Hey there! If you’re diving into the world of infertility, it’s easy to get lost in all the jargon. Let’s break down some common terms and acronyms you might encounter on your journey to parenthood.
Common Infertility Terms
AMH: This stands for anti-Müllerian hormone, which is a great indicator of a woman’s ovarian reserve. AMH is produced by the granulosa cells in ovarian follicles. As women age, their AMH levels drop, indicating a decrease in available eggs.
FSH: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is released by the brain to help ovarian follicles grow. These tiny sacs contain maturing eggs, and FSH plays a crucial role in fertility.
BW: Bloodwork (BW) is an essential part of diagnosing infertility. It checks hormone levels to assist your doctor in figuring out what might be going on.
DE: Donor eggs (DE) come into play for women who can’t use their eggs due to various reasons but can still carry a pregnancy. This option is also popular among same-sex male couples using a gestational carrier.
GC: A gestational carrier (GC) is someone who carries a baby for another individual or couple. Unlike traditional surrogates, they have no genetic link to the child.
hCG: Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that rises during pregnancy. Testing for hCG levels helps confirm that a pregnancy is progressing well.
HSG: A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is done to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes. A dye is injected into the uterus, and X-rays help determine if everything is normal and if the tubes are open.
ICSI: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a technique used when sperm quality or quantity is an issue. A single sperm is directly injected into an egg, which can be a game-changer for male factor infertility.
IUI: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a straightforward fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into the uterus, making it easier for the sperm to reach the egg.
IVF: In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves combining an egg and sperm outside the body in a lab. If fertilization occurs, the embryo is transferred to the uterus in hopes of implantation.
LH: Luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation in women, leading to the release of eggs from the ovaries.
MF: Male factor infertility (MF) accounts for about 40% of infertility cases, which can stem from various issues like sperm production disorders.
OHSS: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but serious condition that can occur after ovarian stimulation, leading to fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
P4: Progesterone (P4) is tested to see if ovulation has occurred, if a pregnancy is progressing, or if there have been issues like ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages.
PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by hormonal imbalances and cysts on the ovaries that can prevent ovulation.
PGS & PGD: Preconception genetic screening (PGS) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) are tests used to check embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation.
RPL: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is when a woman experiences two or more miscarriages before 20 weeks of pregnancy due to various factors.
SA: A semen analysis (SA) is critical for understanding sperm health and its potential to fertilize an egg.
SI: Secondary infertility (SI) refers to difficulty conceiving after having one or more children without fertility treatment.
TTC: Trying to conceive (TTC) is the period during which a couple actively attempts to get pregnant, generally considered as the time of regular, unprotected intercourse.
2WW: The two-week wait (2WW) is the anxious period after ovulation when you’re waiting to see if you’ve conceived.
US: Ultrasounds (US) are helpful in assessing reproductive organs and checking for abnormalities.
Additional Resources
If you’re looking for more emotional support during this journey, check out some stunning maternity photos that can inspire you at this link. And for couples exploring their options, Make a Mom offers valuable insights into fertility journeys. Lastly, if you want to learn more about fertility treatments, March of Dimes is an excellent resource.
To sum up, understanding the terminology around infertility can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s the first step toward finding the right support and treatment options. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals and communities that can help guide you through this journey.