Adhesion
The scar tissue that forms around reproductive organs following a
previous injury, infection or surgery. Chlamydia Infection is also a
cause of this.
Amenorrhea
The absence of menstruation/No bleeding and no menses.
Androgen
Primarily a male sex hormone, found in the ovaries. Higher level of them
harm the egg quality.
Anovulation
The total absence of ovulation.
Antagonist Protocol
GnRH antagonist is used to prevent luteinization, spontaneous
release of eggs before egg collection.
Artificial Insemination (AI)
The depositing of sperms in the vagina near the cervix or directly into
the uterus, with the use of a catheter instead of by sexual intercourse.
This technique is used to overcome sexual performance problems, to avoid
sperm-mucus interaction problems, to maximize the potential of poor
semen, and for using donor sperm.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
A variety of procedures used to bring about conception without
sexual intercourse, including IVF and GIFT.
Asthenozoospermia
Presence of very weak sperms in semen with lack of forward motility.
Azoospermia
Complete absence of sperms in the ejaculate.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Test
The temperature of a woman taken every morning during a cycle before
any activity is done that may raise her temperature. It is done to help
determine if ovulation has taken place. Progesterone hormone rise in the
blood increases the body temp.
Baseline Ultrasound
An examination conducted before starting therapy to determine the
general position and condition of the ovaries to rule out any cysts so
that stimulation can be started from a clean ‘slate’
Blastocyst Transfer
Embryos develop for 4 or 5 days (until they reach blastocyst stage),
rather than the usual 2 or 3 days in IVF.
Cervical Mucus
Mucus produced by the cervix that permits passage of sperm during
ovulation, and prevents infection.
Cervix
Lower section of the uterus that protrudes into the vagina, through
which the sperm pass to reach the uterus.
Chemical Pregnancy
The false appearance of pregnancy due to changes in hormonal levels.
Conception
Fertilization; when the sperm meets and penetrates the egg.
Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation
Stimulation of the ovaries with various hormonal medications (FSH)
in order to develop as many follicles as possible, as well as to control
the timing of ovulation.
Corpus Luteum
A structure that forms at the site of an ovarian follicle after it
releases an egg. The corpus luteum releases estrogen and progesterone,
two hormones necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs,
the corpus luteum functions for five or six months. If pregnancy does
not occur, it stops functioning.
Cryopreservation
Storage of organs or tissues at very low temperatures. Embryos that are
not used in an ART cycle can be cryopreserved for future use.
Downregulation
Ovaries which are controlled by pituitary gland in the brain needs to be
down-regulated to take the control of ovaries into our hand so that we
can hormonally stimulate the same.
Dysmenorrhea
Cramping and pain around the time of menstruation.
Dysmucorrhea
Poor quality or inadequate cervical mucus that can prohibit sperm
passage.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Implantation of an embryo in a place other than the uterus.
Egg Retrieval
A procedure used to obtain eggs from ovarian follicles for use in in
vitro fertilization. The procedure may be performed during laparoscopy
or through the vagina by using a needle and ultrasound to locate the
follicle in the ovary.
Ejaculate
As a noun, it refers to the mixture of sperm and seminal fluid that
comes out of a man's penis during sexual stimulation. As a verb, it
refers to the passing of this material.
Endometrial Biopsy
The removal of a sample of the lining of the uterus for examination.
Endometriosis
A disease whereby cells lining the uterus (or endometrium) get
outside of the uterus and stick to other organs in the body, causing
inflammation, severe pain in all the menses cycles.
Endometrium
The lining of the uterus. The thickness has to be more than some
size to sustain pregnancy.
Epididymis
The organ in a man where sperms are stored, nourished and get
matured after production.
Embryo
Term used to describe the early stages of fetal growth, from
conception to the eighth week of pregnancy.
Embryo Transfer
Placing an egg fertilized outside the womb into a woman's uterus or
fallopian tube.
Estradiol
The most potent naturally occurring estrogen in humans, which is
released from the ovary.
Estrogen
Hormone that stimulates secondary female sexual characteristics and
controls the course of the menstrual cycle. Also produced in low
quantities in males.
Estrone
One of the relatively weak estrogens, which is produced in large amounts
in PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) patients.
Fallopian Tubes
Ducts through which eggs travel to the uterus once released from the
follicle. Sperm normally meet the egg in the fallopian tube, the site at
which fertilization usually occurs.
Fertility Specialist
A physician specializing in the practice of fertility.
Fertility Treatment
Any method or procedure used to enhance fertility or increase the
likelihood of pregnancy, such as Ovulation Induction (OI) treatment,
varicocele repair (repair of varicose veins in the scrotal sac), and
microsurgery to repair damaged fallopian tubes. The goal of fertility
treatment is to help couples have a child.
