IntegraMed Fertility Dictionary

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

ABORTION - Medical termination of a pregnancy before the fetus has developed enough to survive outside the uterus. There are several types including: clinical, habitual, incomplete, missed, spontaneous, therapeutic and threatened.
ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS) - A fatal disease that attacks the immune system, resulting in infections and cancers. Usually transmitted through sexual activity.
ADHESIONS - Scar tissue that attaches to the surface of organs.
AMENORRHEA - A women who has never had a period.
ANDROGENS (ADRENAL ANDROGENS) - Male sex hormones.
ANDROLOGIST - A medical doctor or Ph.D. who specializes in the study of male reproduction.
ANDROLOGY - A speciality that focuses on male infertility.
ANOVULATION - A condition in which a woman does not ovulate (produce and release eggs). Menses may still occur. See a fertility specialist now
ANTAGON - Brand name of a fertility drug. See Fertility Drugs.
ART (ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES) - Any procedure that involves removal of eggs from a woman prior to fertilization, such as In Vitro Fertilization.
ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AI) - Placing sperm into the vagina, uterus or fallopian tubes through artificial means instead of by coitus. The sperm is usually injected through a catheter or cannula after being washed. This technique is used to overcome sexual performance problems, to circumvent sperm-mucus interaction problems, to maximize the potential for poor semen, and for using donor sperm. See also IUI. See a fertility specialist now
ASHERMAN'S SYNDROME - A condition in which the walls of the uterus adhere together to an extent where the uterine cavity itself is diminished. It is defined by uterine inflammation, adhesions, and scarring.
ASPIRATION - A surgical technique to obtain sperm or eggs.
ASRM - The American Society of Reproductive Medicine, a non-profit organization that works to advance knowledge and expertise in reproductive medicine.
ASSISTED HATCHING - A laboratory procedure that chemically dissolves an embryo surface to improve the likelihood of implantation.
ASTHENOZOOSPERMIA - Low sperm motility.
AZOOSPERMIA - The absence of sperm in the seminal fluid, usually caused by a blockage or an impairment of sperm production.

B

BABY ASPIRIN - A low dose of aspirin (80-100 mg) used in infertility treatment to increase blood flow to the uterus.
BBT - See Basal Body Temperature.
BBT CHART, BBT CHARTING - See Basal Body Temperature Chart.
BASAL BODY TEMPERATURE (BBT) - The body temperature of a person immediately upon awakening, before any activity. When the temperature is recorded daily on a graph, a jump in temperature (about 0.5°F) may be evidence of ovulation. A drop in temperature may be evidence of the onset of menses or a miscarriage. The temperature can be taken orally or rectally.
BASAL BODY TEMPERATURE CHART - A daily record of the Basal Body Temperature plotted on a chart in order to show patterns and detect ovulation. The chart can be a physical paper chart, or a computer chart in a charting program or on a website.
BETA hCG TEST (BhCG) - A blood test to determine pregnancy, it gives a positive reading if human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is present in the blood.
BICORNUATE UTERUS - A congenital malformation of the uterus where the upper portion (horn) is duplicated.
BIOCHEMICAL PREGNANCY - See Chemical Pregnancy.
BIRTH DEFECT - Any abnormality, biochemical, functional or structural, that is present at birth. A birth defect may be caused by genetic or other factors. It may manifest itself in infancy or become apparent later in life. See Genetic Birth Defect.
BLASTOCYST - An embryo that has developed for approximately five days after fertilization. At this point the embryo has two different cell types and a central cavity. The surface cells (trophectoderm) will become the placenta, and the inner cell mass will become the fetus.
BLASTOCYST TRANSFER - Allowing IVF embryos to reach blastocyst stage, before transferring the embryos into the uterus.
BLIGHTED OVUM (EGG) - A fertilized egg that implants in the uterus, but does not develop further and dies. See a fertility specialist now
BMI (Body Mass Index) - A measure of the weight of an individual scaled according to their height. It can be calculated from the formula BMI = weight/(height^2) where weight is in kilograms and height is in meters, or from the equivalent formula BMI = 703* weight/(height^2) where weight is in pounds and height is in inches.
BRAVELLE - Brand name of a fertility drug. See Fertility Drugs.
BROMOCRIPTINE (PARLODEL) - An oral medication used to lower the level of the hormone prolactin.

