REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY & INFERTILITY
Fertility Education Glossary
Active follicles
Sacks of fluid in the ovary that contain the egg for that month
Adhesions
Scar tissue that forms around reproductive organs following a previous injury, infection or surgery.
Amenorrhea
The absence of menstruation.
Antral follicle count
A count of the number of active follicles forming in a woman’s ovaries in any given month; can be used as an indicator of fertility, or ovarian reserve.
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)
A screening test that will tell us the status of the woman’s ovarian reserve.
Androgen
Primarily a male sex hormone that is present in smaller amounts in females.
Anovulation
The total absence of ovulation. A menstrual cycle where ovulation does not occur.
Appendix
A blind-ended tube connected to the intestine. It serves no purpose in digestion and is thought to be “vestigial” or to have lost its original function
Artificial Insemination (AI)
The depositing of sperm 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)
ART includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled. In general, ART procedures involve surgically removing eggs from a woman’s ovaries, combining them with sperm in the laboratory, and returning them to the woman’s body or donating them to another woman. They do not include treatments in which only sperm are handled (e.g., intrauterine—or artificial—insemination) or procedures in which a woman takes medicine only to stimulate egg production without the intention of having eggs retrieved.
Azospermia
A complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate. Sperm may still be produced but they are not being delivered to the semen.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) test
The temperature of a woman taken every morning during a cycle. It is done to help determine if ovulation has taken place.
Asthenozoospermia
Decreased sperm motility.
Baseline Ultrasound
An ultrasound conducted before starting therapy to determine the general position and condition of the ovaries and the uterus.
Blastocyst Transfer
An embryo that is allowed to grow for 5 days prior to placing it back into the uterus
Body mass index (BMI)
A measurement which compares weight and height
Cervical Mucus
Mucus produced by the cervix that permits passage of sperm into the uterus at the time of ovulation.
Cervix
Lower section of the uterus that protrudes into the vagina, through which the sperm pass to reach the uterus.
Chemical Pregnancy
A pregnancy that can only be determined by measuring hormones but is too early to be seen on a sonogram. A chemical pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall but stops growing shortly. If a pregnancy test is taken just at the right time it will be positive, however, when a repeat test is taken several days later it will be negative. Thus a chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage.
Conception
Fertilization; when the sperm meets and penetrates the egg.
Congenital abnormalities
Birth defects are also called “congenital anomalies” or “congenital abnormalities.” The word “congenital” means “present at birth.” The words “anomalies” and “abnormalities” mean that there is a problem present in a baby.
Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation
Stimulation of the ovaries with various hormonal medications in order to develop multiple follicles, as well as to control the timing of ovulation.
Corpus Luteum
A structure that forms In the ovary after it releases an egg. The corpus luteum releases some estrogen and mostly progesterone, two hormones necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum functions for three to four 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 (e.g. “egg freezing” or “embryo freezing”).
Chromosomal abnormality
Chromosomal abnormalities usually result from an error that occurs when an egg or sperm cell develops or as the genetic material of the egg and sperm combined. Example: Down’s syndrome is a miss-division of the genetic material resulting in 3 copies of chromosome #21
Cilia
Hair-like projections that line the fallopian tube to pick up and transport the egg through the fallopian tube.
Culture medium
A growth medium or culture medium is a liquid or gel designed to support the growth of cells. With embryo culture media it mimics the fluids found in the fallopian tubes and uterus.
Cysts
A closed sac of fluid usually found in the ovary. Once formed, a cyst may go away on its own or may have to be removed through surgery or needle-aspiration
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of both children and adults. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and can obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
D&C procedure
A procedure usually done after a miscarriage to remove tissue remaining behind that is attached to the uterine wall.
Day 3 testing
Blood work done to detect levels of FSH in the body. A high FSH level on Day 3 of the menstrual cycle can be a predictor of a poor prognosis for pregnancy and diminished ovarian reserve.
Diabetes, type 2
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, as well as the older segments of the population. This is found much more commonly in women who have polycystic ovaries and is associated with anovulation.
Distal fallopian tube
The portion of the fallopian tube farthest from the uterus; closest to the ovary
Dominant follicle
The largest follicle in the ovary in any given cycle; this follicle will mature to ovulate the oocyte
Dysmenorrhea
Cramping and pain around the time of menstruation.
