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Fertility Glossary
Acrosome
The part of the spermatozoon that releases egg-
penetrating enzymes.
Acrosome Membrane
This is a membrane that provides a covering over the
head of the sperm. It contains enzymes that penetrate
the egg when released.
Adenomyosis
Similar to endometriosis in that the cells of the uterine
lining invade the muscle of the uterine wall. It often
causes pain, and possibly abnormal bleeding.
Adhesion
An adhesion is the scar tissue that connects organs in the
abdominal cavity. Adhesions are abnormal connections
and result from infections, inflammation or prior surgery.
Agglutination
The occurrence of sperm clumping together, making it
difficult for the sperm to easily swim.
AH (assisted hatching)
A micromanipulation procedure that chemically dissolves
a small opening in the zona pellucida of the embryo to
assist in implantation to the uterine lining.
AI (artificial insemination)
A procedure where sperm is deposited inside the uterus,
cervix or vagina.
AI/D (artificial insemination by donor)
A procedure where donor sperm is deposited inside the
uterus, cervix or vagina.
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
A disease of the human immune system that is caused
by infection with HIV. It is commonly transmitted in blood
and bodily secretions (i.e. semen). It is a life-threatening
disease.
Amenorrhea
Medical term meaning without a menstrual period.
Ampullary
The widest and outer part of the fallopian tube.
Androgens
Male sex hormones produced by the testes in the male
and the ovaries and adrenal glands in the female.
Aneuploidy
A condition in which an embryo has excessive or
insufficient genetic material.
Anovulation
Medical term meaning a woman is not properly producing
eggs every month.
Antibody
A substance created naturally by the body’s immune
system which helps to fight off bacteria and foreign
substances.
Antigen
A protein or carbohydrate substance (as a toxin or
enzyme) capable of stimulating an immune response.
Antisperm Antibodies
Diagnosis meaning chemical substances create a hostile
environment in the cervical mucus, making it impossible
for sperm to swim through it and fertilize the egg.
ART (assisted reproductive technology)
Procedures to bring about conception without
sexual intercourse. ART procedures include gamete
intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian
transfer (ZIFT), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Aspiration
Extracting through suctioning, during procedures such
as egg aspiration during an in-vitro fertilization (IVF)
procedure, or cyst aspiration from an ovary.
Asthenospermia
Poor motility in sperm.
Autoimmune Dysfunction
A disease where the body’s immune system destroys its
own tissue.
Azoospermia
A condition in which semen produces no sperm.
BABI (blastomere analysis before implantation)
A test for genetic diseases performed on a four-or-eight
celled pre-embryo. BABI is helpful in detecting embryos
with genetic defects and transferring the normal embryos
into the uterus.
BBT (basal body temperature)
The body’s temperature at the time of awakening in the
morning. The temperature can be taken daily (orally is
fine) and recorded on a graph to indicate ovulation.
Beta hCG Test
A blood test used to detect very early pregnancies and to
evaluate embryonic development.
Bicornuate
Medical term referring to a uterine abnormality which
divides the uterus into two parts.
Bipolar Disease
The blockage of the fallopian tube from both ends.
Blastocyst
An advanced embryo, consisting of the cells that will form
the fetus.
Blighted Ovum
A pregnancy in which no fetus has developed in the
pregnancy sac.
Blocking Antibodies
Antibodies in the woman’s immune system that protect
the embryo during implantation.
Breakthrough Bleeding
Bleeding that usually occurs during anovulatory cycles.
The bleeding is due to changes in estrogen levels.
Capacitation
A change in sperm that helps it to penetrate an egg. This
change occurs after ejaculation while the sperm is in the
female reproductive tract.
Cervical Cerclage
A procedure putting stitches in the cervix to prevent it
from opening and causing a miscarriage. Cerclage is not
normally performed in the office.
Cervical Mucus
The secretion produced within the cervix that assists
sperm in traveling to fertilize an egg. The cervical mucus
gets thinner during ovulation.
Cervix
The part of the uterus that extends into the vagina,
permitting sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit
through an opening called the OS. It produces mucus that
helps the sperm to travel into the uterus.
