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ACTH
Produced by the pituitary gland, this hormone stimulates the adrenal gland. Abnormal levels of ACTH can sometimes be associated with infertility.
Adhesion
When bands of scar tissue form in reproductive organs and/or abdominal area that can impact fertility; endometriosis can often cause these bands.
Adrenal Androgens
When male hormones (which are produced by the adrenal gland) are elevated in women with PCOS, which cause fertility problems.
Agglutination
When sperm cells clump together instead of moving freely.
Amenorrhea (primary)
Having never menstruated by the age of 16.
Amenorrhea (secondary)
The absence of menstruation for three months or more in women who have menstruated in the past.
American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
A group of fertility and reproductive specialists that teach, do research on and advocate for reproductive medicine.
Amniocentesis
Examining a fetus for abnormalities by using a needle to extract amniotic fluid from the womb.
Andrologist
A doctor who specializes in male health, specifically reproductive health and fertility.
Anovulation
Rare or lack of ovulation which can occur with or without menstruation.
Antibodies
Substances produced by the body that attack foreign matter to prevent infection but which may also cause infertility in some cases.
Antisperm Antibody Test
A test to see if antibodies on the surface of sperm are interfering with the sperm’s ability to move, travel through cervical mucus, or fertilize an egg.
Artificial Insemination (AI)
The injection of sperm directly into a female’s vagina, cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes in order to fertilize an egg.
Asherman's Syndrome
A condition where scar tissue forms inside the uterus which may lead to infertility or menstrual irregularities.
Aspiration
The act of suctioning fluid or tissue from the body, typically performed with a needle or tube.
Assisted hatching
A procedure where the thick outer wall of an embryo is broken open to help facilitate implantation.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
Fertility treatments that include procedures for both the egg and the sperm such as IUI, IVF, GIFT, ICSI and ZIFT.
Asthenozoospermia
Sperm that are considered to be poor quality due to reduced motility.
Azoospermia
When there are no sperm in a man’s semen which is sometimes caused by blockages.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Temperature used to chart ovulation when taken every day first thing after awakening in the morning. The temperature rises and falls day to day due to changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.
Beta HCG Test
A blood test used to measure the levels of HCG in early pregnancy.
Bicornuate uterus
An abnormality in the structure of the uterus that can cause problems with fertility and pregnancy such as fetal growth restriction. It can sometimes be fixed with surgery.
Blastocyst
The stage of an embryo that is reached around 5 days after the egg is fertilized.
Blastomere
A cell taken from a blastocyst by performing a biopsy.
Blighted ovum (egg)
A fertilized egg that implants in the uterus but does not continue to develop properly.
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
A medication that treats tumors in the pituitary gland and therefore reduces prolactin levels.
Canceled cycle
This is when an ART cycle is stopped before being completed due to problems with follicle development, lack of fertilization, or other issues.
Candidiasis
An infection — also know as a yeast infection — sometimes found in the vagina that is caused by a common fungus with symptoms of burning, itching and discomfort.
Cervical mucus
Mucus produced by the cervix during a woman’s monthly cycle that changes consistency and increases in quantity as ovulation approaches.
Cervical smear
A cellular sample taken from the cervix and examined for cancerous cells or other abnormalities.
Cervix, incompetent
A condition where the cervix opens prematurely during pregnancy before the baby is developed and labor is ready to begin.
Cervix
The inch long canal at the lower end of the uterus and above the vagina through which blood passes during menstruation, sperm travels through to reach the fallopian tubes, and a baby passes through during labor.
Chemical pregnancy
When the egg implants itself but the embryo doesn’t develop. The vast majority of miscarriages fall into this category.
Chlamydia
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) which can damage the female and male reproductive systems causing infertility. Chlamydia can go without symptoms for years.
Chocolate cyst
An ovarian cyst with intracavitary hemorrhage and formation of a hematoma which contains old brown blood; often seen with endometriosis of the ovary.
Cilia
Tiny, hair like structures that help the egg move along within the fallopian tubes.