Fertilization
The combining of the genetic material carried by sperm and egg to create
an embryo. Normally occurs inside the fallopian tube (in vivo) but may
also occur in a Petri dish (in vitro). (See also In Vitro
Fertilization.) or by injecting a single sperm into an egg (Intracytoplasmic
Sperm Injection)
Fibroid
Benign (not malignant or life-threatening) tumor of fibrous tissue that
can occur in the uterine wall. May be totally without symptoms or may
cause abnormal menstrual patterns or infertility.
Fimbria
The finger-like extensions on the fallopian tubes that sweep the egg
into the fallopian tube.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
A pituitary hormone that stimulates follicular development and
spermatogenesis (sperm development). In a woman, FSH stimulates the
growth of the ovarian follicle. In a man, FSH stimulates the Sertoli
cells in the testicles and supports sperm production. Elevated FSH
levels are associated with gonadal failure in both men and women.
Follicles
Fluid-filled sacs in the ovary, which contain the eggs released at
ovulation. Each month an egg develops inside the ovary in a follicle.
Gamete
A reproductive cell containing genetic material. Sperm in men, the egg
in women.
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
After egg retrieval, the eggs are mixed with sperm and then placed,
using a minor surgical procedure (laparoscopy), into a woman's fallopian
tubes for in vivo fertilization.
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
A substance secreted every ninety minutes or so by a part of the brain
called the hypothalamus. This hormone enables the pituitary to secrete
LH and FSH, which stimulate the gonads.
Gonadotropins
Hormones secreted by the pituitary gland that control reproductive
function, such as LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating
hormone).
Gonads
Glands that make the gametes (testicles in men and ovaries in women).
Hirsutism
Women having some features like hair growth in the face, chest due to
higher level of male hormones in their blood.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
The hormone produced in early pregnancy, released by the placenta after
implantation, that keeps the corpus luteum producing estradiol and
progesterone and thus prevent menstruation. Also used via injection to
trigger ovulation after some fertility treatments, and used in men to
stimulate testosterone production.
Hydrosalpinx
Blocked, dilated, fluid-filled fallopian tube.
Hypogonadism
Inadequate ovarian or testicular function as shown by low sperm
production or lack of follicle production, as well as low levels of FSH
and LH.
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism / Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadal (HH)
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is a rare condition in which impaired
activity of the hypothalamus or pituitary results in below-normal
function of the gonads and in abnormally low FSH and LH serum levels and
consequential negligible estrogen levels. (The gonads are the ovaries
and testes and the hormones they normally produce include estrogen,
progesterone, and testosterone).
Hypothalamus
The gland at the base of the brain that controls the release of hormones
from the pituitary glands.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
An x-ray procedure in which a special liquid is injected through the
cervix into the uterine cavity to illustrate the inner shape of the
uterus and degree of openness of the fallopian tubes. If the tubes are
open, the liquid will spill out the ends of the tubes. If the tubes are
blocked, the liquid is trapped.
Hysteroscopy
A visual examination of the uterus using an instrument called a
hysteroscope, which enables the doctor to see into the organ without
making a large incision.
Idiopathic Infertility
The term used to explain when the cause of infertility cannot be
explained also called unexplained infertility.
Implantation (Embryo)
The embedding of the embryo into tissue so it can establish contact with
the mother's blood supply for nourishment. Implantation usually occurs
in the lining of the uterus; however, in an ectopic pregnancy it may
occur elsewhere in the body.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Eggs produced by administering fertility drugs are retrieved from a
woman's body and fertilized by sperm in a laboratory in a test tube or
Petri dish. The resulting embryos are transferred by catheter to the
uterus. Hence this procedure is also called Test Tube Baby treatment.
Infertility
The inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse (six
months if a woman is over age 35).
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
A micromanipulation (occurring under the microscope) procedure in which
a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to enable fertilization
with very low sperm counts or with non-motile sperm (sperm that don't
swim effectively toward the egg). The embryo is then transferred to the
uterus.
Intramuscular (IM) Needle
A needle designed to administer medication deep into the muscle.
Injections of this type are usually given in the thigh or upper buttock
area.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
A procedure in which a doctor places processed sperms directly into the
uterus through the cervix using a catheter.
Laparoscopy
Examination of the pelvic region by using a small telescope called a
laparoscope.
Luteal Phase
Days of the menstrual cycle after ovulation when progesterone is
produced by the corpus luteum.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
A pituitary hormone that stimulates the gonads. In a man, LH is
necessary for spermatogenesis and for the production of testosterone. In
a woman, LH is necessary for the production of estrogen.
Luteinizing Hormone Surge (LH SURGE)
The release of luteinizing hormone (LH) that causes release of a mature
egg from the follicle.