C

CANCELLED CYCLE - Discontinuation of an ART cycle, usually prompted by poor response to hormone therapy, no egg recovery, or failed fertilization.
CBC (Complete Blood Count) - A routine preoperative blood test that gives information regarding infection and anemia.
CERVICAL MUCUS - Secretions produced by the cervix. The thickness of the mucus varies according to the phase of the menstrual cycle. In the days just before ovulation, the mucus is easily penetrable by sperm.
CERVIX - The lower section and opening of the uterus that protrudes into the vagina. Sperm pass through the cervix into the uterus during intercourse. It dilates during labor to allow the passage of the infant.
CETROTIDE - Brand name of a fertility drug. See Fertility Drugs.
CHEMICAL PREGNANCY - An apparent, but not real, pregnancy. The hCG level in the blood rises high enough to yield a positive pregnancy test, but then stops rising and does not lead to a clinical pregnancy.
CHOCOLATE CYST - An ovarian cysts filled with old blood. Occurring when endometriosis invades an ovary causing it to swell. If the cyst ruptures or the ovary containing the cyst twists, emergency surgery may be necessary.
CLINICAL PREGNANCY - A pregnancy verified not only by a blood test, but by ultrasound evidence of a gestational sac in the first trimester.
CLOMID (CLOMIPHENE CITRATE, SEROPHENE) - A brand name for Clomiphene Citrate. A synthetic drug used to stimulate production of follicle stimulating hormone and lutenizing hormone. Often used to treat ovulation failure caused by problems in the hypothalamic pituitary. See a fertility specialist now
COITUS - Intercourse.
COLPOSCOPY - Use of a scope to examine the cervix for abnormal cells.
CONCEPTION - The fertilization of an egg by sperm that leads to the creation of an embryo. Also used to describe the start of pregnancy, marked by the implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining.
CONGENITAL - A characteristic or defect present at birth, it may be hereditary or acquired during gestation.
CORPUS LUTEUM - Remnant of a follicle after ovulation. It releases progesterone, a hormone that preserves the uterine lining.
CRYOPRESERVATION - A procedure used to preserve and store embryos or sperm by deep freezing. The embryos or sperm can be thawed at a later date and used in infertility treatments. See also Frozen Embryo and Frozen Embryo Transfer. See a fertility specialist now
CYCLE - The period of time, about one month, when an infertility treatment is initiated and continuing until the treatment is halted or completed.

D

D & C - Dilation and curettage. This is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is expanded (dilated) so that the cervical canal and uterine lining can be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette.
DES - Diethylstilbestrol, a potent estrogen.
DYSMENORRHEA - Painful menstration.
DYSPAREUNIA - Painful coitus.

E

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY - A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity (usually in the fallopian tube, the ovary, or the abdominal cavity). Usually requires surgical intervention. See a fertility specialist now
EGG DONATION - The process in which eggs, removed from the ovaries of one woman, are donated for use by another. See a fertility specialist now
EGG DONOR - A woman who donates her eggs for use by another woman. Egg donors usually undergo medical and psychological screening before donating eggs.
EGG RETRIEVAL - A surgical procedure, usually under sedation, to collect the eggs contained with the ovarian follicles. The physician inserts a needle into the follicle, draws out the follicle's fluid and egg through the needle, and then places the fluid and egg into a dish for further processing.
EMBRYO - The developing baby in the early stages of fetal growth, from conception to the eighth week of pregnancy. In infertility treatments this term is restricted to mean a fertilized egg, between 1 and 5 days old, used in IVF treatments. See also Blastocyst.
EMBRYO FREEZING - See Frozen Embryo.
EMBRYO TRANSFER - Placing an embryo (fertilized egg) into the uterus for implantation.
EMBRYOLOGISTS - Professionals, trained in advanced laboratory techniques, who prepare and provide the necessary conditions for the fertilization of eggs. They also facilitate the growth, development, maturation, and preservation of embryos.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - One of the major regulatory systems of the body. It regulates the "slower" processes such as growth and reproduction, while the nervous system regulates the "faster" processes such as heartbeats and muscle movements. The endocrine system works by secreting special "messenger chemicals" called hormones. The hypothalamus area of the brain instructs the pituitary gland to secrete hormones that control many other glands. These glands in turn regulate critical functions such as metabolism and reproduction. Because the endocrine system regulates reproductive processes it is important in many aspects of fertility. Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system. An endocrine specialist is called an endocrinologist, and a doctor who specializes in the reproductive aspects of the endocrine system is known as a reproductive endocrinologist. See a fertility specialist now
ENDOCRINOLOGY - See Endocrine System.
ENDOCRINOLOGISTS - See Endocrine System. See a fertility specialist now
ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY - The extraction of a tiny piece of tissue from the endometrium.
ENDOMETRIOSIS - The presence of endometrial tissue (the uterine lining) in areas outside of the uterus such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and peritoneal cavity. This condition often causes painful menstruation and infertility. See a fertility specialist now
ENDOMETRIUM - The mucous membrane lining the uterus.
EPIDIDYMIS - The elongated organ in the male that lies above and behind the testicles. It contains a highly convoluted canal four to six meters in length where sperm are stored, nourished, and ripened for several months.
ESTRADIOL - The main estrogen hormone produced by the ovary. It is responsible for formation of the female secondary sex characteristics and supports the growth of the follicle and the development of the uterine lining.
ESTRADIOL LEVEL (E2 LEVEL) - The amount of estradiol, a form of estrogen, in the blood. The E2 level, measured before ovulation, reveals how mature the follicles are. Women on injectable fertility drugs have routine E2 monitoring.
ESTROGEN - A group of female hormones responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Estrogen is produced mainly by the ovaries from the onset of puberty until menopause.

