Understanding fertility treatments and the terminology used can empower you to make informed decisions about your reproductive health. This glossary provides a comprehensive look at common terms used in fertility treatments like IVF, IUI, and other reproductive health procedures. Use it as a guide to help navigate your journey with confidence.
A
Anovulation
The absence of ovulation, where the ovaries do not release an egg during a menstrual cycle, often leading to fertility challenges. Commonly associated with conditions like PCOS.
Assisted Hatching
A lab technique used in IVF to help the embryo “hatch” from its outer shell, called the zona pellucida, before implantation. This technique may improve pregnancy chances for certain patients, particularly those with previous IVF failures or older age.
Aspiration
A process used during egg retrieval where a thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to remove eggs from the follicles in the ovaries.
B
Beta hCG Test
A blood test measuring levels of the hormone hCG to confirm pregnancy after embryo transfer or IUI. A positive result typically indicates successful implantation.
C
Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS)
A phase in IVF where hormonal medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a single cycle, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.
Corpus Luteum
A hormone-secreting structure that forms in the ovary after an egg has been released. The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which helps maintain the early stages of pregnancy.
E
Embryo Biopsy
A procedure where a small sample is taken from an embryo for genetic testing (PGT) to check for chromosomal abnormalities. It is commonly used in conjunction with IVF.
Estradiol (E2)
An important form of estrogen monitored during IVF treatment to assess ovarian response to stimulation medications.
F
Follicular Phase
The first half of the menstrual cycle, leading up to ovulation, during which ovarian follicles mature in response to rising estrogen levels.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
A procedure in IVF where a previously frozen embryo is thawed and transferred to the uterus in a later cycle, often after an initial fresh transfer cycle.
G
GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)
A hormone that signals the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH, essential hormones in regulating ovulation and fertility.
GnRH Antagonist/Agonist
Medications that either stimulate (agonist) or suppress (antagonist) hormone release, used in IVF cycles to control timing and prevent premature ovulation.
H
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG)
A type of hormone medication containing FSH and LH, used in fertility treatments to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Hypogonadism
A condition where the sex glands (ovaries in women and testes in men) produce little or no sex hormones, potentially affecting fertility.
I
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
A procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, commonly used in IVF for male factor infertility or when previous fertilization attempts have failed.
Implantation Failure
When an embryo does not successfully attach to the uterine lining after IVF or embryo transfer, resulting in an unsuccessful cycle.
L
Luteal Phase
The second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation, during which the corpus luteum produces progesterone to prepare the uterus for potential implantation.
Luteal Phase Deficiency
A condition where insufficient progesterone is produced after ovulation, potentially affecting the chances of successful implantation.
M
Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA)
A procedure to retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis in men who have obstructive azoospermia (a condition where sperm is produced but not present in ejaculate).
O
Oligospermia
A condition characterized by low sperm count, which can affect male fertility. Sperm count is evaluated during a semen analysis.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
A potential side effect of fertility medications where the ovaries become swollen and painful, sometimes causing abdominal pain, nausea, and other symptoms.
P
Polypectomy
A surgical procedure to remove polyps, which are growths in the uterus that can affect fertility. Polyps may interfere with implantation or increase the risk of miscarriage.
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
A type of genetic testing performed on embryos to check for chromosomal abnormalities, often recommended for women of advanced maternal age or with recurrent pregnancy loss.
R
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)
Experiencing two or more consecutive pregnancy losses, often investigated through fertility testing to identify potential underlying causes.
Reproductive Immunology
A field of study focusing on the immune system’s impact on fertility, particularly when the immune system affects implantation or pregnancy success.
S
Secondary Infertility
Difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term after previously having one or more children, often due to factors such as age, health conditions, or hormonal changes.
Sperm Washing
A process in IUI and IVF where sperm is separated from the seminal fluid and prepared for insemination or fertilization. This procedure isolates the most viable sperm for use.
T
Time-Lapse Embryo Imaging
A technology used in IVF to monitor embryo development through continuous imaging. It helps embryologists assess embryo quality and select the best candidates for transfer.
Timed Intercourse
A fertility treatment strategy where intercourse is scheduled to coincide with ovulation, based on hormone levels and ovulation tracking.
U
Ultrasound-Guided Follicle Aspiration
A technique used during egg retrieval in IVF, where an ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the follicles for precise egg collection.
V
Vitrification
A flash-freezing technique used to preserve eggs and embryos, reducing ice formation to increase chances of survival after thawing for future use.
Vasectomy Reversal
A surgical procedure to restore fertility in men who have had a vasectomy, potentially allowing sperm to be present in ejaculate for natural conception.
Z
Zona Pellucida
The protective outer shell surrounding an egg, which plays a key role in fertilization. Assisted hatching may be performed to help an embryo “hatch” from the zona pellucida.
Zygote
The initial cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg, representing the earliest stage of embryo development.
