Embarking on a fertility journey can be both exciting and challenging, but navigating the sea of acronyms and abbreviations can be overwhelming. Fear not, for this ultimate guide is here to demystify the most common fertility acronyms and help you communicate effectively with healthcare professionals, online support groups, and others on the same path. Let's dive in and unravel the meanings behind these mysterious letter combinations.
- 2WW: Two-Week Wait
The anxious period between embryo transfer or conception and the awaited positive or negative pregnancy test result.
- AF: Aunt Flo
A colloquial term for menstruation or your monthly period.
- AH: Assisted Hatching
A technique used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to aid the embryo in hatching, increasing the chances of successful implantation.
- AI: Artificial Insemination
A procedure where sperm is introduced directly into a woman's reproductive tract to enhance the chances of conception.
- ART: Assisted Reproductive Technology
A broad term encompassing various fertility treatments involving both eggs and sperm to address infertility.
- BFN: Big Fat Negative
An expression used to express disappointment after receiving a negative result on a pregnancy test.
- BFP: Big Fat Positive
An exciting term used to celebrate a positive result on a pregnancy test.
- BR: Bed Rest
A recommendation from doctors to limit physical activity to support a healthy pregnancy.
- DE: Donor Eggs
Eggs obtained from an egg donor for use in assisted reproductive treatments.
- DPO: Days Post Ovulation
The number of days that have passed since ovulation.
- DPR or PR: Days Post Retrieval or Post Retrieval
A method to count the days after the retrieval of eggs during IVF.
- DPT/PT: Days Post Transfer
The number of days since the embryo transfer during IVF.
- DX: Diagnosis
A medical diagnosis related to infertility or other reproductive issues.
- EDD: Estimated Due Date
The approximate date when the baby is expected to be born.
- ENDO: Endometriosis
A medical condition where the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of it.
- ER: Egg Retrieval
A surgical procedure to retrieve eggs for use in fertility treatments.
- FET: Fresh Embryo Transfer
The process of transferring a recently fertilized embryo into the uterus during an IVF cycle.
- FET: Frozen Embryo Transfer
A procedure where a frozen embryo is thawed and transferred into the uterus.
- Frostie: Frozen Embryo
Informal slang for a frozen embryo.
- FTTA: Fertile Thoughts to All
A friendly sign-off used in fertility message boards.
- FT: Full Term
A pregnancy is considered full term when it reaches 39 weeks.
- hCG: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
The hormone produced during pregnancy and detected in pregnancy tests.
- HPT: Home Pregnancy Test
An over-the-counter pregnancy test that can be taken at home.
- HX: History
Refers to a patient's medical history.
- IB: Implantation Bleeding
Light spotting or bleeding that can occur after implantation of the embryo.
- ICI: Intracervical Sperm Injection
A method where sperm is injected into the cervix.
- ICSI: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
A technique used in IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
- IF: Infertility
The inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term.
- ITI: Intratubal Insemination
A procedure where sperm is placed directly into the fallopian tubes.
- IVF: In Vitro Fertilization
A fertility treatment where eggs and sperm are fertilized outside the body and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus.
- IUI: Intrauterine Insemination
A fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into the uterus to facilitate fertilization.
- LH: Luteinising Hormone
The hormone responsible for triggering ovulation.
- LMP: Last Menstrual Period
The date of a woman's last menstrual period used to estimate pregnancy due date.
- LSP: Low Sperm Count
A condition where semen has fewer sperm than normal.
- MAI: Miscarriage After Infertility
Experiencing a miscarriage after undergoing fertility treatments.
- MC: Miscarriage
The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation.
- OB: Obstetrician
A doctor specialized in pregnancy and childbirth care.
- OHSS: Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
A condition that may occur in women undergoing fertility treatments involving excess hormone stimulation.
- OV: Ovulation
The release of a mature egg from the ovary, necessary for pregnancy.
- PAF: Pregnant After Infertility
Experiencing pregnancy after struggling with infertility.
- PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
A hormonal disorder leading to fertility issues in women.
- PGD: Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
Genetic testing of embryos before implantation to identify any genetic abnormalities.
- PGS/PGT-A: Preimplantation Genetic Screening
Genetic screening of embryos to check for the correct number of chromosomes.
- RPL: Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Experiencing two or more miscarriages.
- SA: Semen Analysis
A test to evaluate the quantity and quality of a man's sperm.
- SI: Secondary Infertility
The inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to full term after previously giving birth.
- SD: Sperm Donor
A man who donates sperm for fertility treatments.
- TR: Tubal Reversal
A surgical procedure to reconnect fallopian tubes after a tubal ligation.
- TTC: Trying To Conceive
The act of actively trying to get pregnant.
- US: Ultrasound
A non-invasive imaging procedure used during pregnancy to monitor the baby's development.
Understanding the vast array of fertility acronyms can be empowering and helpful during your fertility journey. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you'll be better equipped to communicate with healthcare providers, support groups, and fellow fertility warriors. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and with knowledge and support, you can overcome challenges and increase your chances of a successful conception. May this ultimate guide serve as your companion in the quest for building the family of your dreams. Best of luck!