F

FALLOPIAN TUBE - Either of a pair of tubes that conduct eggs from an ovary to the uterus. Natural fertilization takes place as an egg travels through a fallopian tube.
FEMALE INFERTILITY (FEMALE FACTOR INFERTILITY) - The condition when a couple's infertility is attributed to the woman. See a fertility specialist now
FEMARA (LETROZOLE) - A brand name for Letrozole. A drug initially used to treat cancer in women, but now finding use for ovulation induction as a replacement for Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) to avoid side effects of that drug. Femara is taken orally. See a fertility specialist now
FEMTA - Brand name of a commercial product. Ovulation calendar software used to chart a women's cycle in order to predict her most fertile days.
FERTILITY BLEND - Brand name of a commercial product. A nutritional supplement which claims to improve fertility and chances of conception.
FERTILITY CLINIC (FERTILITY CENTER) - A specialized medical practice that treats male and female infertility. The doctors are reproductive endocrinologists and are supported by other specialists such as embryologists. A wide range of treatments are available including fertility drugs, IUI, ICSI, IVF, Egg Donor, surgery and more. See a fertility specialist now
FERTILITY DRUGS - A class of medications used in infertility treatments. Most fertility drugs are known by their brand names. The primary drug companies and their brands are: ABBOTT LABS (Lupron), FERRING (Repronex, Lutrepulse), HOECHST (Clomid), NOVARIS, formerly SANDOZ (Parlodel), ORGANON (Humegon, Follistim), SERONO (Gonal-F, Pergonal)
These drugs are used as follows:
HMG Human Menopausal Gonadotropins (Pergonal, Repronex) Equal parts of the naturally occuring hormones FSH and LH. Used for ovarian stimulation and multiple follicular development prior to IVF treatment.
FSH Follicle Stimulating Hormones (Follistim, Gonal-F, Bravelle) Has essentialy the same function as the HMG's-they are used for ovarian stimulation and multi-follicular development. They contain FSH only and virtually no LH. Follistim and Gonal -F are manufactured using recombinant DNA technology, Bravelle is a human derived FSH.
HCG Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Novarel, Pregnyl, Ovidrel) Sometimes called the "pregnancy hormone" as this is the hormone detected by home pregnacy tests. It is produced by the developing embryo and eventually the placenta. In the manufactured form it is used to cause ovulation in insemination cycles and is given for final maturation of oocytes (eggs) prior to IVF.
GnRH Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (Antagon, Cetrotide, Lupron) Used in fertility treatment to prevent premature ovulation during ovarian stimulation prior to IVF. See a fertility specialist now
FERTILITY SPECIALIST - See Reproductive Endocrinologist. See a fertility specialist now
FERTILIZATION - Penetration of an egg by a sperm and the fusion of genetic material.
FERTINEX - A purified form of follicle stimulating hormone, it can be injected under the skin to stimulate development and maturation of follicles. Similar in function to Metrodin.
FET (FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSFER) - The use of a frozen embryo in an IVF procedure. See also Frozen Embryo. See a fertility specialist now
FETAL REDUCTION - A medical procedure to decrease the number of fetuses in a multiple gestation.
FETUS - The developing baby after the embryo stage, from the ninth week of pregnancy to the moment of birth.
FIBROIDS (UTERINE FIBROIDS, MYOMAS) - A non-cancerous tumor found within the wall of the uterus. Fibroids can be a cause of infertility. Fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women and it is estimated that 40% of all women over the age of 35 have fibroids. They can range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit. Many women have no symptoms, but some women have symptoms that include: heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, anemia, frequent urination, difficult or painful bowel movements, swollen or distended abdomen and infertility. Fibroids can be diagnosed by pelvic exam, vaginal ultasound and hysteroscopy. The treatment of fibroids depends upon their type and exact location in the uterine cavity. Many fibroids do not require treatment, but some must be removed by a surgical procedure, called myomectomy. A more recent treatment (Uterine Artery Embolization) does not remove the fibroids, but causes them to shrink by restricting the blood flow to the fibroid. See a fertility specialist now
FOLLICLE - Fluid-filled sac on the ovary that (usually) contains a ripening egg. The follicle can release an egg at ovulation. A physician can retrieve the egg from the follicle during an ART treatment cycle.
FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH) - A hormone that stimulates the ovary to ripen a follicle for ovulation. FSH is produced in the anterior pituitary gland.
FOLLICULAR PHASE - The portion of the menstrual cycle when ovarian follicle development takes place, (usually the first 14 or so days after menses begins).
FOLLISTIM - Brand name of a fertility drug. See Fertility Drugs.
FROZEN EMBRYO - An embryo that has been preserved and stored by deep freezing. The embryo can be thawed at a later date and used in infertility treatments. See a fertility specialist now
FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSFER (FET) - The use of a frozen embryo in an IVF procedure.
FSH - A hormone produced by the pituitary gland which causes the ovarian follicles to grow, or stimulates the ovary to ripen a follicle.

