Glossary

Welcome to our comprehensive fertility glossary—a valuable resource designed to help you understand the key terms, procedures, conditions, and medications related to reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technology. Whether you are beginning your fertility journey or seeking to deepen your knowledge, this guide breaks down complex concepts into clear, easy-to-understand definitions. Explore the terminology that fertility specialists use to empower yourself with the information needed to make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

  • Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
    Medical procedures that involve handling eggs, sperm, or embryos outside the body to help achieve pregnancy, such as IVF and ICSI.
  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
    A process where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus.
  • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
    A laboratory technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization, often used in cases of male infertility.
  • Egg Retrieval
    A procedure in which mature eggs are collected from the ovaries, typically using ultrasound guidance and a thin needle.
  • Embryo Transfer
    The placement of one or more embryos into the uterus following IVF or related procedures.
  • Embryo Culture
    The process of growing embryos in a laboratory environment for several days after fertilization before transfer or freezing.
  • Embryo Biopsy
    A technique where a few cells are removed from an embryo for genetic testing, often as part of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
  • Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
    Genetic testing of embryos created via IVF to screen for chromosomal abnormalities or specific genetic conditions before transfer.
  • Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
    A procedure where previously frozen embryos are thawed and transferred into the uterus.
  • Ovulation Induction
    The use of medications to stimulate the ovaries to release eggs, often as part of fertility treatment.
  • Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS)
    A phase in IVF where hormone medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in one cycle.
  • Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)
    A fertility preservation method in which eggs are extracted and frozen for future use.
  • Sperm Freezing (Semen Cryopreservation)
    The process of collecting, freezing, and storing sperm for future fertility treatments.
  • Donor Eggs
    Eggs provided by another woman to be used in IVF for patients who cannot use their own eggs.
  • Donor Sperm
    Sperm provided by a donor, used in fertility treatments such as IUI or IVF.
  • Gestational Surrogacy
    A process where a woman (the surrogate) carries and delivers a baby for another individual or couple using an embryo created from the intended parents’ or donors’ gametes.
  • Laparoscopy
    A minimally invasive surgical procedure using a thin, lighted instrument to examine or treat organs inside the abdomen, often used to diagnose or treat fertility issues.
  • Hysteroscopy
    A procedure in which a thin, lighted tube is inserted through the cervix to examine the inside of the uterus for abnormalities.
  • Tuboplasty
    Surgical repair of the fallopian tubes to treat blockages or damage and improve fertility.
  • Fallopian Tube Obstruction
    A condition where one or both fallopian tubes are blocked, preventing sperm from reaching the egg and causing infertility.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
    A hormonal disorder causing irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries, often associated with infertility.
  • Endometriosis
    A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, potentially causing pain and infertility.
  • Anovulation
    The absence of ovulation, where the ovaries do not release an egg during the menstrual cycle, leading to fertility challenges.
  • Male Factor Infertility
    Infertility caused by issues with sperm production, function, or delivery in the male partner.
  • Female Factor Infertility
    Infertility due to problems with the female reproductive system, such as ovulation disorders, tubal disease, or uterine abnormalities.
  • Unexplained Infertility
    When no specific cause of infertility is identified after standard evaluation of both partners.
  • Ovarian Reserve
    A term describing the quantity and quality of a woman's remaining eggs, often assessed with blood tests and ultrasound.
  • Follicular Phase
    The first half of the menstrual cycle, during which ovarian follicles mature and prepare for ovulation.
  • Luteal Phase
    The second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation, when the corpus luteum produces progesterone to support a potential pregnancy.
  • Corpus Luteum
    A hormone-secreting structure that forms in the ovary after ovulation and produces progesterone.
  • Beta hCG Test
    A blood test that measures human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels to confirm pregnancy after fertility treatment.
  • Estradiol (E2)
    A form of estrogen hormone produced by the ovaries, often measured during fertility treatment to monitor ovarian response.
  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
    A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in women and sperm production in men.
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
    A hormone that triggers ovulation and stimulates the production of other reproductive hormones.
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
    A hormone from the hypothalamus that regulates the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.
  • GnRH Agonist
    A medication that initially stimulates, then suppresses, the release of FSH and LH, used in fertility protocols to control ovulation.
  • GnRH Antagonist
    A medication that quickly suppresses the release of FSH and LH to prevent premature ovulation during fertility treatment.
  • Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
    A hormone used in fertility treatments to trigger final maturation and release of eggs before retrieval.
  • Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG)
    A medication containing FSH and LH, used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
  • Progesterone Supplementation
    The use of progesterone hormone to support the uterine lining and early pregnancy after fertility treatments.
  • Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)
    An oral medication that stimulates ovulation, commonly used in women with ovulatory disorders.
  • Letrozole (Femara)
    An aromatase inhibitor used off-label to induce ovulation in women with PCOS or other ovulatory dysfunctions.
  • Metformin
    A medication used to improve insulin sensitivity, often prescribed to women with PCOS to help regulate ovulation.
  • Bromocriptine
    A medication used to lower high prolactin levels, which can interfere with ovulation and fertility.
  • Cabergoline
    A medication that also reduces prolactin levels, helping restore normal ovulation in women with hyperprolactinemia.
  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
    A potentially serious complication of fertility medications, causing swollen, painful ovaries and fluid buildup.
  • Assisted Hatching
    A laboratory technique where a small opening is made in the outer shell (zona pellucida) of an embryo to help it implant in the uterus.
  • Aspiration (Egg Retrieval)
    A procedure where a needle is used to collect eggs from the ovarian follicles, typically under ultrasound guidance.
  • Semen Analysis
    A laboratory test evaluating sperm count, motility, and morphology to assess male fertility.
  • Sperm Motility
    The ability of sperm to move efficiently, which is essential for fertilizing an egg.
  • Sperm Morphology
    The size and shape of sperm, an important factor in male fertility.
  • Cryopreservation
    The process of freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos for future use in fertility treatments.
  • Embryology Lab
    A specialized laboratory where eggs, sperm, and embryos are handled, fertilized, cultured, and monitored during ART procedures.
  • Blastocyst
    An embryo that has developed for five or six days after fertilization and is ready for transfer or freezing.
  • Zygote
    A fertilized egg cell formed by the union of sperm and egg, representing the earliest stage of embryonic development.
  • Zona Pellucida
    The outer protective shell surrounding an egg or embryo, which must be penetrated or hatched for implantation to occur.
  • Implantation
    The process by which an embryo attaches to and embeds in the uterine lining to establish a pregnancy.
  • Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
    The occurrence of two or more consecutive miscarriages, prompting evaluation for underlying causes.
  • Hypogonadism
    A condition where the sex glands produce insufficient hormones, affecting fertility in both men and women.
  • Hyperprolactinemia
    A condition characterized by elevated prolactin levels, which can disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycles.
  • Endometrial Receptivity
    The readiness of the uterine lining to allow embryo implantation during a specific window in the menstrual cycle.
  • Uterine Factor Infertility
    Infertility caused by structural or functional problems in the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, or congenital anomalies.
  • Cervical Factor Infertility
    Infertility resulting from issues with the cervix, such as poor cervical mucus or structural abnormalities.
  • Genetic Carrier Screening
    Testing performed to determine if individuals carry genes for certain inherited conditions that could affect their offspring.
  • Hormonal Supplementation
    The use of hormones to support fertility treatments, such as estrogen or progesterone.
  • Fertility Preservation
    The process of saving eggs, sperm, or reproductive tissue to maintain the ability to have children in the future, often before cancer treatment or age-related decline.
  • Fertility Assessment
    A series of tests and evaluations to determine the causes of infertility and guide treatment options.
  • Sperm Washing
    A laboratory process that separates healthy sperm from seminal fluid and debris, often used in IUI procedures.
  • IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
    A fertility treatment where prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization.
  • Ovarian Stimulation Medications
    Drugs used to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a single cycle, commonly used in ART.
  • Cycle Monitoring
    Regular tracking of hormone levels and ovarian follicle development during fertility treatment cycles, often with blood tests and ultrasounds.
  • Ultrasound Guidance
    The use of ultrasound imaging to assist in procedures such as egg retrieval, embryo transfer, or monitoring follicle growth.
  • Embryo Grading
    A process where embryos are evaluated based on their appearance and development to select the best ones for transfer or freezing.
  • Embryo Thawing
    The process of warming frozen embryos in preparation for transfer into the uterus.
  • Embryo Selection
    The process of choosing embryos with the highest potential for implantation and healthy pregnancy, often based on grading and genetic testing.
  • Multiple Pregnancy
    A pregnancy where more than one fetus develops, such as twins or triplets, which can occur more frequently with ART.
  • Singleton Pregnancy
    A pregnancy with only one fetus, often the desired outcome in ART to reduce risks associated with multiples.
  • Single Embryo Transfer (SET)
    A practice of transferring only one embryo during IVF to minimize the risk of multiple pregnancy while maintaining high success rates.
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