Cleavage
When a zygote (cell formed by fertilization) divides into enough cells to become a blastocyst.
Clinical pregnancy
When a pregnancy is confirmed through a clinical intervention like an ultrasound.
Clomiphene citrate
A medication — also known as clomid — used to trigger a surge of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland and stimulates ovulation to boost fertility.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A blood test where red and white blood cells, hemoglobin and other factors are measured in order to diagnose and evaluate potential disease.
Corpus luteum
Endocrine tissue that secretes the hormone progesterone after ovulation and during pregnancy in order to boost implantation and help maintain the pregnancy.
Cryopreservation
When eggs, embryos, and/or sperm are preserved in a controlled freezing environment for fertility treatment, donation and ART.
Cushing's syndrome
A condition where there is an excess of corticosteroids, such as cortisol, that can affect fertility and cause weight gain, male sex characteristics and other symptoms in women.
Cycle
A single round of fertility treatment that takes about a month.
Cyst
A sac surrounded by a membrane, which may or may not cause health problems.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
A member of the herpes groups of viruses. Most adults and children who contract CMV have no symptoms, although some people may get a fever, sore throat, fatigue and swollen glands. CMV is a risk to the fetus of a woman who contracts CMV for the first time during pregnancy, causing disabilities and developmental delays.
Danazol (danocrine)
This synthetic androgen drug is used to treat endometriosis. Side effects may include acne, changes in breast size, weight gain, and other symptoms.
DHEAS (Dihydroepiandrosterone Sulfate)
This weak male hormone is produced by the adrenal gland in some women that, in high doses, can cause excess hair growth and other symptoms. It is sometimes given to older women to help improve egg quality.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
A procedure where the cervix is dilated (opened) and the uterine lining is scraped away. This is often performed after a miscarriage.
Donor egg
Eggs donated by a fertile woman that can be implanted in another woman for pregnancy.
Donor embryo transfer
A procedure where an embryo created from a donor egg and/or donor sperm are transferred to a woman’s uterus during IVF to help her get pregnant.
Donor insemination
A procedure where donor sperm is injected into a woman’s vagina, cervix, or uterus as part of artificial insemination (also known as intrauterine insemination).
Donor sperm
Sperm that has been donated by men who have been screened for illnesses and selected based on ethnicity, build and other characteristics. It is usually frozen and held for six months or more before use in artificial insemination or ART.
Ectopic pregnancy
This occurs when a fertilized egg implants in a woman’s body outside of the uterus — often in a fallopian tube — causing dangerous complications before it must be terminated.
Egg collection
Procedure where eggs are collected from the ovaries by using a guided needle. Also known as Egg Retrieval.
Egg donation
The process by which a fertile woman donates her eggs to be used in the treatment of others or for research.
Egg retrieval
A procedure where ripe eggs are removed with a thin needle from the ovarian follicles for ICSI, IVF or other procedures.
Egg
Female sex cell/female gamete — also known as an ovum — which is released during ovulation and is fertilized by sperm during reproduction.
Ejaculate
Fluid expelled by the male containing sperm.
Embryo biopsy
The removal of one or two cells from an embryo in vitro in preparation for genetic screening.
Embryo culture
When embryos develop in vitro for two to six days after the egg has been fertilized by the sperm.
Embryo freezing
Extra embryos that are not needed during a cycle can be frozen and stored for future use in a process called cryopreservation.
Embryo storage
The storage of one or more embryos to use in the future by freezing (cryopreservation).
Embryo transfer
When a fertilized embryo is placed into the uterus using a catheter as part of IVF and other ART procedures.
Embryo
One of the earliest stages of the human fetus, between implantation and eight weeks of pregnancy.
Endocrinology
The medical study of hormones, glands, hormonal systems, and how they all interact and work together.
Endometrial biopsy
A procedure where a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) is taken to evaluate it for abnormalities.
Endometriosis
A condition where endometrial tissue is present in abnormal locations such as inside the fallopian tubes, on the ovaries, and in the peritoneal cavity, which often causes painful menstruation and infertility.
