Glossary

Health Terms beginning with "U"

Ultrasound

A diagnostic and treatment procedure that projects high-frequency sound waves into the body and changes the echoes into pictures. It can be used, for example, for a type of bone density test that measures density at the heel, shin and kneecap, or to create images of a fetus. Ultrasound can provide an accurate gestational age and due date for your baby. These "pictures" also offer a look at whether there are any birth defects in the fetus

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction

A liposuction technique in which the cannula emits ultrasound energy to liquefy the fat before suctioning.

Unconscious

The part of your mind that functions without your conscious awareness. It notices and remembers information and influences your behavior even though you aren't aware of it.

Unipolar depression

Generally referred to as depression, characterized by recurring or persistent sadness, hopelessness, irritability and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, as well as physical symptoms such as changes in sleeping patterns, weight loss or weight gain, persistent headaches and gastrointestinal distress, among others.

Unsaturated

All fatty acids are molecules composed mostly of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Some fatty acids are missing one pair of hydrogen atoms in the middle of the molecule. This gap is called an “unsaturation," and the fatty acid is said to be "monounsaturated" because it has one gap. Fatty acids that are missing more than one pair of hydrogen atoms are called "polyunsaturated." Olive and canola oils are particularly high in monounsaturated fats; most other vegetable oils nuts, and high-fat fish are good sources of polyunsaturated fats. Both kinds of unsaturated fats reduce blood cholesterol when they replace saturated fats in the diet. The fats in most fish are low in saturated fatty acids and contain a certain type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-3) that is under study because of a possible association with a decreased risk for heart disease in certain people.

Unsaturated fat

A type of fat that is usually liquid at refrigerator temperature. Monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat are two kinds of unsaturated fat. When used in place of saturated fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats help to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Urea

A waste product found in the blood caused by the breakdown of protein in the liver. Urea is normally removed from the blood by the kidneys and then excreted in the urine.

Ureters

Two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Urethra

The small tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra, the small tube carrying urine from the bladder out of the body, usually caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia infection. Less than half of women with this have any symptoms. The most common symptom in women with this is frequent or burning urination.

Urethrocele

Prolapse of the urethra into the vagina.

Urge incontinence

A type of incontinence that is characterized by sudden feelings of having to urinate immediately, and often being unable to get to a toilet in time. An overactive bladder often causes urge incontinence.

Uric acid

The end product of purine when it is metabolized by your body, the level of this substance increases as you age. Coffee, tea, meat and chocolate contain purine-forming compounds. High uric acid levels contribute to high blood pressure because they can damage the kidneys.

Uric acid stone

A kidney stone that may result from animal protein in the diet.

Urinalysis

A test of a urine sample that can reveal many problems of the urinary system and other body systems. The sample may be observed for physical characteristics, chemistry, the presence of drugs or germs or other signs of disease.

Urinary frequency

Urination eight or more times a day.

Urinary incontinence

Inability to hold urine in the bladder.

Urinary sphincter

A circular muscle at the base of the bladder and the wall of the urethra that controls urination. It contracts to close off the bladder neck and the urethra so urine does not escape from the body, and relaxes to allow urine to drain from the body.

Urinary tract

The system in the body that makes, stores and discharges urine, including two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder and the urethra.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

An illness caused by harmful bacteria growing in the urinary tract.

Urinary urgency

Inability to delay urination.

Urine

Liquid waste product filtered from the blood by the kidneys, stored in the bladder and expelled from the body through the urethra by the act of voiding (urinating).

Urine culture

A process by which bacteria in a urine sample are grown and tested in a laboratory.

Urine cytology

Tests performed on urine cells to detect disease.

Urine testing

Checking urine to see if it contains glucose (sugar) and ketones. Special strips of paper or tablets (called reagents) are put into a small amount of urine or urine and water. Changes in the color of the strip show the amount of glucose or ketones in the urine. Urine testing is the only way to check for the presence of ketones, a sign of serious illness. However, urine testing is less desirable then blood testing for monitoring the level of glucose in the body.

Urodynamic testing

Diagnostic tests that assess the functioning of the bladder and urinary sphincter, including the pressure and volume of urine in the bladder and the pressure and flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra.

Urodynamic tests

Measures of the bladder's ability to hold and release urine.

Uroflow test

Measurement of the rate at which urine flows out of the body. A lower than normal rate can indicate obstruction.

Urofollitropin

A drug that mimics natural follicle-stimulating hormone. Urofollitropin is often given in combination with chorionic gonadotropin to stimulate ovulation.

Urolithiasis

Stones in the urinary system.

Urostomy

An opening through the skin to the urinary tract to allow urine to drain when normal voiding is not possible.

Uterine artery embolization

This innovative procedure is a radiological alternative to surgery that involves placing a catheter into an artery in the leg and guiding the catheter via x-ray pictures to the arteries of the uterus. Once they get there, the catheter is used to deliver agents that block off these major blood vessels.

Uterine balloon therapy

A newer technique than roller ball ablation for treating abnormal uterine bleeding that uses a soft, flexible balloon inserted with a thin probe into the uterus through the cervix. The balloon is inflated with sterile fluid and heated to burn away the uterine lining. No fluid is used to expand the uterus. Local or general anesthesia is used, and the procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis. Risks include uterine perforation, burning of internal structures, blood loss and fluid leakage from the balloon. Fertility is affected.

Uterine cryoblation therapy

A treatment option for abnormal uterine bleeding recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This surgical device uses a very low temperature (hypothermia) applied with a probe to destroy the uterine lining to treat heavy menstrual bleeding from benign causes.

Uterine descensus

Prolapse (dropping) of the uterus.

Uterine prolapse

When the uterus is no longer supported by muscles and ligaments and drops into the vagina.

Uterus

The womb; where a fetus develops. During pregnancy, the uterus expands. When a woman is not pregnant, the uterus is small, hollow and shaped like a flattened pear.

Uvula

The small fleshy tissue hanging from the center of the back of the throat; it can block the airway, causing sleep apnea.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Removal of the adenoids and tonsils; sometimes used to treat sleep apnea.

Uvulopalatoplasty

Removal of tissue in the airway; sometimes used to treat sleep apnea.