Fertility Terminology & Abbreviations
*EMPTY*
Adhesions
Scar tissue that which form as a consequence of infections, inflammation,
surgery, etc.
Androgens
Sex hormones which are present in much higher concentrations in men than women.
Andrologist
An M.D./Ph.D. who specializes in the study of male reproduction.
Anovulation
The total absence of ovulation. Menses may still occur.
Antimullerian Hormone (AMH)
A hormone that can be measured to get insight into the number of eggs remaining
in the ovary.
Antisperm Antibody Testing
Testing performed to determine if a man or a woman harbors substances (antibodies)
that cause the sperm to clump together, lose motility, or impair the ability
to fertilize an egg.
Assisted Hatching
The process of making a small hole in the zona pellucida (gel-like covering
of embryo) to facilitate implantation of the developing embryo in the
uterine wall.
Azoospermia
The absence of sperm in the seminal fluid. This may be due to a blockage
or to an impairment of sperm production.
Basal Body Temperature
The body temperature of a person recorded immediately upon awakening, before
any activity is undertaken. The temperature can be taken orally or rectally.
The temperature is recorded daily on a graph, which can show evidence
of ovulation when the temperature rises after ovulation and remains elevated
for the rest of the menstrual cycle.
Beta HCG (hCG)
A hormone, beta human chorionic gonadotropin, produced by a pregnancy.
Measurement of beta hCG is the blood test used to confirm a pregnancy
and to follow its progression.
Blastocyst
An embryo that is 5-6 days old and is made up of hundreds of cells.
Blighted Ovum (Egg)
A general term used to describe the situation where an intrauterine pregnancy
fails to develop a fetus with heartbeat. Same as an Empty Sac pregnancy.
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
An oral medication used to lower prolactin levels.
Capacitation
The change that sperm cells undergo as they travel through the woman's
reproductive tract and that enables the sperm to penetrate the egg.
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
A routine preoperative blood test. This test gives information regarding
infection and anemia.
Cervical Mucus
Secretions produced by the cervix which vary in viscosity according to
the phase of the menstrual cycle, and become penetrable by sperm in the
days preceding ovulation. The cervical mucus is responsible for buffering
the sperm against the natural acidity of the vaginal environment.
Chemical Pregnancy
A pregnancy characterized by positive hCG level in the blood that does
not lead to a clinical pregnancy. A very early miscarriage.
Chlamydia
A microorganism that may be transmitted by sexual contact. Chlamydia can
exist in the reproductive tract without symptoms and cause infertility.
If present, both partners must be treated.
Clinical Pregnancy
Clinical evidence of pregnancy including increasing hCG levels and clinical
evidence of pregnancy such as an ultrasound examination, physical signs
on examination, tissue confirming pregnancy or miscarriage.
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid/Serophene)
A synthetic drug used to stimulate the body's own production of FSH and LH.
Corpus Luteum
The follicle in the ovary at the site of the released egg that produces
the hormone progesterone during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum persists and produces the progesterone
necessary to support pregnancy.
Cryopreservation
Freezing of a cells for later use. In reproductive medicine, the freezing
of sperm or excess eggs or embryos from an IVF cycle. The sperm, eggs
and/ or embryos are preserved for future transfer by storing them at very
low temperatures in liquid nitrogen.
Danazol
A medication used to treat endometriosis by suppressing the cyclic production
of FSH/LH to lower the hormonal stimulus needed by the disease.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS)
An androgen hormone produced by the adrenal gland in both sexes.
Donor Egg(s), Donor Oocyte(s)
Eggs that are removed from the ovaries of one woman for use by another.
Donor Embryo
An embryo created previously in an IVF cycle which has been donated, either
anonymously or in a directed manner, so that other couples with infertility
may attempt pregnancy using that embryo.
Donor Sperm
Sperm that are collected from a man who is not the woman's partner to be
used to artificially inseminate her. Usually this sperm is obtained in
a frozen state from a commercial sperm bank.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An embryo implanting and developing outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian
tube, rarely in an ovary, or in the abdominal area.
Embryo
The term used to describe the early stages of fetal growth.
Embryo Transfer
A procedure in which an embryo is placed into the uterus with the goal
of implantation and pregnancy.
Endometriosis
The presence of endometrial-like tissue (the normal uterine lining) in
abnormal locations, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries and abdominal cavity.
Endometrial Biopsy
A small sample of tissue removed from the lining of the uterus for microscopic
examination.
Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA)
Tests the endometrial “receptivity” on the day of would-be
embryo transfer. The uterus is prepared with estrogen and progesterone
(as with a Frozen Embryo Transfer/FET cycle) but, instead of an embryo
transfer, a biopsy is performed with a small catheter. The tissue is sent
for molecular analysis and the test result will indicate “receptive”
or “not receptive".
Estrace
A brand of the type estrogen (estradiol) that is primarily produced by
the ovaries during the reproductive years.
Estrogen
The primary steroid hormone produced by the ovaries from puberty to menopause.
Estradiol Level (E-2 Level)
The principal form of estrogen in reproductive age women. Its level is
measured in the blood to determine follicular maturation prior to ovulation.
