Dictionary

 

 

Not sure what that word means?  Here, we explain the meanings of the many words and abbreviations used in the world of fertility.

ART

Assisted Reproductive Technology.  All treatments or procedures that involve the handling of human eggs and sperm for the purpose of establishing a pregnancy. Types of ART include IVF, GIFT, ZIFT, embryo cryopreservation, egg or embryo donation, and surrogate birth.

Corpus Luteum

A structure that develops in the ovary and secretes progesterone, which is vital to maintain a uterine environment capable of supporting pregnancy. When the corpus luteum stops functioning, and if a fertilized ovum does not embed in the uterine lining and the placenta begins producing hormones of its own, hormone levels quickly decrease and menstruation begins.

Fertilization

The penetration of the egg by the sperm and the resulting fusion of genetic material that develops into an embryo.

Follicle

A follicle is a fluid-filled sac in the ovary that sustains the developing egg, and from which the egg is released during ovulation. The follicle is stimulated to release the ovum by a hormone called FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), which is made by the pituitary gland.

FSH

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is necessary to achieve pregnancy because it stimulates the maturation of a follicle (within the ovary), allowing for the process of ovulation.

Gamete

A reproductive cell, either a sperm or an egg.

hCG

Human chorionic gonadotropin (or hCG) is the hormone that prolongs the lifespan of the corpus luteum as well as stimulates production of progesterone, another hormone essential to maintain the pregnancy. This is also the hormone pregnancy tests (blood and urine) detect.

Implantation

When the fertilized egg (blastocyst) settles into the thick uterine lining (endometrium). This occurs approximately 7 days after conception.

IVF

In Vitro Fertilization.  An ART procedure that involves removing eggs from a woman's ovaries and fertilizing them in the laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the woman's uterus through the cervix.

LH Surge

The increase in luteinizing hormone in your urine. You are most likely to become pregnant if you have intercourse within 36 hours after you detect your LH surge.

Luteinizing Hormone

A female hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, necessary to regulate ovarian function.

Mittelschmerz

"Middle pain" - an ache or twinge in the lower abdomen - caused by ovulation.

Oocyte

The female reproductive cell, also called an egg or ovum.

Ovarian Stimulation

The use of drugs to stimulate the ovaries to develop follicles and eggs.

Ovary

One of the two female reproductive organs in which eggs are formed.

Ovulation

The release of the egg (ovum) from the ovary. Ovulation usually occurs approximately 14 days before the next menstrual period is due.

OPK

An at-home test kit is an easy way to help you find the time when you are most able to become pregnant. It quickly and accurately detects the increase in luteinizing hormone in your urine (LH Surge), which normally occurs 24 to 36 hours before ovulation.

Progesterone

One of the female sex hormones, which is produced by the ovary and placenta. Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus, for implantation of a fertilized egg, and helps maintain the pregnancy.

TTC

Trying to conceive.

Uterus

A hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ in which the fetus develops.

Zygote

The single cell formed by when a sperm fertilizes an egg.