Endometrium
The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus.
Endorphins
Chemicals produced by the body, such as during intense exercise, that induce opiate like feelings including pain relief.
Epididymis
A tube located near a man’s testicles that holds sperm.
Estradiol
A form of the hormone estrogen that is secreted by the ovaries.
Estrogen
A female sex hormone that stimulates the development of female sex characteristics and the maturation of the reproductive system.
Fallopian Tubes
Two hollow tubes on either side of the uterus through which the egg is released during ovulation and where the egg and sperm meet to begin the process of fertilization.
Fertility specialist
Doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating infertility such as a Reproductive Endocrinologist.
Fertilization
When the egg and sperm combine to begin the process toward pregnancy.
Fetus
Beginning at eight weeks after implantation, an embryo is called a fetus until it is born.
Fibroid
A benign tumor — also called a myoma — made of muscle cells and other tissues that is found in the uterine wall.
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
A hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates ovarian follicles to grow. It can become elevated as a woman ages and her ovarian reserve diminishes. Synthetic versions of FSH are sold under the names Follistim, Fertinex, Gonal.
Follicle
A tiny sack within the ovary where a woman’s egg grows and develops each month. During ovulation, the follicle expels the egg into the fallopian tube.
Follicular fluid
The fluid that nourishes the developing egg inside of the ovarian follicles.
Follicular phase
The first phase of the monthly cycle, starting with the first day of menstrual bleeding, when ovarian follicles start to develop.
Fresh and frozen cycles
In most cases, the eggs collected from a patient are mixed with her partners fresh sperm to produce embryos within a few days. These fresh embryos are then transferred back to the patient. Where the patient´s body is not ready to receive the embryos, or where an excess of embryos is available, these embryos may be cryogenically frozen for future use. Once thawed, these embryos are transferred to the patient as a frozen cycle.
Fundus
The upper part of the uterus.
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
An assisted reproductive technique where a female’s eggs are extracted from the ovaries, mixed with sperm in a lab, and then placed in the fallopian tubes where fertilization can occur.
Gamete
A mature sex cell such as the egg or the sperm.
Gene
The unit of inheritance. Everyone inherits two copies of each gene. A dominantly inherited genetic disease occurs when only one copy of the gene is sufficient to produce the disease e.g. Huntington's chorea. A recessively inherited disease only occurs if both copies of the defective gene are present e.g. Tay Sachs' disease, Sickle cell disease.
Genome
The basic set of genes in the chromosomes in any cell, organism or species.
Gestation
The time between conception and the birth of a baby.
Gonad
Reproductive glands that produce sex cells (eggs and sperm) and hormones; in women, the ovaries, and in males, the testes.
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
The hypothalamus secretes this hormone, stimulating the release of gonadotropins (LH and FSH), which stimulate the testicles or ovaries.
Gonadotropin
Hormones used during ovulation induction to encourage follicular and egg development.
Hamster Test (HEPT)
When a man’s sperm are mixed with hamster eggs in a dish and the sperm are observed to see how many penetrate the eggs. This test is also known as the Sperm Penetration Assay or SPA.
Hirsutism
A condition that often occurs with PCOS where women have excess body and facial hair, due to high levels of androgens.
Hormonal assay
Hormone test that checks for levels of hormones like FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), DHEA S (dehydroepiandresterone), prolactin and progesterone.
Hormone
Chemicals produced in one organ of the body that regulates activities of other organs.
Hostile mucus
Cervical mucus that impedes the travel of sperm into the fallopian tubes for fertilization.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)
In early pregnancy this hormone helps to maintain progesterone levels; it is sometimes used to trigger ovulation.
Human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG)
This hormone is used to stimulate ovulation and is made of LH and FSH.
Hydrocele
Fluid accumulation in the scrotum.
Hyperprolactinemia
High amounts of prolactin in the blood that can suppress LH and FSH production, affecting male and female fertility.
