Adhesions
Scar tissues that attach to the surfaces of organs
Andrologist
A medical doctor or Ph.D. who specializes in the study of male reproduction.
Anovulation
A condition in which a woman does not ovulate (produce and release eggs). Menses may still occur.
Anti-mullerian Hormone (AMH)
A hormone produced by the ovaries. It may be used to evaluate the quality and number of eggs remaining (ovarian reserve), the functioning of the ovaries (ovarian failure), the onset of menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and/or responsiveness to ovarian stimulation for IVF treatment.
Antral follicle count (AFC)
A test performed to determine a woman’s ovarian reserve based on how many developing follicles can be observed by ultrasound. Follicles are the structures in the ovary where eggs develop and the hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced.
ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology)
Any procedure that involves removal of eggs from a woman prior to fertilization, such as in vitro fertilization.
Assisted hatching
A laboratory procedure that partially opens the outer surface of the embryo to improve the likelihood of implantation using chemicals, laser, or mechanical means.
Asthenozoospermia
A condition in which no sperm are motile.
Azoospermia
The absence of sperm in the seminal fluid, usually caused by a blockage or an impairment of sperm production.
Basal body temperature
A simple, straightforward method used to document ovulation to increase the likelihood of conception.
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.
Biochemical pregnancy aka Chemical Pregnancy.
A very early pregnancy detectable only by a blood test for hCG. 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, but may result in a very early miscarriage.
Blighted ovum
A fertilized embryo that implants in the uterus, but does not develop further and dies.
Body mass index (BMI)
A measure of body fat based on height and weight.
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
An oral medication used to lower the level of the hormone prolactin.
Cancelled cycle
Discontinuation of an ART cycle usually prompted by poor response to hormone therapy, no egg recovery, or failed fertilization.
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.
Chemical pregnancy
A very early pregnancy detectable only by a blood test for hCG. 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, but may result in a very early miscarriage.
Clinical pregnancy
A pregnancy with fetal cardiac activity within the uterus detectable only by ultrasound five + weeks after egg retrieval/ovulation.
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid/Serophene)
A synthetic drug used to stimulate production of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Often used to treat milder forms of ovulation failure ie. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Congenital
A characteristic or defect present at birth, it may be hereditary or acquired during gestation.
Corpus luteum
A major structure within an ovary that evolves from the dominant follicles and produces progesterone, a hormone that preserves the uterine lining.
Cryopreservation
A procedure used to preserve (by freezing) and store gametes and embryos.
Cycle
The period of time, about one month, when an infertility treatment is initiated and continuing until the treatment is halted or completed.
Double Embryo Transfer (DET)
A procedure in which two embryos are transferred into the uterus. DET is associated with a greater likelihood of some women experiencing a high-risk, multiple pregnancy (e.g. twins or triplets).
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). May require surgical intervention or use of medications (Methotrexate) to stop growth.
Egg Retrieval aka Oocyte Retrieval
A surgical procedure, usually under sedation, to collect the eggs contained within the ovarian follicles before ovulation. 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 identification by the embryologist.
Embryo
The developing baby in the early stages of growth, from conception to the eighth week of pregnancy; after which would be referred to as a fetus.
Embryo freezing aka Cryopreservation
A procedure used to preserve (by freezing) and store gametes and embryos.
Embryo transfer (ET)
A procedure in which embryos produced by IVF are transferred into the uterus.
Embryologists
Professionals (scientists) trained in advanced laboratory techniques who work with eggs, sperm and embryos and provide the necessary conditions for the fertilization of eggs. They also facilitate the growth, development, maturation, and preservation of embryos.
Endocrinologists
An MD who specializes in a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system (glands), its diseases, and its specific secretions known as hormones
Endometriosis
The presence of endometrial tissue (the uterine lining) in areas outside of the uterus such as the tubes, ovaries, and peritoneal cavity. This condition can cause painful menstruation and infertility.
Endometrium
The glandular membrane lining the uterus where implantation occurs.
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 matured.
Estradiol level (E2 Level)
A form of estrogen in the blood. It is produced by the ovaries. It may be used to evaluate the functioning of the ovaries, development of follicles in the ovaries, menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and/or other conditions that can impact fertility. During fertility treatment, E2 tests can be used to monitor follicle development in the ovaries and hyper-stimulation risk.
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. It is used in infertility treatments to build a endometrial lining, and support early pregnancy.
Fallopian tube
Two very small tubes that carries the egg from the ovaries to the uterus. Natural fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube and eventually implants in the uterus.
Female factor infertility
The condition when a couple’s infertility is attributed to the woman.
