Prema Health Dictionary

A disorder in which EJACULATION of semen occurs before or immediately after the penis penetrates the vagina during sexual intercourse. The most common sexual problem in men, persistent premature ejaculation may have psychological causes, although many adolescents and some adults experience it occasionally. Sexual counselling may help to alleviate the condition.... premature ejaculation

See ECTOPIC BEAT.... premature beat

See ABORTION; FETUS; PREGNANCY AND LABOUR.... premature birth

Emission of semen before sexual partner is prepared for orgasm. Agnus Castus, Vervain, Cramp bark, Mistletoe, Valerian. ... ejaculation, premature

Birth of a baby before 37 weeks’ gestation. The premature infant may not be sufficiently developed to cope with independent life and needs special care. About 5–10 per cent of babies are born prematurely.

Some 40 per cent of premature deliveries occur for no known reason. The remainder are due to conditions such as pre-eclampsia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, long-standing kidney disease, and heart disease. Other causes are antepartum haemorrhage, intrauterine infection, or premature rupture of membranes. A common cause is multiple pregnancy (see pregnancy, multiple).

A premature infant is smaller than a full-term baby, lacks subcutaneous fat, is covered with downy hair (lanugo), and has very thin skin. The baby’s internal organs are also immature. The major complication is respiratory distress syndrome. There is increased risk of brain haemorrhage, jaundice, and hypoglycaemia. The baby has a limited ability to suck and maintain body temperature, and is prone to infection. The earlier a baby is born, the more likely it is to have such problems.

Premature infants are usually nursed in a special baby unit that provides intensive care. The baby is placed in an incubator, and may have artificial ventilation to assist breathing, artificial feeding through a stomach tube or into a vein, and treatment with antibiotic drugs and iron and vitamin supplements. With modern techniques, some infants survive even if they are born as early as 24 weeks’ gestation.... prematurity

menopause occurring before the age of 40. It may be caused by autoimmunity, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or genetic factors, for example a mutation in the FSH receptor gene causing excess secretion of gonadotrophins and small underdeveloped ovaries. Treatment is by hormone replacement, either with the contraceptive pill or HRT. *Oocyte donation should be discussed if the patient wishes for assisted conception.... premature ovarian failure

see PROM; PPROM; labour.... premature rupture of membranes