Hyperstimulation (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome OHSS)
A serious complication that occurs with medically induced ovulation where the ovaries swell and mild to severe side effects may occur.
Hyperthyroidism
Excessive activity of the thyroid that can affect female ovulation and fertility.
Hypoestrogenic
Estrogen levels that are lower than normal.
Hypospermatogenesis
The production of sperm in low numbers.
Hypothalamus
The part of the brain that secretes GnRH, which enables the release of LH and FSH to stimulate the ovaries and testes.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to a slow metabolism and fatigue, and impaired fertility.
Hysterectomy
The partial or total removal of the uterus, ovaries and /or fallopian tubes that can lead to sterility.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
An X-ray examination using a special dye injected into the uterus to observe the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Hysteroscope
A device, similar to a laparoscope, that allows for interior visual exam of the cervix and uterus.
Immature sperm (germinal cell)
Sperm that are not fully mature and that have low motility.
Implantation
After fertilization, the egg starts to embed into the uterine lining where it starts to develop as an embryo.
Impotence
A situation where a man cannot have erections or ejaculate semen.
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Meaning in glass, this assisted reproductive technology (ART) process involves ovulation induction, extraction of the egg from the ovary, and combining the egg with the sperm outside of the female’s body for fertilization.
Infertility
For women under 35, this means the inability to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term when trying to conceive one year, and for women over 35, infertility is the inability to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term when trying to conceive for six months.
Injectables
Fertility medications (usually ovulation induction medications) that are injected.
Inner cell mass
A clump of cells growing within and to one side of the blastocyst from which the embryo develops.
Insemination
The introduction of sperm into a woman’s body for fertilization.
Intra Uterine insemination (IUI)
Sperm are collected and washed to prepare for insemination directly into a woman’s uterus with a catheter and syringe.
Intracervical Insemination (ICI)
Artificial insemination procedure where sperm are injected directly into a woman’s cervix with a syringe and catheter.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
The injection of a single sperm into an egg, usually used with IVF.
Karyotyping
A test analyzing chromosomes for potential genetic abnormalities.
Klinefelter's Syndrome
When a male is born with two X and one Y chromosome, causing possible feminine qualities and infertility.
Laparoscope
A telescopic instrument that is inserted into a small incision in the abdomen, for viewing of the pelvis, ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.
Laparotomy
Surgery that opens the abdominal area to treat a variety of issues, including removing adhesions and repairing tubes.
Lavage
The removal of a fertilised egg or cleavage stage embryo from the womb before implantation by washing out the uterine cavity.
Leydig cell
Cell in the testes that produces male hormones, including testosterone, and is stimulated by LH from the pituitary gland.
LH surge
A surge of LH followed by the release of an egg from a follicle in the ovaries.
Luteal phase defect (or deficiency) (LPD)
Often due to a short luteal phase, the uterus will not be able to sustain a pregnancy due to abnormal hormone levels. May cause recurrent miscarriages.
Luteal phase
The luteal phase is a stage of the menstrual cycle. It occurs after ovulation and before the start of menstruation. During this phase, the lining of the uterus normally becomes thicker to prepare for a possible pregnancy.
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
A hormone that stimulates the ovary to release an egg during ovulation and also stimulates testosterone production in males.
Male factor infertility
Infertility due to male health or anatomic reasons.
Menorrhagia
Very heavy menstrual flow, or menses that lasts longer than normal.
Menstruation
Monthly cycle of bleeding where the uterine lining is shed after a woman fails to achieve pregnancy (also called menses, menstrual cycle).
Metrorrhagia
Appearance of bleeding or spotting in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
Micromanipulation
Procedure where a microscopic single sperm is injected into an egg, as with ICSI.
Miscarriage
Spontaneous expulsion of the embryo or fetus from the uterus in the first 20 weeks gestation, which occurs in about 20% of pregnancies (also called abortion).
Mitochondria
Structures present in human cells which are often referred to as the cell’s ‘batteries’ because they generate the majority of a cell’s energy supply. They contain a small amount of DNA and are inherited from the mother.