Chocolate Cyst
An ovarian cyst filled with old blood. Most commonly
found when endometriosis attacks the ovary, causing it
to bleed and create the cysts.
Chromosome
Contains the genetic information of an individual in the
form of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
Cilia
The hair-like fibers found inside the fallopian tubes.
Cilia help move the egg or embryo toward the uterus.
Cleavage
Embryo cell division.
Clomid®
Most commonly prescribed fertility medication. Clomid®
is taken orally to assist ovulation. Studies have found a
weak association between prolonged use and ovarian
cancer. Also known as Serophene®
and clomiphenecitrate.
Clomiphene Citrate
Clomiphene citrate is a drug in pill form that improves
ovulation in many women with PCOS who are seeking
fertility. In some patients it may be given in combination
with metformin. Patients who fail to conceive on
clomiphene will generally benefit from treatment with
gonadotropins.
Cloning
To create a genetically identical copy by growing cells
in a laboratory.
Co-Culture
Used in IVF when living cells are added to man-made
matter.
Corpus Luteum
The cyst that forms in the ovary after ovulation. The
corpus luteum makes progesterone through the second
half of the menstrual cycle and into early pregnancy.
Crohn’s Disease
An inflammatory disease of the small bowel.
Cryocautery
The removal of abnormal cells in the cervix by freezing.
Cryopreservation
A dehydration and freezing process used to preserve
embryos, sperm and other types
of tissue.
Cul-de-sac
The space between the rectum and the uterus.
D&C (dilation and curettage)
A surgical procedure that involves dilating the cervix to
remove tissue by scraping or suctioning.
Danazol
A synthetic hormone frequently prescribed to treat
endometriosis. Also called Danocrine®
Danocrine®
A synthetic hormone frequently prescribed to treat
endometriosis. Also called Danazol.
DES (diethylstilbestrol)
A synthetic estrogen that was prescribed to prevent
miscarriage. DES caused malformations of the
reproductive organs in some babies born to women who
took the drug.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
The material that makes up chromosomes and carries
the genetic code.
Donor Insemination
Artificial insemination with donor sperm.
Dyspareunia
Painful intercourse for either the man or the woman.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Pregnancy located outside of the uterus, most commonly
in a fallopian tube.
Egg
The female reproductive cell. Also called ovum.
Egg Donation
Donation of an egg from one woman to another in hopes
of becoming pregnant by in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Egg Retrieval
A procedure used to remove eggs from the ovaries’
follicles for use in in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Ejaculate
The seminal fluid released at orgasm.
Electroejaculation
Electrical stimulation to induce ejaculation in a man
who may be paralyzed below the waist. The ejaculate
is collected for use in intrauterine insemination (IUI)
or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
EMB (endometrial biopsy)
A test to remove a tisue sample of the lining of the uterus
for microscopic study. This test is performed to check for
luteal phase defect (LPD).
Embryo
The early stage of a baby’s development from
implantation to the second month of pregnancy.
Embryo Transfer
Placement of an embryo into the uterus of a woman after
it has been created in a laboratory.
Embryologist
A doctor who specializes in embryology.
Endometriosis
Growth of endometrial tissue outside of its normal
location in the uterus. The cause of endometriosis is still
uncertain. Symptoms may be painful menstruation,
painful bowel movements and/or painful intercourse.
It may be symptomless in some cases. Infertility
is an important symptom of endometriosis.
Endometritis
Inflammation of the endometrium.
Endometrium
The lining of the uterus.
Epididymis
Sperm develop, mature and are stored in the epididymis.
Epididymitis
Inflammation of the epididymis may be a cause of male
infertility.
Estradiol
A form of estrogen produced by the ovary. Estrogen
concentrations in the blood are often measured during
treatment cycles.
Estrogen
The main female sex hormone.
Fallopian Tubes
These tubes extend from the uterus and are necessary
for natural fertilization. They pick up the egg from the
ovary.
Fecundability
The ability to become pregnant.
Fertilization
The successful union of the sperm and egg.
Fetus
The developing baby from the second month of
pregnancy until its birth.