Dysmucorrhea
Poor quality or inadequate cervical mucus that can prohibit sperm passage.
Dyspareunia
Pain with intercourse
Ectopic Pregnancy
Implantation of an embryo in a place other than the uterus.
Egg maturation
Process where an oocyte growing in a follicle will be prepared for ovulation and fertilization.
Egg Retrieval
A procedure used to obtain eggs from ovarian follicles for use in in vitro fertilization. The procedure is performed by using a needle and ultrasound to aspirate the contents of 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.
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.
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, causing pain. This is one of the most common causes of infertility and is treatable.
Endometrium
Endometrial Lining: The lining of the uterus.
Epididymis
The organ in a man where sperm are stored, nourished and mature after production.
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 polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients.
Fallopian Tubes
The duct or tube through which the eggs travel to the uterus after being released from the follicle. Sperm normally meet the egg in the fallopian tube, and this is where fertilization takes place.
Fertility Specialist
A physician specializing in the practice of fertility. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology certifies a subspecialty for OB-GYNs who receive extra training in reproductive endocrinology (the study of hormones) and infertility.
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), controlled ovarian stimulation, 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.)
Fibroid
Benign (not malignant or life-threatening) tumor of fibrous tissue that can occur in the uterine wall. Fibroids may be totally without symptoms or may cause abnormal menstrual patterns and infertility.
Fimbriae
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 egg which will be released at ovulation. Each month an egg develops within the follicle in the ovary.
Follicular phase
The first 14 days of a woman menstrual cycle when the egg is developing prior to ovulation.
Folic acid
A B vitamin necessary for the formation of normal brain and spinal cord tissue in a growing fetus
Gamete
A reproductive cell: sperm in men, the egg in women.
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
After egg retrieval, the eggs are mixed with sperm and then placed—using laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure—into a woman’s fallopian tubes for in vivo fertilization.
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
A substance secreted every 90 minutes or so by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. This hormone enables the pituitary to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulate the gonads.
Gonadotropins
Hormones secreted by the pituitary gland that control reproductive function, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
Gonads
Glands that make the gametes (testicles and ovaries).
Hirsutism
Excessive hair growth on the face or chest
High cholesterol
Total Cholesterol less than 200
High blood pressure
BP less than 130/85
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
The hormone produced in early pregnancy, released by the placenta after implantation, which keeps the corpus luteum producing estradiol and progesterone and thus prevents menstruation and miscarriage. 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 or absent levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
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 luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) serum levels and consequential negligible estrogen levels. (The gonads are the ovaries and testes. 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 liquid dye (contrast) 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 inside the uterus by entering through the cervix.
Idiopathic Infertility
The medical term for unexplained infertility, meaning no obvious diagnosis can be found.
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)
Retrieving eggs produced by administering fertility drugs and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are transferred by catheter to the uterus.
Infertility
The inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse (six months if a woman is over age 35).
Inheritable Disease
Inheritable Disease
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
A micromanipulation procedure that occurs under a microscope 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 sperm directly into the uterus through the cervix using a catheter.
Insulin
A hormone secreted by the pancreases to regulates the uptake of Glucose (sugar) into the cells of the body.
Laparoscopy
A telescope with a camera attached is inserted into a small incision in the umbilicus. The surgeon operates from outside the body and removes endometriosis, adhesions, ovarian cysts and other abnormalities.
Laparotomy
Open abdominal surgery: A surgeon makes a 5-inch to 7-inch incision either up and down or side to side across the belly. Reconstructive or corrective surgery on the pelvic organs, such as the uterus and the ovaries or removing fibroids can be completed.
Luteal Phase
The second half or 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 the release of a mature egg from the follicle.
Menopause
A natural biologic event, which represents the permanent cessation of menses resulting from loss of ovarian follicular function.
Menarche
First period
Menstruation
Shedding of the uterine lining by bleeding, which (in the absence of pregnancy) normally occurs about once a month in the mature female.
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 pregnancy. (See also Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, ICSI.)
Miscarriage
Spontaneous loss of a viable embryo or fetus in the womb.
Morphology:
The physical structure, size and shape of the sperm.
Morphology:
The physical structure, size and shape of the sperm.
Motility
The ability of sperm to swim. Poor motility means the sperm have a difficult time swimming toward the egg.
Myomectomy
A procedure in which uterine fibroids are surgically removed from the uterus.