, such as low sperm count or poor motility, with fertilization success rates between 50% and 80%. Resulting embryos are monitored in a lab before transfer to the uterus.

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an evidence-based talk therapy that eases mental health symptoms, particularly major depressive disorder, by improving the quality of a person's relationships. This time-limited treatment typically lasts 12 to 16 weeks and addresses issues such as unresolved grief, social isolation and major life transitions, helping people communicate better and use social support.

Interferons are signaling proteins made by the immune system to fight infections, cancers and autoimmune diseases. They interfere with the replication of viruses and protect nearby healthy cells. Lab-made interferons mimic these proteins and are used to treat conditions such as hepatitis B, multiple sclerosis and certain blood cancers; they are no longer standard for hepatitis C.

Integrative medicine is a patient-centered healthcare approach that combines traditional medical practices with evidence-based complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage and yoga. Rather than focusing only on a disease, it treats mind, body and spirit as a unified system. It aims to prevent and manage chronic conditions through coordinated care, with patients as equal partners in healing.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility procedure in which fertilization occurs outside the body. Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and combined with sperm in a lab, and the resulting embryos are monitored for several days before transfer into the uterus. The process typically takes four to six weeks and is a highly effective option for many reproductive challenges.

An implant-supported denture is a dental prosthetic that replaces multiple missing teeth by anchoring to metal posts called implants. The implants act as artificial tooth roots, integrating with the jawbone to prevent the slipping or wobbling common with traditional dentures. It suits people with sufficient jawbone density who want a stable, long-lasting and natural-looking restoration.

Immunosuppressants are drugs that slow or stop the immune system from mistakenly attacking healthy tissues. They are primarily used to treat autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and to prevent rejection of organ or stem cell transplants. They help prevent cell damage and inflammation, but they also increase susceptibility to viral, bacterial and fungal infections.

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a battery-powered device that monitors your heart's electrical activity. If the device detects a life-threatening irregular rhythm, it delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal heartbeat. It is typically recommended for individuals at high risk of sudden cardiac death due to conditions like previous cardiac arrest, heart failure, or specific genetic heart disorders.

A home nebulizer turns liquid medicine into a breathable mist so it reaches the lungs directly. It is commonly used for asthma, COPD, and other respiratory infections. You breathe through a mask or mouthpiece for 5 to 15 minutes per treatment. A prescription for the device and medication, plus regular maintenance, keeps treatment safe and effective.

Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure to reduce enlarged male breast tissue caused by hormonal shifts, medication or obesity. Usually done under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, it combines liposuction to remove fat with excision of glandular tissue or excess skin. Most patients return to daily activities within two weeks, with permanent results after three to six months.

A PRP injection is a treatment made by processing a patient's own blood to concentrate platelets, whose growth factors trigger tissue repair, stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation. The procedure involves a blood draw, centrifugation and a targeted injection. Results typically appear within a few weeks, with full improvement over several months, and the risk of adverse reactions is exceptionally low.

Gum disease treatment involves procedures to reduce oral infection and repair tissues damaged by periodontal disease. Nonsurgical options include cleanings, scaling and root planing, and antibiotics. For moderate to advanced cases, surgical treatments such as pocket reduction, bone grafting, and guided tissue regeneration may be necessary. Recovery from deep cleaning is immediate; surgical recovery can take one to four weeks.

GLP-1 agonists are medicines that mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone to lower blood sugar and promote weight loss. They trigger insulin release, slow stomach emptying and signal fullness to the brain. Most are weekly or daily injections, though oral options exist. They are FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes and obesity, and nausea is a common side effect that typically subsides.

Gingivectomy involves the surgical removal of gingiva (gum tissue) using a scalpel or laser. It is used to treat periodontal disease and overgrown tissue, or cosmetically to reshape teeth that appear too short. The procedure takes 30–60 minutes under local anesthesia. Recovery involves soft foods and gentle hygiene for about a week, and most resume normal activities within two days.

A genicular nerve block is an outpatient injection of local anesthetic and steroids near the nerves surrounding the knee joint. It relieves chronic pain that has not responded to physical therapy or medication, and to manage post-surgical discomfort. The 10-minute procedure offers temporary relief, with patients typically able to walk and return to normal activities within 24 hours.

A gastrojejunostomy is a surgical bypass that connects the stomach directly to the jejunum, bypassing the duodenum. It is mainly used to treat gastric outlet obstruction caused by cancer, severe ulcers or trauma. Performed under general anesthesia, the surgery typically lasts two to four hours, and patients gradually move from liquid to soft diets as digestion adjusts.

A gastric bypass revision is a procedure used to fix problems or improve weight loss after a previous gastric bypass, such as ulcers, acid reflux or significant weight regain. It can be surgical, altering the anatomy, or endoscopic, tightening the stomach-to-intestine connection through the mouth. Success is often defined as losing at least 50% of excess weight afterward.

A Foley catheter is a thin, flexible tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder to continuously drain urine. It has two channels, one for drainage and one to inflate a small balloon that holds it in place. It is used for urinary retention, incontinence or recovery from prostate or genital surgery. With proper care, many daily activities can continue.

A full liquid diet is a short-term eating plan that excludes solid foods in favor of smooth, liquid-based options. It includes items like milk, smooth yogurt, strained cream soups, and nutritional shakes. Providers typically recommend it for patients recovering from bariatric or digestive surgeries, individuals with mouth or jaw injuries, and those transitioning from clear liquids back to solid food.

A Foley bulb induction is a procedure in which a provider inserts a small, flexible tube with an inflatable balloon into the cervix. Inflated with saline, the balloon puts mechanical pressure on the cervix to encourage softening and dilation, typically up to 3 or 4 centimeters. It is used to start labor when natural onset is delayed or medically necessary.