Hey there! If you’re diving into the world of fertility, you probably have a lot of questions. Let’s break down some terms you might come across.
Habitual Abortion
This term is used when a woman has experienced three or more miscarriages.
Missed Abortion
This is when a fetus has died in the uterus but there are no signs like bleeding or cramping. A procedure called D&C will be done to remove the fetal remains and prevent any complications.
ACTH
Produced by the pituitary gland, this hormone stimulates the adrenal glands. If levels are too high, it can affect fertility.
Adhesion
These are scar tissues that can form in the abdomen, fallopian tubes, or uterus, potentially messing with egg transport and embryo implantation.
Adrenal Androgens
These male hormones, made by the adrenal gland, can cause fertility issues if produced in excess. Women might see male characteristics develop, and it can suppress important hormones needed for ovulation.
Amenorrhea
Simply put, this is when a woman doesn’t get her period.
Androgens
These are male sex hormones that play a role in various bodily functions.
Andrologist
A specialist in male reproduction, often working in fertility clinics, who evaluates male fertility.
Aneuploidy
This refers to an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can affect fertility.
Anovulation
This condition means a woman isn’t releasing mature eggs regularly, even if she still has menstrual cycles.
Antisperm Antibodies
These are produced by the immune system and can attach to sperm, making it hard for them to swim and fertilize an egg.
Artificial Insemination
Involves introducing sperm into a woman’s uterus through medical means to increase the chances of conception. You might also come across the term intrauterine insemination or IUI.
Asherman’s Syndrome
This is when the walls of the uterus stick together, often due to inflammation.
Assisted Hatching
A procedure done in vitro to help embryos break free from their protective shell, making implantation easier.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
This encompasses various medical procedures aimed at helping couples overcome fertility challenges, including IVF and IUI.
Asthenozoospermia
This term means low sperm motility, affecting the ability of sperm to swim.
Azoospermia
This is when there’s no sperm present in the semen, usually due to a blockage or production issue.
Basal Body Temperature
This is the temperature of a woman upon waking. Tracking it can help indicate ovulation, with a rise suggesting ovulation has occurred.
Beta hCG Test (BhCG)
A blood test that confirms pregnancy by detecting hCG levels.
Bicornuate Uterus
A condition where the uterus has an unusual shape, featuring a duplicated upper portion.
Blastocyst
This is an embryo that forms a fluid-filled cavity around five to six days after fertilization.
Blighted Ovum
A fertilized egg that implants but fails to develop further.
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
A medication used to lower prolactin levels when they are abnormally high.
Cancellation
This term refers to stopping a stimulated cycle before egg retrieval or IUI due to an inadequate response to medication.
Cervical Mucus
The secretions from the cervix change in texture throughout the menstrual cycle, becoming more slippery and watery before ovulation to help sperm travel.
Cervical Stenosis
This is a blockage in the cervical canal, possibly due to congenital issues or surgical complications.
Cervix
The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina, it plays a crucial role during labor and in allowing sperm to enter.
Incompetent Cervix
A condition where the cervix opens prematurely during pregnancy, often requiring a stitch to keep it closed until term.
Chromosome
These structures contain genetic material; humans have 46, with half coming from each parent.
Clinical Pregnancy
This occurs when a gestational sac is seen in the uterus during an ultrasound.
Clomiphene Citrate
A fertility medication that stimulates the ovaries to produce more follicles during an ovulation cycle.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
A condition where elevated androgens can interfere with fertility and may cause ambiguous genitalia in females.
Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH)
A treatment aimed at developing multiple follicles to retrieve several eggs.
Corpus Luteum
After ovulation, this structure releases progesterone, essential for preparing the uterine lining for implantation.
Cryopreservation
The process of freezing and storing embryos, eggs, or sperm for future use.
D&C (Dilation and Curettage)
A procedure that involves scraping the lining of the uterus.
Donor Insemination (DI)
This is when sperm from a donor is used for artificial insemination.
Doxycycline
An antibiotic used to treat infections in the reproductive tract.
Ectopic Pregnancy
A risky situation where the embryo implants outside of the uterus, usually requiring treatment.
Egg Donor
A woman who provides eggs to someone who cannot use their own.
Egg Retrieval (ER)
The process of collecting eggs from the ovaries.
Embryo
The developing baby from conception until about eight weeks of pregnancy.
Embryo Transfer (ET)
The procedure of placing embryos into the uterus.
Embryologists
Scientists who help fertilize eggs and support embryo development.
Endometrial Biopsy
A procedure that collects a sample from the uterine lining for analysis.
Endometriosis
A condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and infertility.
Endometrium
The lining of the uterus that prepares for pregnancy each cycle.
Epididymis
The organ where sperm mature after leaving the testicle.
Estradiol Level (E2 Level)
Measures the amount of estradiol, a key form of estrogen in the blood.
Estrogens
These female hormones are responsible for developing secondary sexual characteristics.
For more information on home insemination, check out our blog post on your baby’s estimated arrival date. If you’re considering artificial insemination, you might find useful resources at Make A Mom’s website. And if you’re curious about the IVF process, Parents.com provides great insights into what to expect during treatment.
In summary, understanding fertility terminology can be a game-changer on your journey to parenthood. Whether it’s about hormonal levels, procedures, or conditions affecting fertility, being informed helps empower your decisions.