G

GAMETE - A sperm or an egg.
GAMETE INTRA-FALLOPIAN TUBE TRANSFER (GIFT) - A surgical procedure in which a sperm - egg mixture is transferred into the fallopian tubes where natural fertilization may occur.
GENETIC BIRTH DEFECT - A birth defect caused by genetic factors. PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) allows testing for genetic defects in embryos during IVF and can be used to help avoid some genetic birth defects. See Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis. See a fertility specialist now
GESTATION - The period of fetal development in the uterus from conception to birth, usually 40 weeks in humans.
GESTATIONAL CARRIER - A woman who carries the pregnancy to term but is not the genetic parent of the baby.
GLUCOPHAGE - See Metformin See a fertility specialist now
GnRH (GONADOTROPIN RELEASE HORMONE) - A hormone that controls the synthesis and release of the pituitary hormones FSH and LH. GnRH is produced by the hypothalamus.
GONADS - The glands that make reproductive cells and "sex" hormones. In the male these are the testicles, which make sperm and testosterone. In the female these are the ovaries, which make eggs (ova) and estrogen.
GONADOTROPIN - A hormone that can stimulate the testicles to produce sperm or the ovaries to produce an egg.
GONAL F - Brand name of a fertility drug. See Fertility Drugs.
GYN - See Gynecologist.
GYNECOLOGIST (GYN, OB GYN, OBGYN, OB/GYN) - A doctor who specializes in the diseases and the routine physical care of the reproductive system of women. A fertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist) is a gynecologist with additional specialization in infertility and assisted reproductive technologies such as IUI, ICSI, IVF, Egg Donor and more.

H

HCG - A hormone produced in early pregnancy that can be monitored to determine the age and viability of the gestation.
HIRSUTISM - Excessive body hair associated with the production of excess androgens.
HIV - A retrovirus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is transmitted by the exchange of bodily fluids or blood transfusions.
HORMONAL ASSAY - Also known as hormone tests. These include tests for levels of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), DHEA-S (dehydroepiandresterone), prolactin, and progesterone.
HORMONE - A chemical substance produced by one organ in the body that regulates the activity of another organ. See also Endocrine System.
HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (hCG) - A hormone secreted by the placenta that preserves the pregnancy by prolonging the life of the corpus luteum and stimulating progesterone production. A pregnancy test is positive when hCG is detected. It can be administered therapeutically (Pregnyl or Profasi) to help solve some infertility problems.
HUMAN MENOPAUSAL GONADOTROPIN (hMG) - A natural product containing both human FSH and LH (sold as Pergonal and Humegon). It is used to treat both male and female infertility and to stimulate the development of multiple eggs. These hormones are extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women.
HUMEGON - See Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG).
HYDROCELE - A fluid-filled swelling in the scrotum.
HYSTERECTOMY - The removal of the uterus. A partial hysterectomy removes the uterus including, in some cases, the cervix. A total hysterectomy also removes the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAM (HSG, HYSTEROGRAM, TUBOGRAM) - An x-ray procedure used to determine whether the fallopian tubes are open and capable of functioning properly. The physician injects dye into the uterus through the cervix. The dye passes through the tubes if they are open. An HSG can also reveal information such as the configuration of the uterus, irregularities, and the presence of fibroids. See a fertility specialist now
HYSTEROSCOPY - A surgical procedure in which a telescope-like device is inserted through the cervix to view the inside of the uterus. This procedure is sometimes performed in conjunction with a laparoscopy.

I

IDIOPATHICINFERTILITY (UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY) - The term used when no reason can be found to explain the cause of a couple's infertility.
IMMUNOLOGICAL RESPONSE - Condition when either partner produces sperm antibodies, which can cause infertility.
IMPLANTATION - The embedding of the fertilized egg in the lining of the uterus.
INFERTILITY - The inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy after one year of regular unprotected sexual relations, or the inability of a woman to carry a pregnancy to live birth. See a fertility specialist now
INFERTILITY DRUGS - See Fertility Drugs.
INSULIN - A hormone used by the body to control blood sugar (glucose). Over-production of insulin in relation to glucose is called Insulin Resistance and can lead to weight gain and ovulation difficulties. See a fertility specialist now
INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION (ICSI) - A laboratory procedure in which a single sperm is directly inserted into an individual egg.
INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION (IUI) - The introduction of specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus through the cervix. See a fertility specialist now
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF) - An infertility treatment procedure in which one or more eggs, each removed from a ripe follicle, is fertilized by sperm outside the human body. The resulting embryos are then grown in the laboratory for several days before being placed in a womans uterus to implant and result in pregnancy. See a fertility specialist now
IVF SUCCESS RATE - A measure of the success of the IVF procedure. Success can be defined in several ways, but is usually given as the percent of IVF cycles that result in live births. Most fertility clinics in the United States officially report their success rates to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the CDC published these numbers to the public.

J

Help us build the #1 Fertility Dictionary on the Web. If you find a term missing that you think we should add please email us.

K

Help us build the #1 Fertility Dictionary on the Web. If you find a term missing that you think we should add please email us.

