IVF - In Vitro Fertilization and Other Fertility Treatments Glossary
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AATB - American Association of Tissue Banks
adhesions - scar tissue
AFS - American Fertility Society (now ASRM)
agonist - compound that has stimulating properties (a GnRH agonist first stimulates before it suppresses the reproductive system
analogue - compound that is similar to another chemically
antagonist - compound that suppresses the reproductive system
AH - assisted hatching
amniocentesis - withdrawal of a sample of fluid contained in the pregnancy sac
amenorrhea - lack of menstrual period
andrologist - specialist in male reproductive function
anovulation - lack of ovulation
antiphospholipid antibodies - antibodies to cell components which can inhibit placental development or cause clotting in the blood vessels supplying the implanting embryo/fetus
antisperm antibodies - proteins that can specifically attach to sperm, impairing their function
ART - assisted reproductive technology aspiration (follicle) withdrawal of fluid surrounding the egg
ASRM - American Society for Reproductive Medicine
assisted hatching - a variation of IVF in which a small hole is made in the shell of the embryo to facilitate implantation
assisted reproductive technology (ART) - technical manipulation of the sperm and egg outside the body for replacement into the reproductive tract to achieve a pregnancy
asthenospermia - poor movement of sperm
azoospermia - the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate
basal body temperature (BBT) - body temperature upon awakening, before any activity
BBT - basal body temperature
beta HCG - the specific part of the pregnancy hormone that is measured to diagnose pregnancy
biochemical pregnancy - a positive blood test for HCG but without ultrasound evidence of pregnancy
blastocyst - embryo stage following development of a fluid-filled cavity within the embryo; during this stage cells become specialized to form placental cells and the embryo itself (inner cell mass)
bromocriptine (Parlodel) - drug used to reduce elevated levels of prolactin in treating galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and prolactin-secreting tumors of the pituitary
CAP - College of American Pathologists
cabergoline (Dostinex) - drug used to reduce elevated levels of prolactin in treating galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and prolactin-secreting tumors of the pituitary
capacitation - development of the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg
cervical mucus - mucus produced by the cervix that thins before ovulation to assist sperm migration
cervix - the opening of the uterus
chlamydia - an organism, generally sexually transmitted, that can cause tubal damage
chromosomes - tiny collections of genetic material within a cell nucleus
clinical pregnancy - evidence of pregnancy by ultrasound, passage of pregnancy tissue in a miscarriage, or delivery of a fetus or baby
Clomid - brand name of clomiphene citrate
clomiphene citrate (Serophene, Clomid) - an oral medication that stimulates ovulation
coasting - stopping the gonadotropins and continuing the Lupron in an ART patient in danger of hyperstimulation so the estrogen level may be allowed to fall into the acceptable range.
conceptus - the developing zygote, pre-embryo, or embryo resulting from the joining of the sperm and egg
corpus luteum - hormone producing tissue in the ovary that develops from the collapsed follicle, produces hormones, and supports early pregnancy
cryopreservation - deep-freezing by techniques that allow survival and growth of cells after thawing
cumulative pregnancy - rate the chance of a couple conceiving over a period of time
cumulus - the expanded clear mucus-like tissue surrounding the egg
danazol (Danocrine) - drug used to treat endometriosis
Danocrine - brand name of danazol
DES - diethylstilbestrol
diethylstilbestrol - a synthetic estrogen, given to women in the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s, to prevent miscarriage, that resulted in abnormalities of the reproductive tract of female offspring
Dostinex - brand of cabergoline
ectopic pregnancy -growth of a pregnancy in any location other than the uterine cavity, known commonly as tubal pregnancy
egg retrieval - aspiration of eggs from the ovary
ejaculate - the sperm and glandular fluid released when a man reaches sexual climax (ejaculation)
embryo - the result of the fertilization of the egg by the sperm; the developing individual from conception to the end of the second month
embryo transfer (replacement) - placement of embryos into the reproductive tract
embryologist - a person trained to work with gametes and embryos
endometrial biopsy - sample of tissue obtained from the endometrium to assess its maturity and ability to promote implantation of the embryo
endometrioma - a cyst within the ovary caused by endometriosis and containing a dark-brown chocolatelike fluid
endometriosis - a disease in which endometrium grows outside the uterus
endometrium - the tissue lining the cavity of the uterus
epididymis - part of the tubular system where sperm collect after leaving the testicles
estradiol - the principal active estrogen in women
ER (embryo replacement) - placement of an embryo into the reproductive tract
ET (embryo transfer) - embryo replacement
fallopian tube - a thin tubal structure that picks up the egg from the ovary, supports fertilization and early embryo development, and transports the embryo to the uterus
fertilization - union of the sperm and egg resulting in the development of the zygote
Fertinex - brand name of FSH with higher purity than Metrodin, enabling subcutaneous injection
fetus - developing individual in the postembryonic period, from 7-8 weeks after fertilization until birth
fibroid - benign muscle tumor of the wall of the uterus
fimbria - delicate fingerlike tissue at the end of the fallopian tube that picks up the egg from the ovary