Fallopian Tube
Tube like organs that conduct eggs from the ovary to the uterus. Normal
fertilization takes place within this structure. The Fallopian tubes are
also responsible for transporting the developing embryo into the uterine
cavity for implantation.
Fertilization
Penetration of an egg by a sperm.
Fetus
The developing human organism after the embryo stage from the ninth week
of pregnancy to the moment of birth.
Fibroid
A non-cancerous smooth muscle tumor found within the wall of the uterus.
Also known as a myoma.
Follicle
Fluid-filled structure on the ovary which contains the ripening egg and
from which the egg is released at ovulation or retrieved during an IVF
cycle. The follicle also produces estradiol and later progesterone.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
A hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the ovary to
ripen a follicle for ovulation. In the male, FSH stimulates sperm production.
Follicular Phase
The portion of the menstrual cycle when ovarian follicle development takes place.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
Transfer of an embryo or embryos that were previously created and frozen
and subsequently thawed in the IVF laboratory, into a woman's uterus.
Gamete Intrafallopian Tube Transfer (GIFT)
A procedure similar to IVF except that the sperm and eggs are placed inside
a catheter, separated by an air bubble, and then transferred inside a
woman's fallopian tube, where fertilization takes place. This can be done
only in women with at least one normal tube and requires a laparoscopy.
This procedure is no longer performed today.
Gestational Carrier
A woman who has agreed to carry a pregnancy for another party, either because
the intended mother has medical or uterine factors that preclude her from
safely and effectively carrying a pregnancy, or because the intended parents
are a gay male couple. Also referred to as a surrogate.
Gonadotropin Release Hormone (GnRH)
A hormone released from the hypothalamus that controls the synthesis and
release of the pituitary hormones FSH and LH.
Gonadotropin
A hormone capable of stimulating the testicles or the ovaries to produce
sperm or an egg, respectively. FSH and LH are gonadotropins. Drugs which
are gonadotropins include Gonal-F, Follistim, Bravelle, Menopur, Luveris,
Repronex, Pergonal, Humegon, Metrodin and Fertinex.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Antibodies
Test done on the blood of both the husband and wife to screen for previous
exposure to the AIDS virus.
Hormonal Assay
Also known as hormone tests. These include FSH (follicle stimulating hormone),
LH (luteinizing hormone), DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), Prolactin,
Estradiol, Testosterone, and Progesterone. A hormone is a substance that
is released from special tissues in the body, carried in the blood and
has special roles that it exerts upon the body.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG)
A natural product containing both human FSH and LH. The hormones are extracted
from the urine of postmenopausal women. The drug is used to treat both
male and female infertility and to stimulate the development of multiple oocytes.
Humegon
see Human Menopausal Gonadotropin.
Hydrocoele
A swelling in the scrotum containing fluid.
Hyperstimulation
The constellation of symptoms that may result from overproduction of follicles
and hormones from the ovaries, usually as a result of stimulation with
injectable (or rarely oral) fertility medications; symptoms include bloating,
abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and dehydration.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG, Hysterogram)
An x-ray procedure during which dye is introduced into the uterus through
the cervix and passed through the tubes to determine if they are open.
This also shows the configuration of the uterus (any irregularities, fibroids, etc).
Hysteroscopy
Fiberoptic visualization of the inside of the uterus through the cervix
with a telescope-like device. This procedure is performed to evaluate
and treat abnormalities inside the uterine cavity. This procedure can
be performed in the office or in conjunction with a laparoscopy.
ICSI
See Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection.
Idiopathic Infertility (Unexplained Infertility)
The term used when no reason can be found to explain the cause of a couple's
infertility.
Implantation
The embedding of the fertilized egg, or embryo, in the lining of the uterus.
Infertility
The inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after one year of
regular, unprotected intercourse.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Injection of a single sperm into the center of an egg with a very sharp
microscopic glass needle. This technique of micromanipulation is very
useful for cases of male factor infertility.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
The introduction of specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus through
the cervix by means of a catheter.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
The procedure during which an egg is removed from a mature follicle and
fertilized by a sperm outside the human body.
Laparoscopy
A surgical procedure where a telescope-like device is inserted through
a small incision near the navel in order to visualize the pelvic cavity,
the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.
LH Surge
A spontaneous release of large amounts of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) that
precedes ovulation.
Leuprolide Acetate (Lupron)
A drug which functions like GnRH. It is used to suppress a woman's secretion
of FSH and LH and consequently the production of estrogen and progesterone.
Widely used in gynecology for multiple reasons.
Lupron "Flares"
This stimulation takes advantage of the initial rise or "flare" of gonadotropins
(LH and FSH) which occurs transiently after the start of Lupron administration.
Lupron "Down-Regulation"
A treatment cycle in which Lupron is used to suppress a woman's internal
hormone secretion before injection of gonadotropins to stimulate follicular
development (see Lupron "Flare", Lupron).
Luteal Phase
The days of a menstrual cycle following ovulation and ending with menstruation.
During this 12 to 16 day period, the hormone progesterone is produced.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
A hormone produced and released by the pituitary gland. It is responsible
for triggering ovulation; in the male, LH stimulates testosterone production.