L

LAPAROSCOPY - A surgical procedure in which a telescope-like device is inserted through a small incision near the navel to view the pelvic cavity, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. See a fertility specialist now
LETROZOLE (FEMARA ) - A drug initially used to treat cancer in women, but now finding use for ovulation induction as a replacement for Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) to avoid side effects of that drug. Letrozole is taken orally. See a fertility specialist now
LEUPROLIDE ACETATE - See Lupron.
LH - See Luteinizing Hormone.
LH SURGE - A spontaneous release of large amounts of luteinizing hormone (LH) during a woman's menstrual cycle. This normally results in the release of a mature egg from a follicle (ovulation).
LUPRON - A brand name for Leuprolide Acetate. The brand is owned and manufactured by Abbott Labs. A hormonal medication that can create a pseudo menopause. A chemical similar to GnRH, it first stimulates the female hormones, then suppresses a woman's secretion of FSH and LH. Lupron tends to increase the number of follicles, oocytes (eggs), and embryos during a cycle, decreasing the risk of a cancelled cycle.
LUPRON "DOWN REGULATION" - A treatment with Lupron that takes advantage of the suppression of natural hormone (LH and FSH) secretions. Used before injection of hMG to stimulate follicular development.
LUPRON "FLARE" - A treatment with Lupron that takes advantage of the initial rise or "flare" of the woman's LH and FSH levels 24 hours after the start of Lupron administration.
LUTEAL PHASE - The days of a menstrual cycle following ovulation and ending with menses, (usually lasting between 12 and 14 days.)
LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH) - A hormone that causes the ovary to release a mature egg (ovulation). In the male, LH stimulates testosterone production. LH is secreted by the anterior pituitary.

M

MALE INFERTILITY (MALE FACTOR INFERTILITY) - The condition when a couple's infertility is attributed to the man.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE - See Menstruation.
MENSTRUATION (MENSTRUAL CYCLE, PERIOD) - A recurring cycle (beginning at menarche and ending at menopause) in which the endometrial lining of the uterus prepares for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur the lining is shed in response to stimulation from estrogen and progesterone. The "average" menstrual cycle is 28 days, but can vary significantly from women to women. Irregular periods do not usually effect fertility, but unusually long periods or no periods may indicate a fertility problem. See a fertility specialist now
MESA - Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration. A procedure in which sperm are obtained from the empididymis by aspiration or surgical incision.
METFORMIN (GLUCOPHAGE) - An oral medication first used to help control diabetes. Recently, it has been found to facilitate ovulation in some women with PCOS. Women who do not ovulate after taking metformin may be able to ovulate when taking metformin in combination with clomid. Using metformin may be a benefit to some women with polycystic ovarian syndrome by allowing them to avoid the injectable FSH medications. See a fertility specialist now
METRODIN - A preparation of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) used to stimulate development and maturation of follicles.
METRORRHAGIA - Menstrual spotting during the middle of the cycle.
MICROINSEMINATION - A laboratory technique in which sperm are injected next to the egg cell surface to increase the likelihood of fertilization.
MICROMANIPULATION - Procedure in which a single sperm is injected under the outer layer of the egg to induce fertilization (see ICSI). This procedure is used to treat male factor infertility.
MISCARRIAGE (SPONTANEOUS ABORTION) - A pregnancy that ends before the fetus (growing baby) can survive outside of the uterus. During a miscarriage, the fetus, placenta and sac of fluid around the fetus are expelled from the uterus (sometimes not all of these are expelled completely.) A miscarriage may occur because the fetus is not developing properly or because the placenta is not attached properly. In many cases the cause is not known. It is estimated that miscarriages occur in about 15-20 % of all pregnancies. A miscarriage does not preclude a normal pregnancy in the future. Most miscarriages begin with light, painless bleeding. This is the mothers blood and is not fetal blood. About 50% of the time this bleeding stops, and there is no problem with the pregnancy. It's possible at this stage to check for fetal heartbeat with an ultrasound scan. In the remainder of the cases the bleeding continues, the uterus contracts resulting in painful cramps, and a miscarriage occurs. Most women who miscarry do so only once and the risk for miscarrying again is not increased. However, women over 35 years of age are more liable to miscarry. Repeated miscarriage do occur in some women, and can be due to several factors including: genetic (chromosonal abnormalities), hormone and immune problems, PCOS and more. PGD screening may be recommended where genetic factors are suspected. See a fertility specialist now
MITTLESCHMERZ - Discomfort felt on one side of the lower abdomen at the time of ovulation.
MONOGAMOUS - An exclusive sexual relationship between two individuals.
MOTILITY - The percentage of all moving sperm in a semen sample. Normally, 50% or more sperm in a sample move rapidly.
MULTIPLE BIRTH - The birth of two or more offspring produced in the same gestational period.
MULTIPLE GESTATION or MULTIPLE PREGNANCY - The conception of two or more fetuses in the same woman at the same time, whether or not they result in live births.
MYOMECTOMY - The surgical removal of non-cancerous fibroid tumors from the wall of the uterus.

N

NOVAREL - Brand name of a fertility drug. See Fertility Drugs.