Fibroid Tumor (myoma or leiomyoma)
A non-cancerous, benign tumor of the uterine muscle and
connective tissue.
Fimbriae
The finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube
nearest the ovary. They grab
the egg after ovulation and move it into the fallopian
tubes.
Fimbrioplasty
A surgical procedure to open the fimbria of the fallopian
tubes.
Follicle
A fluid-filled sac in the ovary that releases an egg at
ovulation.
Follicular Phase
The pre-ovulation phase of a woman’s cycle during which
a new egg is developing within
the follicle. This phase is normally between 12 and 14
days.
FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)
The pituitary hormone that stimulates follicle growth in
women and sperm formation in men.
Gamete
A reproductive cell which is the sperm in men and the
egg in women.
Gene
The building blocks of chromosomes in DNA, controlling
specific characteristic traits.
GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer)
The combining of eggs and sperm outside of the body
for fertilization and immediately placing them into the
fallopian tubes to achieve fertilization and pregnancy.
GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone)
The hormone produced and released by the
hypothalamus that controls the pituitary gland’s
production and release of gonadotropins.
Gonadotropins
Gonadotropins are the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
and luteinizing hormone (LH). In women, these hormones
stimulate the ovaries, and in men the testicular function.
Gonads
The organs that produce the sex cells and sex hormones.
They are the testicles in men and ovaries in women.
Habitual Abortion
Repetitive miscarriages, usually marked by two or more
consecutive losses.
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
The hormone released naturally early in pregnancy. HCG
may be injected to trigger ovulation and progesterone
production. It may also be given to men to stimulate the
production of testosterone.
Hirsutism
Excessive hair growth.
HMG (human menopausal gonadotropin)
The luteinizing (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormones
(FSH) from the urine of post-menopausal women. It is
used to stimulate multiple ovulation in some fertility
treatments.
Hormone
A substance produced by an endocrine gland that travels
through the bloodstream to a specific organ where it
produces a stimulatory effect.
Host Uterus Procedure
When a woman carries a pregnancy to term for another
person or couple through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Also
referred to as a surrogate gestational mother.
Hostile Mucus
The cervical mucus that hinders the natural movement of
sperm through the cervical canal.
HSG (hysterosalpingogram)
An X-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes
using a radio-opaque dye.
Hyperstimulation
A reaction to the more powerful fertility medications
(Metrodin®, Pergonal®, Humegon®) caused by excessive
stimulation of the ovaries. It causes the ovaries to enlarge
and create an overabundance of eggs.
Hysteroscopy
A procedure which allows the doctor to examine the
inner cavity of the uterus through a fiberoptic telescope
inserted through the vagina and cervical canal.
ICI (intracervical insemination)
Artificial insemination of sperm into the cervical canal.
ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
Procedure injecting a single sperm into a single egg.
Implantation
Implantation of a pre-embryo happens the moment
it attaches itself to the uterine wall, resulting in a
pregnancy. Implantation may occur between five to ten
days after ovulation or embryo transfer (in IVF).
Incompetent Cervix
Cervix with the inability to remain closed throughout an
entire pregnancy. This is often a cause of premature birth
and miscarriage.
Infertility
Inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy or to carry
a pregnancy to term after one year of unprotected
intercourse.
Insulin Sensitizer
Insulin sensitizers are drugs that improve the action of
insulin, and generally result in a lowering of insulin levels
and glucose levels in patients with insulin resistance.
They are primarily used for the treatment of diabetes,
although they are also promising treatments for PCOS.
Examples of insulin sensitizers include metformin,
pioglitazone and rosiglitazone.
ITI (intratubal insemination)
Artificial insemination of sperm into the fallopian tubes.
IUI (intrauterine insemination)
Artificial insemination of sperm into the uterine cavity.
IVF ( in-vitro fertilization)
The procedure where eggs are removed from the ovaries
and mixed with sperm. Eggs that fertilize become
embryos and are transferred to the uterus in hopes that
a pregnancy will result.
Klinefelter’s Syndrome
A genetic abnormality that may cause infertility. It is
characterized by having two X chromosomes and one
Y chromosome.