Metformin
An oral medication used to treat patients with insulin resistance, pre-diabetes,
or diabetes. It is frequently used in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Micromanipulation
Microscopic procedures, such as ICSI or assisted hatching, involving the
eggs, sperm, or embryos.
Myoma
A common benign tumor of the muscle of the uterus. This is sometimes called
a fibroid.
Myomectomy
The surgical removal of fibroid tumors from the wall of the uterus.
Oligospermia
A condition in which the number of motile sperm in a semen sample is abnormally low.
Oligo-Ovulation
Infrequent (irregular) ovulation.
Oocyte
The egg cell produced in the ovaries. Also called the ovum or female gamete.
Ovulation
Release of a mature egg from the ovary.
Ovulation Induction
The use of hormone therapy (Clomiphene Citrate, letrozole, injectable gonadotropins)
to stimulate oocyte development and release.
Papanicolaou Smear (Pap Test)
This is a screening test to evaluate the cells of the cervix to determine
if they are normal. It is done by gently touching the cervix with a cotton
swab, a wooden spatula or a special small brush and then examining the
cells under a microscope.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
A condition where ovulation is either abnormal or absent, and androgen
(male hormone) levels are elevated. PCOS is associated with subfertility
as well as an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Postcoital Test (PCT)
Microscopic study of samples of vaginal and cervical secretions taken several
hours after sexual relations and examined for live, moving sperm. Also
known as the Sims-Huhner Test.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
The process of sampling cells from a blastocyst and then analyzing those
cells to determine if the embryo is a carrier of a certain genetic disease
(i.e. Cystic Fibrosis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Sickle Cell Disease).
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
The process of sampling cells from a blastocyst and then analyzing those
cells to determine if the embryo has the appropriate number of chromosomes.
Progesterone (P4)
A hormone produced and released by the corpus luteum of the ovary during
the second half of an ovulatory cycle. Progesterone is necessary to prepare
the lining of the uterus for the implantation of the fertilized egg. During
pregnancy, it is produced by the placenta. Supplemental support can be
provided by injection or in vaginal or oral forms when indicated.
Prolactin
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is required for lactation
but when elevated, can inhibit normal ovulation.
Robotic Surgery
A form of laparoscopic surgery which incorporates the use of the DaVinci
surgical system. This allows for major abdominal surgery to be performed
through small abdominal incisions. This results in faster recovery and
decreased pain for patients in most situations. Not all patients are candidates
for robotic surgery.
Rubella Titer
A blood test that determines if the patient is immune to rubella (German
measles). If immunity is not present, the patient may be advised to have
a rubella vaccination and wait one month before attempting pregnancy.
Saline Infusion Sonohysterogram (SIS)
Injection of sterile saline into the uterine cavity during an ultrasound
examination to assess for any irregularities of the cavity (polyps, fibroids,
scarring, etc.)
Secondary Infertility
The inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy after having successfully
conceived and carried one or more pregnancies.
Semen Analysis (SA)
Freshly ejaculated semen is evaluated under a microscope to count the number
of sperm (count), the percentage of moving sperm (motility), and to assess
the size and shape of the sperm (morphology).
Sperm Antibodies
Antibodies against sperm cells which may attack and destroy them. These
antibodies can be produced either by men against their own sperm or by women.
Sperm Wash
Technique for separating sperm from seminal fluid.
Split Ejaculate
A method of collecting a semen specimen so that the first portion of the
ejaculate is caught in one container and the rest in a second container.
In most men, the first specimen will contain the vast majority of the sperm.
Sterility
The total inability to reproduce. Not to be confused with infertility.
Stimulation
Administration of hormones which induces development of multiple ovarian
follicles. See ovulation induction.
Surrogate
This is the historic term for a gestational carrier.
Testicle
The two male sexual glands, contained in the scrotum. They produce the
male hormone testosterone and produce the male reproductive cells, the sperm.
Testicular Biopsy
A small surgical excision of testicular tissue to determine the presence
of normal sperm.
Testosterone
The most potent male sex hormone. It is produced in the testes, and to
lesser amounts, in the ovaries.
TDI
Therapeutic donor insemination. During this procedure, sperm from a donor
is placed into a woman's cervix. Also known as AID - artificial insemination
by donor, or donor IUI.
Ultrasound
Technique for visualizing the follicles in the ovaries or the fetus in
the uterus. A baseline ultrasound shows the ovaries in their unstimulated
state. A follicular ultrasound shows egg follicle maturation. A pregnancy
ultrasound shows if a pregnancy is intrauterine or tubal and measures
growth of the fetus.
Vaginal Ultrasound
Visualization of pelvic structures by projecting sound waves through a
probe that is inserted into the vagina.
Varicocele
A collection of varicose veins in the scrotum. Varicoceles can cause pain.
They were felt to affect sperm production and surgical correction was
recommended for improvement. Today surgery has been abandoned largely
unless there is pain.
Zygote
An embryo in the early stages of development.
Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
The ovum is fertilized in vitro and then transferred to the fallopian tube
surgically. This procedure has been largely abandoned.