O

OBGYN, OB GYN, OB/GYN - See Gynecologist.
OVIDREL - Brand name of a fertility drug. See Fertility Drugs.
OLIGO-OVULATION - Irregular ovulation.
OLIGOMENORRHEA - Infrequent menstrual periods.
OLIGOSPERMIA - A condition in which the number of sperm in a semen sample is abnormally low.
OOCYTE - The egg cell produced in the ovaries. Also called the ovum or gamete.
OOCYTE DONATION - The process in which eggs, removed from the ovaries of one woman, are donated for use by another.
OOCYTE RETRIEVAL - A surgical procedure, usually under sedation, to collect the eggs contained with the ovarian follicles. The physician inserts a needle into the follicle, draws out the follicle's fluid and egg through the needle, and then places the fluid and egg into a dish for further processing.
OVARIAN CYST (OVARIAN CYSTS) - A fluid-filled sac inside the ovary. An ovarian cyst may be found in conjunction with ovulation disorders, tumors of the ovary, and endometriosis. Cysts can vary in size from small to large. Most are small and do not present any symptoms. Some may cause abdominal pain. Most cysts are benign, but some may be malignant and for this reason doctors check all cysts. There are several types of cysts: Functional cysts: these cysts are normal and form during ovulation. Endometriomas: these cysts develop in women who have endometriosis and may be filled with thick, brown blood which gives them the name chocolate cysts. Cystadenomas: these are benign cysts and are often filled with a fatty liquid. Multiple cysts: these can be caused by PCOS. Functional or benign cystic tumors may occur with no symptoms, but sometimes a cyst will be large enough to cause abdomenal pain or put pressure on the urinary tract and restrict urine flow. Other symptoms may include pain during sexual intercourse, and rarely, large cysts may produce nausea, fever, and severe abdominal pain. In women with endometriosis, ovarian cysts can cause pelvic pain, painful periods and other symptoms. Cysts can be diagnosed with pelvic exams, blood tests and ultasound. See also Chocolate Cyst. See a fertility specialist now
OVARIAN FAILURE - The failure of the ovary to respond to FSH stimulation from the pituitary because of damage to or malformation of the ovary. Diagnosed by elevated FSH in the blood.
OVARIAN HYPERSTIMULATION SYNDROME (OHSS) - A possible side effect of medically induced ovulation, characterized by swollen, painful ovaries and, in some cases, the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and chest.
OVARY, OVARIES - The female gonads, which make eggs (ova) and estrogen.
OVULATION - Release of a mature egg from a follicle at the surface of the ovary.
OVULATION CALCULATOR - See Ovulation Calendar.
OVULATION CALENDAR - Any method which plots a womans cycle with the object of finding her most fertile days. Several parameters can be plotted including temperature, cervical mucus thickness and cervical position. Used to increase the chance of getting pregnant, or to try and avoid pregnancy. See a fertility specialist now
OVULATION CHART - See Ovulation Calendar.
OVULATION DYSFUNCTION - A problem existing in the ovary where either something is abnormal in the process of developing the follicle or the egg is not released from the follicle.
OVULATION FAILURE - The failure to ovulate. Also called Anovulation.
OVULATION INDUCTION - The therapeutic use of female hormones to stimulate egg development and release. Useful hormones and hormone- based medications include clomiphene citrate, Pergonal, Humegon, Metrodin, and hCG. See a fertility specialist now
OVULATION KIT - See Ovulation Test.
OVULATION PREDICTION - See Ovulation Test.
OVULATION PREDICTOR - See Ovulation Test.
OVULATION PREDICTOR KIT - See Ovulation Test.
OVULATION SIGN - See Ovulation Test.
OVULATION TEST - Any method which can detect ovulation. Many tests are based on the detection of Luteinizing hormone (LH) which is always present in the body in low concentration but is produced in higher concentrations around the middle of the menstrual cycle when it is released by the pituary gland. This "LH surge" lasts for about 3 days, and this is the time when a woman is likely to ovulate. Most women ovulate 36 hours after the surge. The surge in LH is seen first in the blood, and then, about 8-12 hours later, it is detected in the urine. See a fertility specialist now
OVULEX - Brand name of a commercial product. A nutritional supplement which claims to improve fertility and chances of conception.
OVUM - The egg; the reproductive cell from the ovary; the female gamete; the sex cell that contains the woman's genetic information.