Laparoscopy
A surgical procedure where small incisions are made in
the abdomen and in the navel, and a fiber optic scope is
inserted to examine and repair any of the pelvic organs.
Laparotomy
Major surgical procedure where an incision is made in
the abdomen.
Leiomyoma (fibroid or myoma)
A non-cancerous, benign tumor of the uterine muscle
and connective tissue.
LH (luteinizing hormone)
The hormone that is released by the pituitary prior to
ovulation.
LH Surge (luteinizing hormone surge)
The hormone released just before ovulation. It enables
the mature egg to be released from the follicle.
LPD (luteal phase defect)
When the lining of the uterus does not develop properly,
making it unsuitable for implantation.
Luteal Phase
The portion of a menstrual cycle before menstruation, but
after ovulation. A normal luteal phase lasts approximately
10 to 16 days. This is the part of the cycle that releases
progesterone and enables implantation of the pre-
embryo, which may result in pregnancy.
Meiosis
The cellular process that results in the number of
chromosomes in reproductive cells being reduced from
46 to 23.
Metformin
Metformin is the most commonly used insulin sensitizer
drug in PCOS. It is generally used in women with PCOS
to improve ovulation, either given by itself or more
commonly in combination with clomiphene citrate. In
some patients with a severe degree of insulin resistance
and/or a strong family history of diabetes, metformin
used long-term may be used to reduce the chance of
developing diabetes and other related problems. However,
PCOS patients desiring to reduce their risk of diabetes
should always consider diet and exercise first.
Morphology
Term meaning shape. When sperm is diagnosed
as having poor morphology, it means the sperm is
misshapen and often incapable of fertilization.
Motility
Refers to the swimming ability of the sperm.
Myoma (fibroid or leiomyoma)
A non-cancerous, benign tumor of the uterine muscle and
connective tissue.
Myomectomy
A surgical procedure used to remove a fibroid tumor from
the uterus, leaving the uterus intact.
Occlusion
A blockage. If fallopian tubes are occluded, it means they
are blocked.
Oligomenorrhea
A condition characterized by infrequent menstrual
periods.
Oocyte
An egg cell.
Ovary
The female egg and hormone-producing gonad.
Ovulation
The release of mature eggs from the ovary.
Ovum
An egg cell.
PCO (polycystic ovarian disease)
Also called Stein-Leventhal syndrome. A reason for
infertility caused by an overabundance of androgens,
small cysts on the ovaries and lack of ovulation.
Symptoms may include obesity or weight gain, acne,
excessive hair growth and amenorrhea. PCO may also
occur without outward symptoms.
Progesterone
The hormone produced during the second half (luteal
phase) of a woman’s cycle. It helps to thicken the
lining of the uterus in preparation for implantation of
a fertilized egg.
Prolactin
The hormone that stimulates the production of milk for
breastfeeding mothers.
Retrograde Ejaculation
Semen flows backwards into the bladder instead of
forward through the urethra. It is a cause of male
infertility.
Salpingectomy
Removal of the fallopian tubes surgically.
Salpingitis
When one or both fallopian tubes are inflamed or
infected.
Salpingolysis
Surgical removal of adhesions around the fallopian tubes.
Salpingostomy
A surgical incision in the fallopian tubes. This may be
done to remove an ectopic pregnancy or to recreate an
opening in an obstructed tube.
Salpingotomy
A surgical incision in the fallopian tubes. This may be
done to remove an ectopic pregnancy or to recreate an
opening in an obstructed tube.
Scrotum
Sac of skin and thin muscle that holds the testicles.
Secondary Infertility
Infertility of six months or more in a couple that has
previously had a child.
Semen
The fluid that is secreted from the testicles, seminal
vesicles and prostate during ejaculation.
Semen Analysis
Examination of semen for quality.
Seminal Vesicles
The two glands found below the bladder, producing
seminal fluid.
Seminiferous Tubules
The tubes found in the testicles that produce sperm.
Septate Uterus
A uterine abnormality dividing the uterus into two halves
by a septum.
Septum
The abnormal tissue that divides the uterus in half.
Sertoli Cell
The cells found in the testes that assist in sperm cell
production.
