Fertility Glossary

Bands of scar tissue that can bind pelvic organs together and impair fertility.

An ultrasound count of small resting follicles in both ovaries that estimates egg supply.

A hormone produced by ovarian follicles that reflects a woman's remaining egg supply.

A menstrual cycle in which no egg is released from the ovary.

An autoimmune clotting disorder associated with recurrent pregnancy loss and implantation failure.

Intrauterine adhesions or scar tissue that can cause infertility and recurrent miscarriage.

The complete absence of sperm in ejaculated semen, a common cause of male infertility.

A blood test measuring the pregnancy hormone hCG to confirm and monitor early pregnancy.

A day-5 or day-6 embryo with a fluid-filled cavity, inner cell mass, and trophectoderm layer.

An individual cell within an early embryo, typically assessed at the cleavage (day 2–3) stage.

A very early pregnancy loss confirmed by a positive hCG that drops before a gestational sac is visible on ultrasound.

An error in the number or structure of chromosomes in an embryo or fetus, often causing miscarriage.

An oral medication that triggers ovulation by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain.

The use of injectable hormones to grow multiple follicles simultaneously for IVF egg retrieval.

The temporary gland formed from a ruptured follicle after ovulation that produces progesterone.

A reduction in the number of remaining eggs beyond what is expected for a woman's age.

An egg provided by a third-party donor used in IVF when a patient cannot use her own eggs.

Sperm from a screened third-party donor used when a partner's sperm is unavailable or unsuitable.

A pregnancy implanted outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube, requiring prompt treatment.

The process of retrieving, freezing, and storing a woman's eggs for potential future use.

Accumulating frozen embryos across multiple IVF cycles before attempting a transfer.

The procedure in which one or more embryos are placed into the uterus via a soft catheter.

A biopsy-based genetic test that identifies the optimal timing for embryo transfer in a woman's uterus.

A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, impairing fertility.

The primary estrogen produced by developing follicles, monitored during ovarian stimulation cycles.

An obstruction in one or both fallopian tubes that prevents egg and sperm from meeting naturally.

Medical techniques used to protect future fertility before cancer treatment, surgery, or age-related decline.

An IVF procedure in which a previously frozen embryo is warmed and transferred to the uterus.

A fluid-filled sac in the ovary that contains an egg and produces estrogen as it grows.

A pituitary hormone that drives follicle growth in the ovaries and sperm production in the testes.

An ART procedure where eggs and sperm are placed directly into the fallopian tube for fertilization.

Injectable hormones (FSH and/or LH) used to stimulate multiple follicles to grow during fertility treatment.

Medical shorthand: gravida is the total number of pregnancies; para is the number of deliveries past 20 weeks.

A hormone produced in pregnancy and used in fertility treatment as a trigger shot to mature eggs.

Abnormally high prolactin levels that suppress ovulation and can cause infertility in both sexes.

An X-ray procedure using contrast dye to assess uterine shape and fallopian tube patency.

A minimally invasive procedure using a thin camera to view and treat the inside of the uterus.

Placing prepared or unwashed sperm into the cervical canal, a simpler alternative to IUI.

A fertilization technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg under a microscope.

The process by which a blastocyst attaches to and embeds into the uterine lining.

When an embryo fails to establish a pregnancy after transfer, often defined as two or more failed transfers.

The inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (or 6 months if over 35).

A hormone from ovarian granulosa cells that suppresses FSH; used as a supplemental marker of ovarian reserve.

A procedure that places washed, concentrated sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.

The process of fertilizing eggs with sperm outside the body and transferring resulting embryos to the uterus.

Minimally invasive surgery using a camera inserted through the abdomen to diagnose and treat pelvic conditions.

An aromatase inhibitor used off-label to induce ovulation, especially in women with PCOS.

A pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation and is used in fertility treatment for stimulation and timing.

The sharp rise in LH that triggers ovulation approximately 36 hours later, detected by OPKs.

Insufficient progesterone production after ovulation that may impair endometrial preparation for implantation.

Infertility caused partly or entirely by problems with sperm count, motility, or morphology.

A low-dose IVF approach using oral medications or minimal injectables to retrieve a smaller number of eggs.

The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation, most commonly due to chromosomal errors.

A trial hormone protocol that mimics a FET cycle to time an endometrial biopsy or assess lining response.

A day 3–4 embryo resembling a solid ball of 16–32 cells, the stage just before blastocyst formation.

A frozen embryo transfer timed to your natural ovulation, without stimulation drugs.

Immune cells in the uterine lining thought to play a role in implantation and recurrent miscarriage.

The health outcomes of babies born after assisted reproductive technology, generally comparable to natural conception.

Complete absence of sperm in ejaculate caused by impaired sperm production in the testes.

An oral progestin used before an IVF cycle to coordinate follicle development and scheduling.

A potentially serious complication of ovarian stimulation causing fluid accumulation and ovarian swelling.

A low sperm count in ejaculate, defined as fewer than 16 million sperm per milliliter.

The medical term for an egg cell; a mature oocyte (MII) is required for fertilization.

The female reproductive cell retrieved during IVF; mature oocytes (MII) are suitable for fertilization.

The vitrification and storage of unfertilized eggs for future use, preserving fertility at a younger age.

A laparoscopic surgery that punctures small holes in the ovaries to reduce androgen production in PCOS.

An over-response to fertility drugs causing swollen, painful ovaries and fluid buildup.

The quantity and quality of a woman's remaining eggs, assessed by AMH, AFC, and day-3 FSH.