P

PAP SMEAR (PAPANICOLAOU SMEAR) - A screening test to evaluate the cells of the cervix to determine whether they are normal. The physician or nurse removes some cells from the cervical canal with a brush or spatula (usually a painless process, then smears them onto a glass plate). A pathologist examines the cells under a microscope.
PCO - See Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
PCOS - See Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID) - Inflammatory disease of the pelvis, often caused by infection, that can lead to infertility.
PERGONAL - See Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG)
PERIOD - See Menstruation.
PREIMPLANTATION GENETIC DIAGNOSIS (PGD) - Genetic testing of embryos in IVF to help avoid certain genetic birth defects such as Cystic Fibrosis, Down Syndrome, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Hemophilia A, Tay Sachs Disease and Turner Syndrome. PGD is recommended most frequently for patients with unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriages, unsuccessful IVF cycles, advanced maternal age, or male factor infertility. See a fertility specialist now
PITUITARY, PITUITARY GLAND - A gland in the endocrine system. The pituitary is located at the base of the brain just below the hypothalamus and it controls hormonal factories throughout the body including the gonads, the adrenal glands, and the thyroid gland. The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland secretes several hormones involved in controlling reproductive processes, including FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone.) The pituitary gland is about the size of a pea and is sometimes called the "master gland" of the endocrine system because it controls many of the other glands. In turn, the pituitary gland is controlled by the hypothalamus. See also Endocrine System. See a fertility specialist now
PLACENTA - The embryonic tissue that implants in the uterine wall and provides a mechanism for exchanging the baby's carbon dioxide and waste products for the mother's nutrients and oxygen. The baby is connected to the placenta by the umbilical cord.
POLYCYSTIC - See Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
POLYCYSTIC OVARY - See Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME - See Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISEASE - See Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME - A condition found in women who don't ovulate, characterized by excessive production of androgens (male sex hormones) and the presence of cysts in the ovaries. Symptoms may include weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth and infertility. See a fertility specialist now
POLYCYSTIC SYNDROME - See Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
POST COITAL 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.
PREGNYL - See Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).
PREMATURE OVARIAN FAILURE (POF) - The cessation of menses associated with high levels of gonadotropins and low levels of estrogen before age 40. The ovary may intermittantly produce mature follicles.
PRIMARY INFERTILITY (PI) - Infertility in women who have never conceived. Sometimes extended to include those who have conceived but not had a live birth.
PROFASI - See Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).
PROGESTERONE - A hormone secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary after ovulation has occurred. Also produced by the placenta during pregnancy.
PROLACTIN - A hormone produced by the pituitary. The level of prolactin in the blood can reveal hypothalmic-pituitary disorders that may hinder ovulation.
PROSTATE GLAND - A gland encircling the male urethra that produces some of the fluid in semen, including a chemical that liquefies the coagulated semen twenty minutes to one hour after entering the vagina.
PYOSPERMIA - The presence of white blood cells in the semen that may indicate infection and/or inflammation.

Q

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R

RECURRENT MISCARRIAGE (RECURRENT PREGNANCY LOSS, RECURRENT
SPONTANEOUS ABORTION) - Repeated miscarriages. Testing can be done to try to determine the cause of such losses. PGD testing may be used. If an underlying condition is found, the woman may need to be treated for the problem before a pregnancy can be carried to term. See a fertility specialist now
REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGISTS (RE) - Physicians trained in obstetrics and gynecology who further specialize in treating infertility with surgical procedures and assisted reproductive technologies such as IUI, ICSI, IVF, Egg Donor and more. See a fertility specialist now
REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGIST (RI) - A medical specialty combining obstetrics and gynecology with immunology to treat reproductive disorders that are related to immune problems.
REPRODUCTIVE SURGEON - An surgeon who specializes in the surgical correction of anatomical disorders that affect reproductive function.
REPRONEX (hMG) - A medication used to replace the pituitary hormones LH and FSH. Similar to Humegon and Pergonal. May be used to induce ovulation in women who do not respond to clomiphene citrate (Clomid.) Also used with women who do not normally produce estrogen because of a pituitary gland or hypothalamic malfunction. May also be used with men to stimulate sperm production.
RESISTANT OVARY - An ovary that cannot respond to the follicle- stimulating message sent by FSH.
RETROGRADE EJACULATION - A male fertility problem where sperm travels into the bladder instead of out of the penis due to a failure in the sphincter muscle at the base of the bladder.
RETROVERTED UTERUS - A uterus that is tilted back toward the rectum.
RH FACTOR - Genetically determined antigens present in the red blood cells of most people and capable of inducing intense immunologic reactions. Some women develop a sensitivity to Rh during pregnancy. If a woman is Rh negative and her husband is Rh positive, she is a candidate for Rh incompatibility problems. After the first pregnancy, the Rh factor enters the Rh-negative mother's circulatory system during the delivery (or miscarriage) of a child who has inherited the Rh factor from his father. The mother's body then produces antibodies against it. If she becomes pregnant with another Rh-positive baby, the antibodies cross the placenta and attack the baby's red blood cells, causing mild to serious anemia in the baby. The medication Rhogam is given to prevent these problems.
RHOGAM (Anti-D) - A medication given to Rh-negative women after a miscarriage, stillbirth, or live birth to prevent production of antibodies in any Rh-positive babies they may have in future pregnancies.
RUBELLA TITER - A blood test that determines if the patient is immune to rubella (German measles), (a viral disease that can cause severe birth defects). If a woman is not immune to rubella, she may be advised to have a rubella vaccination, wait three months before attempting pregnancy, and then re-test for immunity.

