Navigating the world of fertility can often feel overwhelming, especially with the numerous acronyms and technical terms involved. Below is a compilation of common terms and acronyms that you may encounter while trying to conceive (TTC), explained in straightforward language. If you don’t find a specific term you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to the community for assistance as we continuously update this resource to support everyone on their journey.
Key Fertility Terms
- Artificial Insemination: This refers to the intentional introduction of sperm into a woman’s cervix or uterine cavity to achieve conception, bypassing sexual intercourse.
- Basal Body Temperature (BBT): This is your body temperature measured after at least five hours of sleep, used to monitor your fertility cycle and to indicate ovulation or pregnancy. Expect slight changes throughout each cycle.
- Chemical Pregnancy: A chemical pregnancy is an early loss of pregnancy that occurs shortly after implantation. If you experience heavy bleeding soon after a positive pregnancy test, it may indicate a chemical pregnancy.
- Cervix: The cervix serves as the entrance to the uterus from the vagina, playing a crucial role in both conception and childbirth. Throughout your cycle, it undergoes various changes that can help indicate ovulation, menstruation, or the fertile window. For more on tracking these changes, check out our resources on how to find your cervix.
- Cervical Fluid/Mucus: This is the discharge that occurs from the vagina when not menstruating. The characteristics of cervical fluid change throughout the cycle, ranging from dry to watery, and observing these changes can be beneficial when TTC.
- Endometrium: This is the uterine lining that thickens in preparation for a potential embryo. If implantation doesn’t occur, this lining is shed during your period.
- Follicular Phase: This phase spans from the first day of your period until ovulation occurs.
- HCG: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy, is what home pregnancy tests use to determine if you are pregnant.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): This is a diagnostic test to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes. Many women report becoming pregnant shortly after this procedure, which involves dye being injected through the cervix for imaging purposes.
- Intracervical Insemination (ICI): This method involves placing sperm at the opening of the cervix to facilitate conception without the need for washing the sperm.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): A fertility specialist directly places washed sperm into the uterus using a catheter, bypassing the cervix. This is a clinical procedure done under professional supervision.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF involves fertilizing eggs with sperm outside the body in a controlled environment, and the resulting embryos are then implanted in the uterus. This method generally includes multiple procedures and hormone treatments over several months.
- Luteal Phase (LP): This phase occurs after ovulation and continues until your next period begins.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH): This hormone surges just before ovulation and is commonly measured by ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) to indicate when you’re likely to ovulate.
- Menstrual Cycle: The cycle starts on the first day of menstruation and lasts until the next period begins, typically around 28 days with ovulation occurring about two weeks after menstruation.
- Progesterone: This hormone is vital for both the menstrual cycle and conception. It prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg and helps maintain pregnancy if conception occurs.
Common Fertility & TTC Acronyms
- AF: Aunt Flo (your period)
- AMH: Anti-Mullerian Hormone
- BBT: Basal Body Temperature
- BD: Baby Dance (intimacy)
- BFP: Big Fat Positive (positive pregnancy test)
- BFN: Big Fat Negative
- DPO: Days Post Ovulation
- EDD: Estimated Due Date
- IUI: Intrauterine Insemination
- IVF: In Vitro Fertilization
- TTC: Trying To Conceive
- TWW: Two Week Wait
- US: Ultrasound
For those looking for a supportive community, consider joining the MakeAMom Facebook group for free sperm donor matching. Additionally, if you’re interested in at-home insemination, check out MakeAMom for their innovative reusable option and how the process works.
For further reading on fertility treatments, you can find valuable information on ACOG’s website and explore this comprehensive guide about navigating cryobank services. Additionally, for insights on legal considerations in home insemination, take a look at this resource.
To Summarize:
Understanding the terminology surrounding fertility and TTC can ease the journey toward conception. Familiarizing yourself with these terms and acronyms will empower you as you navigate this process. Remember to seek support from communities and resources available to you, like MakeAMom, as you work toward your goal of starting a family.