Sonogram
Used to reveal images of internal organs without the
use of an X-ray. In fertility treatment it helps to monitor
follicular growth and to detect abnormalities such as
cysts. The sonogram uses high-frequency sound waves.
This procedure is also known as ultrasound.
SPA (sperm penetration assay)
A method in which sperm are combined with hamster
eggs in order to measure the sperm’s ability to fertilize.
Sperm
The male reproductive cell or gamete.
Sperm Bank
A place where sperm is collected and frozen to be used
at a later time by a couple or to be donated for use in
assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs).
Sperm Count
The number of sperm present.
Sperm Density
The number of sperm per milliliter or cc. Sperm may be
measured by its motility, morphology, count and viability.
Sperm Morphology
The shape and form of each sperm.
Sperm Motility
The percentage of sperm moving forward.
Sperm Viability
Refers to whether or not the sperm is alive.
Sperm Washing
Technique that is used to separate the seminal fluid from
the sperm.
Spermatocyte
Sperm cell that is immature.
Spermatogenesis
Production of sperm within the seminiferous tubules.
Spermatozoa
The male reproductive cell or gamete. Also called sperm.
Spinnbarkeit
Used in a post-coital test to test the stretchability of
cervical mucus.
Split Ejaculate
The method of collecting a semen specimen so that the
first half of the ejaculate is caught in one container and
the rest in a second container.
Stein-Leventhal Syndrome
Also called Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCO). A cause
of infertility caused by an overabundance of androgens,
small cysts on the ovaries and lack of ovulation.
Symptoms may include obesity or weight gain, acne,
excessive hair growth and amenorrhea. PCO may also
occur without outward symptoms.
Surrogate Mother
A woman who agrees to become impregnated and carry
a baby for another couple. She agrees to give the baby to
the couple shortly after birth. This can be done using the
sperm of the male and the egg of the female or with the
egg of the surrogate. It may also be performed using both
donor sperm and eggs.
Testicle
The gonad of the male producing sperm and male sex
hormones.
Testicular Biopsy
The surgical removal of testicular tissue to determine if
the cells have the ability to produce normal sperm, or to
diagnose possible neoplasms.
Testicular Failure
Occurs when the testes do not produce a normal number
of mature sperm and when the hormones needed for
normal sperm are abnormally elevated.
Testicular Torsion
A disorder where the testicle twists on itself, cutting off
its own blood supply.
Testosterone
The male hormone.
TET (tubal embryo transfer)
A form of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) where the embryo is
placed into the fallopian tube.
Teteratospermia
Abnormally shaped sperm.
Transvaginal Ultrasound Aspiration
The technique used in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to retrieve
or aspirate the eggs.
Tubal Ligation
A procedure to surgically tie or obstruct the fallopian
tubes in order to sterilize a woman.
Tuboplasty
Reconstructive surgery to correct any abnormality of the
fallopian tubes causing infertility.
Tumor
Benign or malignant growth of tissue.
Turner’s Syndrome
A genetic abnormality in females where a chromosome is
missing, causing no ovarian function.
Ultrasound
Used to reveal images of internal organs without the use
of an X-ray. In infertility treatment it helps to monitor
follicular growth and to detect abnormalities such as
cysts. The ultrasouund uses high-frequency sound
waves. This procedure is also known as a sonogram.
Unicornuate Uterus
Uterine abnormality where the uterus is one-sided and
smaller then normal.
Urethra
The tube-like structure that expels urine from the bladder.
Uterus
Female reproductive organ that protects, develops and
nourishes the fetus until birth — also referred to as the
womb.
Vagina
The birth canal in the female that connects the external
and internal sex organs.
Vas Deferens
The tubes connecting the epididymis (where the sperm is
stored), to the urethra, the tube that expels the sperm.
Vasectomy
Male surgical sterilization by tying the vas deferens.
Vasogram
An X-ray study of the vas deferens.
ZIFT (zygote intrafallopian transfer)
A form of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) where the fertilized
egg is placed into the fallopian tube.
Zona Pellucida
The protective coating surrounding the egg.
Zygote
A fertilized egg.
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