A measure of the quantity and quality of remaining eggs in the ovaries.

An emergency where an enlarged ovary twists on its ligament, cutting off blood supply.

Using medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce and release one or more eggs.

A hormonal disorder causing irregular ovulation, elevated androgens, and often multiple small follicles on the ovaries.

An infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause tubal scarring and infertility.

Genetic testing of embryos before transfer to identify chromosomally normal (euploid) ones.

Genetic screening of IVF embryos to identify those with the correct number of chromosomes before transfer.

Embryo testing that screens for a specific inherited single-gene disease before transfer.

Embryo testing for balanced chromosomal rearrangements (translocations or inversions) in parents.

The master gland at the base of the brain that releases FSH, LH, prolactin, and TSH to control reproduction.

A hormonal disorder causing irregular ovulation, elevated androgens, and polycystic-appearing ovaries.

A blood or saliva test that identifies whether someone carries a gene for a recessive genetic disorder.

Loss of normal ovarian function before age 40, causing low estrogen and irregular periods.

A hormone that prepares the uterine lining for implantation and is essential for early pregnancy support.

The hormone that prepares the uterine lining for implantation and supports early pregnancy.

Vaginal progesterone inserts used to support the uterine lining in IVF and FET cycles.

A pituitary hormone that in excess can suppress ovulation and cause irregular periods.

An IVF option for same-sex female couples where one partner provides eggs and the other carries the pregnancy.

Two or more consecutive pregnancy losses, prompting investigation for treatable underlying causes.

The loss of two or more clinical pregnancies, prompting investigation into treatable underlying causes.

A board-certified OB/GYN subspecialist trained in diagnosing and treating infertility and hormonal disorders.

An ultrasound procedure using sterile saline to outline the uterine cavity and detect abnormalities.

A laboratory test evaluating sperm count, motility, and morphology to assess male fertility.

A lab test measuring sperm count, motility, morphology, and volume to assess male fertility.

Damage to the genetic material inside sperm that can impair fertilization and embryo development.

Breaks in the DNA strands within sperm, linked to poor embryo development, miscarriage, and IVF failure.

The shape and structure of sperm cells; at least 4% normal forms (Kruger criteria) is considered adequate.

The ability of sperm to swim; at least 42% total motility and 30% progressive motility is considered normal.

A lab process that separates healthy motile sperm from seminal fluid and debris for use in IUI or IVF.

The specific combination and timing of medications used to stimulate the ovaries during an IVF cycle.

The specific combination and sequence of medications used to grow multiple follicles during an IVF cycle.

Extra embryos remaining after IVF transfer that are vitrified and stored for future use or donation.

An arrangement where a gestational carrier carries a pregnancy created from another person's embryo.

A surgical procedure that retrieves sperm directly from testicular tissue when none are present in ejaculate.

The primary male sex hormone, measured in both male infertility workups and female hormonal evaluations.

A uterine lining below 7 mm that may reduce embryo implantation rates in IVF cycles.

Building a family using donated eggs, sperm, embryos, or a gestational carrier from a person outside the couple.

Underactive or overactive thyroid function that can disrupt menstrual cycles and impair fertility.

A pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid function; abnormal levels can impair fertility and pregnancy.

An internal ultrasound using a probe inserted into the vagina to image the ovaries and uterus.

An injection of hCG or GnRH agonist given to cause final egg maturation before IVF retrieval or IUI.

An injection that triggers final egg maturation and times ovulation or egg retrieval precisely.

The occurrence of two fetuses in one pregnancy; IVF significantly raises twin rates but SET reduces this risk.

A diagnosis given when standard fertility tests are all normal but pregnancy has not occurred after 12 months.

A bacterial organism that can colonize the reproductive tract and has been associated with implantation failure.

Benign muscle tumors of the uterus that can affect fertility depending on their location and size.

Benign muscle tumors of the uterus that can impact fertility depending on their size and location.

A benign overgrowth of the endometrial lining that can interfere with embryo implantation.

Benign growths from the uterine lining that can interfere with embryo implantation if large.

A fibrous tissue partition inside the uterus that divides the cavity and increases miscarriage risk.

Progesterone delivered vaginally as a gel, capsule, or suppository to support the luteal phase in IVF cycles.

Enlarged veins in the scrotum that raise testicular temperature and impair sperm quality.

An enlargement of veins in the scrotum that raises testicular temperature and can impair sperm production.

Microsurgery to reconnect the vas deferens and restore sperm flow after a prior vasectomy.

A fat-soluble vitamin whose deficiency is associated with reduced IVF success and hormonal imbalances.

Ultra-rapid flash-freezing technique that preserves eggs and embryos without damaging ice crystal formation.

An ultra-rapid freezing method that preserves embryos and eggs without damaging ice crystal formation.

The length of time an insurance plan requires before covering fertility treatment benefits.

A simple microscope slide evaluation of raw semen used to quickly estimate sperm count and motility.

A pattern where a disease-causing gene on the X chromosome is passed from carrier mothers to sons.

Missing segments on the Y chromosome that disrupt sperm production and cause severe male infertility.

A rarely used ART procedure where a fertilized egg (zygote) is placed into the fallopian tube via laparoscopy.

A research-grade assay measuring sperm's ability to bind to the zona pellucida of non-viable human eggs.

The protective protein shell surrounding an egg and early embryo that must be penetrated for fertilization.

The protective protein shell surrounding an egg and early embryo that sperm must penetrate to fertilize.

The single cell formed at fertilization when one sperm fuses with one egg.