S

SALPINGECTOMY - Surgical removal of the fallopian tubes.
SALPINGITIS - An inflammation of one or both fallopian tubes.
SART - Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. An organization of professionals dedicated to the practice of assisted reproductive technologies in the United States.
SECONDARY INFERTILITY - The inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy after having conceived and carried one or more pregnancies.
SEMEN - The fluid portion of the ejaculate consisting of secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and several other glands in the male reproductive tract. The semen provides nourishment and protection for the sperm and a medium in which the sperm can travel to the woman's vagina. Semen may also refer to the entire ejaculate, including the sperm. See a fertility specialist now
SEMEN ANALYSIS (SA) - A microscopic examination of freshly ejaculated semen to evaluate the number of sperm (count), the percentage of moving sperm (motility), and the size and shape of the sperm (morphology). See a fertility specialist now
SEROPHENE - A brand name for Clomiphene Citrate.
SHARED RISK® (SHARED RISK® FOR IVF, SHARED RISK® REFUND, IVF REFUND) - A multi-cycle IVF treatment and financing program that offers a refund if not successful.
SIMS-HUHNER TEST - See Post-Coital Test.
SONOGRAM - See Ultrasound and Vaginal Ultasouns..
SPERM - The microscopic cell that carries the male's genetic information to the female's egg; the male reproductive cell; the male gamete. When ejaculation occurs the sperm are discharged in a fluid called semen.
SPERM ANTIBODIES (IMMUNOLOGICAL RESPONSE) - Entities that may attack and destroy sperm cells. These antibodies can be produced by women and by men against their own sperm.
SPERM BANK - A place where sperm are kept frozen in liquid nitrogen for later use in artificial insemination.
SPERM COUNT - The number of sperm in ejaculate. Also called sperm concentration or sperm density and given as the number of sperm per milliliter. See a fertility specialist now
SPERM DONATION - Providing a sample of sperm for use in assisted reproductive treatments. The sperm is stored in a sperm bank until needed. The person providing the sperm is called a sperm donor.
SPERM MATURATION (SPERM MATURITY) - A process during which the sperm grow and gain their ability to swim. Sperm take about ninety days to reach maturity.
SPERM MORPHOLOGY - A semen analysis factor that indicates the number or percentage of sperm in the sample that appear to have been formed normally. Abnormal morphology includes sperm with kinked, doubled, or coiled tails. The higher the percentage of misshapen sperm, the less likely fertilization can take place. See a fertility specialist now
SPERM MOTILITY - The ability of sperm to swim. Poor motility means the sperm have a difficult time swimming toward the egg.
SPERM PENETRATION - The ability of the sperm to penetrate the egg so it can deposit the genetic material during fertilization.
SPERM WASH - A 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.
SPONTANEOUS ABORTION - A miscarriage or the unintended termination of a pregnancy before the twentieth week.
STERILITY - The total inability to reproduce. Not to be confused with infertility.
STIMULATION - Administration of hormones that induce development of multiple ovarian follicles.
SURROGATE - A woman who becomes pregnant through insemination with the sperm of the husband of an infertile woman, and then following delivery, turns the child over for adoption by the couple.
SWIM-UP TEST - A technique that separates motile sperm from non- motile sperm and cellular debris in a semen sample. The most motile sperm will "swim up" and are more easily separated for insemination.

T

TESA - Testicular Sperm Aspiration. A procedure in which sperm are obtained directly from the testicles by either aspiration or surgical incision of the testicular tissue.
TESTICLES - 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 excision of testicular tissue to determine the ability of the cells to produce normal sperm.
TESTOSTERONE - The most potent male sex hormone; produced in the testes.
TUBAL EMBRYO TRANSFER (TET) - A surgical procedure in which a fertilized and divided egg is transferred to the fallopian tubes.
THERAPEUTIC INSEMINATION (TI) - A procedure in which sperm from a male partner or from a donor (Therapeutic Donor Insemination-TDI) is placed into a woman's vagina or cervix. Also called artificial insemination, but distinct from Intrauterine Insemination.
TUBAL LIGATION - Female sterilization performing by tying the fallopian tubes.
TUBAL REVERSAL, TUBAL LIGATION REVERSAL - Special surgery to reverse sterilization caused by tubal ligation.

U

ULTRASOUND - Technique used to view the follicles in the ovaries or the fetus in the uterus. See also Vaginal Ultrasound.
UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY - See Idiopathic Infertility.
UNICORNUATE UTERUS - An abnormality in which the uterus is "one-sided" and smaller than usual.
UTERINE FIBROIDS - See Fibroids.
UTERUS - The hollow, muscular organ in the woman that holds and nourishes the fetus until the time of birth.

V

VAGINAL ULTRASOUND - Technique used to view the follicles, fetus, and other soft tissues by projecting sound waves through a probe inserted into the vagina. A baseline ultrasound shows the ovaries in their normal state. A follicular ultrasound shows egg follicle maturation. A pregnancy ultrasound shows if a pregnancy is in the uterus or in a fallopian tube (an ectopic pregnancy). Ultrasound pictures can be used to measure growth. See a fertility specialist now
VARICOCELE - A collection of varicose veins in the scrotum. Blood flows in an abnormal direction in these veins towards the testicles.
VAS DEFERENS - A pair of thick-walled tubes about 45cm long in the male that lead from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct in the prostate. During ejaculation, the ducts make wave-like contractions to propel sperm forward.