Menstruation
Shedding of the uterine lining by bleeding, which (in the absence of
pregnancy) normally occurs about once a month in the mature female until
menopause.
Micromanipulation
A variety of techniques that can be performed in a laboratory under a
microscope. An embryologist manipulates egg and sperm to improve the
chances of fertilization. (See also Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection,
ICSI.)
Miscarriage
Spontaneous loss of a viable/non-viable embryo or fetus in the womb.
Morphology
The physical structure and configuration of sperm cells.
Motility
The ability of sperm to swim. Poor motility means the sperm have a
difficult time swimming toward the egg.
Oligo-ovulation
Infrequent ovulation.
Oligomenorrhea
Irregular menstrual periods.
Oligospermia
Low number of sperms in the ejaculate of the male. Sperm Count less than
10-15 million/mL is given this label.
Oocyte
The egg. Ovum, Ova having the genes from female/mother.
Ovarian failure
The failure of the ovary to respond to FSH stimulation from the
pituitary because of damage to or malformation of the ovary, or a
chronic disease such as autoimmune disease. Diagnosed by elevated FSH in
the blood.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Sudden ovarian enlargement accompanied by fluid accumulation in the
abdominal cavity. This may occur with or without pain, and with or
without accumulation of fluid in the lungs. OHSS is caused when the
ovaries become over stimulated by the various hormones that cause
follicular development.
Ovaries
The two sexual glands of the female where the eggs are stored. The
ovaries also produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Ovulation
The release of the egg (ovum) from the ovarian follicle.
Ovulation Induction (OI)
Medical treatment performed to initiate ovulation.
Ovulatory Dysfunction
A problem with the ovary where the egg is not matured or released
properly.
Ovum
The egg.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Inflammatory disease of the pelvis (usually caused by infection) that
can lead to scarring and infertility and pain.
Pituitary Gland
The gland located at the base of the brain that secretes a number of
important hormones to regulate fertility, as well as normal growth and
development of the body.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
The formation of cysts in the ovaries that occurs when the follicle
stops developing. This is due to a hormonal imbalance in the ovary.
Post-coital Test (PCT)
A test to determine whether the sperm can move properly through the
cervical mucus.
Progesterone
The hormone produced by the corpus luteum during the second half of a
woman's cycle. It thickens the lining of the uterus to prepare it to
accept implantation of a fertilized egg.
Prostate
The gland in the male that supplies some of the seminal fluid, and
prepares the urethra for the passage of sperm.
Recombinant Human DNA (r-hDNA) Technology
DNA that has been modified so that it contains genes from two different
sources. Recombinant technology is often used to produce medicines/drugs
with a higher degree of purity and consistency.
Reproductive Endocrinologist
An Obstetrician-Gynecologist with advanced education, research and
professional skills in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility. These
highly trained and qualified physicians treat reproductive disorders
that affect children, women, men, the mature woman, and infertility in
both men and women.
Scrotum
The pouch at the base of the penis that contains the testicles.
Seminal Vesicles
The pair of pouch-like glands around the prostate that produce the milky
fluid that mixes with the sperm prior to ejaculation.
Sperm (Spermatozoa)
The microscopic cell that carries the male's genetic information to the
female's egg; the male reproductive cell; the male gamete.
Sperm Count
The number of sperm in an ejaculate. Also called sperm concentration and
given as the number of sperm per milliliter. Any count of above 20
million/mL is considered to be normal.
Spermatogenesis
The production of sperms.
Sterility
An irreversible condition that prevents conception.
Subcutaneous (SC) Injection
Administration of medication with a fine small needle just below the
surface of the skin, into fatty tissue.
Subcutaneous (SC) Needle
A needle designed to administer medication just below the surface of the
skin, into the fatty tissue.
Teratospermia
Sperms with different abnormalities and may hinder conception.
Testes
The two male sexual glands that produce sperm as well as the male
hormone testosterone.
Testosterone
The male hormone responsible for the formation of secondary sex
characteristics and for supporting the sex drive. Testosterone is also
necessary for spermatogenesis (sperm development).
Thromboembolism
Obstruction of a blood vessel with material carried by the blood stream
from the site of origin to plug another vessel.
Tubal Pregnancy
The development and attachment of a fertilized egg in a fallopian tube.
Ultrasound
A test used instead of X-rays to visualize the reproductive organs;
for example, to monitor follicular development.
Uterus
Hollow muscular organ where the fetus grows until birth.
Vagina
Muscular opening in a woman extending from the vulva to the cervix of
the uterus.
Varicocele
Varicose veins in the testicle that can cause sperm abnormalities.
Vas Deferens
The pair of tubes in the male that lead from the epididymis to the
ejaculatory duct in the prostate
