- Cryopreservation is a method of freezing eggs, sperm or embryos to store for future use.
- Follicles are fluid-filled sacs that contain immature eggs.
- Insemination is the introduction of semen (sperm) into the egg.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A sperm is injected directly into each egg to fertilize it. ICSI is pronounced: ick-C.
- Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used for infertility diagnosis and treatment. A laparoscope (small telescope with light and camera) may be used to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
- Ovarian reserve is the total number of healthy, immature eggs in the ovaries and can vary based on age and other factors.
- A trigger shot is a hormone injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) used with some infertility procedures to stimulate (or “trigger”) the final stage of egg maturation.
- Tubal (ectopic) pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, most often occuring in a fallopian tube.
- The Uterus (or womb) is the female reproductive organ where babies are conceived and in which they gestate before birth.
- Vitrification is a flash-freezing process to preserve embryos, eggs and sperm.