follicle - fluid-filled space and surrounding tissue that envelop the developing egg
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) - hormone that stimulates growth of the follicle
Follistim - brand name of FSH manufactured by means of recombinant DNA technology
FSH (Fertinex, Follistim) - follicle-stimulating hormone
galactorrhea - milklike discharge from the breasts
gamete - reproductive cell; sperm in the male, ova in the female
gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) - placement of sperm and eggs into the fallopian tube
Ganirelix - (ganerelix) brand name of GnRH antagononist
germ cells - sperm and egg
GIFT - gamete intrafallopian transfer
GnRH - gonadotropin releasing hormone
GnRH agonist - GnRH analogue with stimulating property
GnRH analogue - compound that is almost identical chemically with GnRH
GnRH antagonist - compound that suppresses the reproductive system
gonadotropin-releasing hormone - a hormone that stimulates the pituitary to release FSH and LH
gonadotropins - the hormones FSH and LH, which act on the ovary to control its function
gonads - reproductive organs that produce gametes and hormones; the testicles and ovaries
Gonal-F - brand of FSH manufactured by mans of recombinant DNA technology
HCG - human chorionic gonadotropin
health maintenance organization (HMO) - a form of heath insurance where the premium prepays all expenses and providers are strictly limited to those within the plan. Generally no reimbursement is provided for physicians outside the health plan unless prior arrangements are made, with the plan making the referral.
hMG - (Pergonal) human menopausal gonadotropin
HMO - health maintenance organization
HSG - hysterosalpingogram
Humegon - brand of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)
human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) - hormone produced by the conceptus and later the placenta that can be measured to diagnose pregnancy
human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG; Pergonal, Humegon) - preparation of FSH and LH derived from menopausal urine
hydrosalpinx - dilated fluid-filled, obstructed fallopian tube
hypothalamus - area of the brain just above the pituitary gland that controls many hormone-producing glands through its effects on the pituitary
hysterosalpingogram (HSG) - X-ray of the inside of the uterus and tubes; employs a radio-opaque dye
hysteroscopy - examination of the inside of the uterus using a telescope placed through the cervix
ICSI - intracytoplasmic sperm injection
infertility - generally, the inability of a couple to conceive within one year
integrin - a molecule in the endometrium which is a marker for uterine receptivity
intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) - a variation of IVF in which fertilization is achieved by direct injection of a single sperm into the egg, utilized in couples when the male partner has a problem with his sperm
intrauterine device (IUD) - device worn inside the uterine cavity to prevent pregnancy
intrauterine insemination (IUI) - placement of sperm, usually washed, into the uterine cavity
intravenous immunoglobulin - a preparation of immunoglobulin (antibodies) which is given intravenously and acts to suppress a hyperactive immune system
in vitro fertilization (IVF) - most advanced procedure in the ART repertoire: the sperm and egg are combined in the laboratory, incubated, and the resulting embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus; literally, fertilization "in glass"
IUD - intrauterine device
IUI - intrauterine insemination
IVF - in vitro fertilization
IVF/ER - in vitro fertilization/embryo replacement
IVF/ET - in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer
IVIG - intravenous immunoglobulin
laparoscopy - examination of the abdomen and pelvic organs by means of a telescope placed through an incision in the navel
LH - luteinizing hormone
LH - surge marked increase of release of LH into the blood, which causes final maturation of the egg and its release from the follicle
liquefaction - process by which semen changes consistency from jellylike to liquid
LPD - luteal-phase defect
LUF - luteinized unruptured follicle
Lupron (leuprolide) - medication similar to GnRH, used to suppress the pituitary and, in turn, the ovaries
luteal phase - phase of the menstrual cycle from ovulation until menses
luteal-phase - defect (LPD) poor development of the endometrium in preparation for implantation
luteinized unruptured follicle (LUF) failure of the follicle to rupture and release the egg
luteinizing hormone - a hormone released from the pituitary that causes ovulation and stimulates the corpus luteum to secrete progesterone
male factor - a term for infertility originating in the male partner
MESA - microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration
microsurgery - surgery using fine instruments, magnification, and gentle handling of the tissues, usually on the fallopian tubes
microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) - an advanced technique for aspirating sperm from the ductal system to use in ICSI
monthly conception rate - the chance of a couple conceiving within the woman's one-month cycle
morphology - categorization of sperm by their shape
morula embryo - stage wherein numerous cells are packed together inside the zona but before the blastocyst cavity has formed
motility - the percentage of sperm moving in a sample of semen
mycoplasma - an organism that can colonize the reproductive tract and may cause miscarriage
oocytes - eggs
ovary - female reproductive organ that produces eggs and hormones
ovulation - release of an egg from the follicle
PCO - polycystic ovarian disease
PCT - post coital test
pelvic adhesions - scar-tissue capable of covering or holding together organs; most commonly affect fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bowel
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - a general term for pelvic infections resulting from sexually transmitted diseases.