Fertilization
Penetration of an egg by a sperm and the fusion of genetic material.
Fetal reduction (or Selective 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.
Fibroid or myoma
A benign tumor found within the wall of the uterus.
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)
The hormone that is released by the pituitary to stimulate the ovary to produce follicles. It may be used to evaluate causes of infertility, ovarian reserve, the functioning of the ovaries, menstrual irregularities, and/or the onset of menopause. FSH is available in drug form (Follistim and Gonal-F), and is commonly used to stimulate the ovaries during an IVF cycle.
Follicular phase
The portion of the menstrual cycle when ovarian follicle development takes place, (usually the first 14 or so days after menses begins).
Gamete
A sperm or an egg.
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, but is not the genetic parent of the baby. Also called Gestational Surrogate.
Genetic screening
A test to determine if a couple is a carrier of a recessive and X-linked conditions. Common conditions are; Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile X, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The test’s capacity is constantly growing, but currently they can test for up to 275 disease states.
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.
Gonadotropin
A hormone that can stimulate the testicles to produce sperm or the ovaries to produce an egg.
Gravidity
The number of times a woman has become pregnant.
Hormonal assay
Also known as hormone tests. These include, but are not limited to tests for levels of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), DHEA-S (dehydroepiandresterone), prolactin, progesterone, estrogen and hCG.
Hormone
A chemical substance produced by one organ in the body that regulates the activity of another organ.
Human chronic gonadotrophin (hCG)
A hormone produced by a pregnancy that helps to prolong the life of the corpus luteum which stimulates progesterone production. A pregnancy test is positive when hCG is detected. It can be administered therapeutically (Pregnyl, Profasi, Novarel or Ovidrel) to trigger ovulation and help solve some infertility problems.
Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)
A natural product containing both human FSH and LH (sold as Repronex, Humegon and Menopur). 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.
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.
Reproductive Science Center uses the da Vinci Surgical System, when it is appropriate, for patients undergoing gynecologic surgeries to preserve reproductive function for hysterectomy.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
A radiologic procedure to investigate the shape of the uterine cavity and the patency of the fallopian tubes. This test is done either at RSC or at a local radiological center.
Hysteroscopy
A surgical procedure in which a telescope-like device is inserted through the cervix to view the inside of the uterus. This procedure can be done at RSC and is sometimes performed in conjunction with a laparoscopy.
Immunological response
Condition when either partner produces sperm antibodies, which may cause infertility.
Implantation
The embedding of the fertilized egg in the lining of the uterus.
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.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
A reproductive technology in which eggs are removed from a woman and joined with sperm from a man in a laboratory procedure. The fertilized eggs then begin to divide and develop into embryos in an incubator.
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.
Leuprolide acetate
See Lupron.
LH– Luteinizing hormone
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. In the female, LH stimulates progesterone production after ovulation has occurred. It may be used to evaluate causes of infertility, the functioning of the ovaries, menstrual irregularities, and/or pituitary disorders. During fertility treatment, LH tests can be used to monitor when a women is about to ovulate. Luveris is the only commercially available LH.
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). Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) measure LH in the urine.
Lupron
A hormonal medication that can create a pseudo menopause to treat severe endometriosis. Additionally, a chemical similar to GnRH, it first stimulates the female hormones, then suppresses a woman’s secretion of FSH and LH. Concurrent treatment with 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 gonadotropins to stimulate follicular development.
Lupron “Flare”
A treatment with Lupron that takes advantage of the initial stimulation and rise or “flare” of the woman’s LH and FSH levels after the start of Lupron administration, lasting one to three days.
Luteal phase
The days of a menstrual cycle following ovulation and ending with menses (usually lasting between 12 and 14 days).
Male factor infertility
The condition when a couple’s infertility is attributed to the man.
Micromanipulation
Procedure in which a sperm, egg or embryo is manipulated under a microscope (includes ICSI, Assisted Hatching and embryo biopsy for PGD).
Mock Embryo Transfer (MET)
A trial embryo transfer, or mock transfer; the purpose is to evaluate the passage of a transfer catheter into the uterus, as well as to establish the contour and length of the cervix and cavity, from the external cervical os to the uterine fundus.
Motility
The percentage of all moving sperm in a semen sample. Normally, 40 % or more sperm in a sample move rapidly.
Multiple birth
The birth of two or more offspring produced in the same gestational period.
Myomectomy
The surgical removal of non-cancerous fibroid tumors originating from the wall of the uterus.
Oligo-ovulation
Irregular ovulation.