pelviscopy - synonym for laparoscopy, although often used to indicate operative laparoscopy
percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) - an advanced technique for aspirating sperm from the ductal system to use in ICSI using a needle
Pergonal - brand of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)
PESA - percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration
PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) - testing embryos for single gene defects
PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening) - testing embryos for chromosomal abnormalities
PID - pelvic inflammatory disease
pituitary - a hormone-producing gland lying under the base of the brain that controls the function of the adrenals, thyroid, ovaries, and testicles
polycystic ovarian disease (PCO) - condition characterized by hormonal imbalance and lack of ovulation
polyspermia - fertilization of the egg by more than one sperm
post coital test (PCT) - a test of the cervical mucus after intercourse
PPO (preferred provider organization) - a form of health insurance where the insurance company makes contractual arrangements with "preferred providers" for better rates. The patient is not required to go to a specific provider but will generally get better coverage through a preferred provider--for example, 80 percent reimbursement rather than 50 percent through a nonpreferred entity.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis - testing embryos for single gene defects
Preimplantation Genetic Screening - testing embryos for chromosomal abnormalities
premature ovarian failure - cessation of normal ovarian function before the usual age of menopause, generally before forty
progesterone - hormone that causes the endometrium to develop changes to make it receptive to the embryo
progestin - synthetic hormone with action similar to progesterone
prolactin - hormone released from the pituitary that causes the breasts to secrete milk
pronucleus (ei) - the male and female nuclei that are visible 14-18 hours after combining sperm with an egg
RESOLVE, Inc. - a nonprofit organization helping people with infertility by offering counseling, medical referral, emotional support, and literature as well as education and assistance to associated professionals
retrograde ejaculation - passage of semen back into the bladder during ejaculation
retrograde menstrual flow - flow of menses back through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity
salpingitis - inflammation (infection) of the fallopian tubes
salpingostomy - opening into the fallopian tube
SART - Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology
selective termination (reduction) - a procedure that aborts one or more fetuses of a multiple pregnancy, usually quadruplets or more semen the combination of sperm and glandular fluid released from the penis when a man reaches sexual climax
seminal vesicles - glands that add fluid to the semen to assist sperm deposition
Serophene - brand name of clomiphene citrate
sexually transmitted disease (STD) - diseases caused by organisms that are transmitted by sexual contact and activity
SPA - sperm penetration assay
sperm penetration assay (SPA) - test of fertilizing capacity of the sperm using zona-free hamster eggs
STD - sexually transmitted disease
Stein-Leventhal Syndrome - older term for a severe form of polycystic ovarian disease (PCO)
subfertility - synonym for infertility implying that the ability to conceive is less than normal
TESE - an advanced technique for obtaining sperm for use in ICSI utilizing testicular biopsy
testicle - male sex organ that produces sperm and hormones
ultrasound - high frequency sound waves used to make an image of body structures
ureaplasma - type of mycoplasma implicated in male infertility and miscarriage
urethra - the urinating channel leading from the bladder to the outside through the penis
uterus - the womb; a muscular organ that carries the developing fetus
vagina - a tubular structure leading from the vulva to the cervix
varicocele - dilation of the spermatic veins that causes a backflow of blood to the testes and impaired sperm function
varicocelectomy - operation for repair of varicocele vas deferens muscular tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra
vasovasostomy - operation for reversal of male sterilization (vasectomy)
viscosity - the thickness of the semen, evaluated after a period of time following ejaculation
ZIFT - zygote intrafallopian transfer
zona drilling - the making of a hole in the shell (zona) that surrounds the egg
zona pellucida - the shell that surrounds the egg and protects it during early embryo development
zygote - fertilized egg
zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) - transfer of fertilized egg(s) to the fallopian tube