Oligospermia
A condition in which the number of sperm in a semen sample are 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 within the ovarian follicles before ovulation. 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 identification by the embryologist.
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 becomes extensive enough to push on the chest.
Ovulation
Release of a mature egg from a follicle at the surface of the ovary.
Ovulation induction
The therapeutic use of drugs or hormones to stimulate egg development and release. Useful hormones and hormone-based medications include Clomiphene Citrate, Letrozole, Follistim, Gonal-F and hCG (Novarel, Pregnyl or Ovidrel).
Pap smear (Papanicolaou smear)
A screening test to evaluate the cells of the cervix to determine whether they are normal or cancerous. 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.
Parity
The number of times a woman has given birth.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Inflammatory disease of the pelvis, often caused by infection, which can lead to infertility.
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.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing – Monogenic Disease (PGT-M)
The procedure used to detect genetic abnormalities such as single gene disorders in embryos created during an IVF cycle. This is a precise micro-manipulative procedure, in which embryologists remove up to 8 cells from a day 5 or 6 embryo. This test can take up to 6-8 weeks to develop to detect a specific disease such as DMD, or CF etc.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-S or CCS)
The procedure used to detect chromosomal abnormalities in embryos created during an IVF cycle. This is a precise micro-manipulative procedure, in which embryologists remove up to 8 cells from a day 5 or 6 embryo. This test is to screen for anueploid embryos such as trisomy 21 (downs syndrome) and can be used for gender selection.
Progesterone
An important hormone that is involved with the receptivity of the endometrial lining to enable implantation. It also supports early pregnancy.
Prolactin
A hormone produced by the pituitary that enables milk production. The level of prolactin in the blood can reveal hypothalamic-pituitary disorders that may hinder ovulation.
Reproductive Endocrinologists (RE)
Obstetrician-Gynecologist with advanced education, research and professional skills in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. These highly trained and qualified physicians treat reproductive disorders that affect children, women, men, and the mature woman, including infertility in both men and women.
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 one month before attempting pregnancy.
Saline sonogram
Saline infusion sonohysterography refers to a procedure in which fluid is instilled into the uterine cavity transcervically to provide enhanced endometrial visualization during transvaginal ultrasound examination. This is looking for endometrial issues that may impede implantation such as polyps, fibroids, adhesions and others.
Secondary infertility
The inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy after having a prior pregnancy.
Selective reduction
A medical procedure to decrease the number of fetuses in a multiple gestation.
Semen
The sperm and seminal secretions ejaculated during orgasm.
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).
Single embryo transfer (SET)
A procedure in which one embryo is transferred into the uterus.
Sperm count
The number of sperm in the ejaculate.
Sperm morphology
The size and shape of sperm.
Sperm motility
The ability of sperm to move correctly. Sperm that are not moving correctly may not be able to travel through the female reproductive tract to reach the egg.
Sperm volume
The measured volume of the semen that is ejaculated.
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 (Ovarian Stimulation)
Administration of hormones that induce development of multiple ovarian follicles.
Surrogate
A woman who carries a pregnancy for another individual/couple. Also called “gestational carrier”. The gestational carrier is not the genetic parent of the baby. RSC does not offer traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate becomes pregnant through insemination with the sperm, and then following delivery, relinquishes the child to the Intended Parent.
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.
Teratozoospermia
A condition in which no sperm possess normal morphology.
TESE/MESA
A small excision of testicular tissue to determine the ability of the cells to produce normal sperm. Or to retrieve sperm for use in IVF/ICSI.
Testicles
The two male sexual glands contained in the scrotum. They produce the male hormone testosterone and produce the male reproductive cells, the sperm.
Therapeutic donor insemination (TDI)
A procedure in which sperm from a donor is placed into a woman’s vagina or cervix. Also called artificial insemination, but distinct from Intrauterine Insemination.
Total Motile Count
The total number of moving sperm in the ejaculate.
Ultrasound
Technique used to view the follicles in the ovaries or the fetus in the uterus. Some ultrasound exams are done abdominally but most at RSC require more detail and are vaginally. See “Vaginal Ultrasound”.
Unexplained infertility
Unexplained infertility is the diagnosis when both partners in a couple undergo a thorough fertility evaluation and the cause for infertility is not found.
Uterus
The muscular organ in the woman that holds and nourishes the fetus until the time of birth.
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.
Varicocele
A collection of varicose veins in the scrotum. These dilated vessels may affect sperm production and quality.
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.
Vitrification
Recent cryopreservation technique which “flash freezes” eggs and embryos, preventing ice crystal formation which may hamper results