Mittleschmerz
Occurring around ovulation, some women notice this as a slight pain or cramping low in the abdomen.
Morphology
The size and shape of sperm.
Morula
The ball of cells which forms at about 3 - 4 days after insemination of the egg, resulting from the cleavage of the fertilized ovum.
Motility
The ability of sperm to move by themselves.
Myomectomy
The surgical removal of benign fibroid tumors from the uterine wall.
Natural cycle
Treatment cycle in which no drugs are given to stimulate egg production.
Nucleus
The part of a cell which contains the genetic material DNA.
Oligmenorrhea
Menstrual periods occurring less frequently than normal.
Oligospermia
Low levels of sperm in the semen.
Oocyte retrieval
When a needle is inserted into the ovarian follicles to extract eggs during surgery.
Oocyte
The female sex cell that is produced in the ovaries (also see egg, ovum, gamete).
Ovarian cyst
A fluid-filled sac in the ovary that can vary in size; may or may not be problematic, but can sometimes cause pain and can be an indicator of PCOS if there are multiple cysts.
Ovarian failure
A situation where levels of FSH in the blood are elevated, usually indicating a lack of ovarian response to FSH stimulation.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
A serious complication following stimulation of the ovaries with gonadotrophin drugs.
Ovary
Female sex glands that produce eggs (ova) and female hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
Ovulation induction
Use of a group of medications (fertility drugs) to improve hormone levels and/or boost the development and release of eggs during fertility treatment.
Ovulation
When the ovary releases a mature egg in the middle of the menstrual cycle, often around day 14.
Ovulatory failure (anovulation)
Lack of ovulation during the menstrual cycle (no egg is released for fertilization).
Ovulatory phase
Occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle; the release of the egg for fertilization.
Ovum
Female sex cell that contains genetic material for the embryo (also called egg, gamete).
Pap test
A test to detect abnormal (cancerous) cells in the cervix.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Infection within the pelvis that can cause fever, pain and possibly infertility and may lead to the development of scar tissue and/or tubal problems.
Pituitary gland
A gland located at the base of the brain known as the master gland of the endocrine system that releases and regulates the body’s hormones.
Placenta
This organ connects the fetus to the uterus via the umbilical cord, providing nutrients and oxygen for development.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS or Stein Leventhal Syndrome)
A hormonal disturbance linked to infrequent ovulation that may include symptoms like menstrual problems, weight gain, pain, infertility, and hair/skin problems.
Post coital test (PCT)
A test done several hours after intercourse to look for the presence of healthy, active sperm, fertile-quality cervical mucus, and healthy sperm-mucus interaction.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
In conjunction with IVF, where a recognised practitioner removes one or two cells from an embryo, for those cells to be tested for specific genetic disorders/characteristics before embryo transfer takes place.
Premature ovarian failure (POF)
A syndrome associated with high levels of gonadotropins and low levels of estrogen, often causing menstruation to end before age 40.
Primary infertility
Infertility in couples that have never had a successful pregnancy or in couples that have gotten pregnant but never had a live birth.
Progesterone
The corpus luteum in the ovary produces this hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy after ovulation.
Prolactin
A hormone that helps women to make breastmilk after childbirth and in women that are not nursing, abnormal levels can hinder ovulation, possibly causing infertility.
Pronuclear stage tubal transfer (PROST) (ZIFT)
An assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure where eggs are retrieved, fertilized by sperm in vitro and then transferred to the woman’s body before the cells divide.
Prostaglandins
These hormone-like substances are found in both men and women while sperm washing techniques remove prostaglandins during artificial insemination to reduce cramping in the woman’s body.
Prostate gland
A male gland circling the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Refers to two or more failed pregnancies, especially if they happen successively.
Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE)
Doctors trained in obstetrics and gynecology that are board certified in reproductive endocrinology.
Retrograde Ejaculation
When the semen is ejaculated, it travels backwards into the bladder due to a problem with the sphincter muscle.
Rh Factor
A protein found in red blood cells in most people, yet if the fetus has Rh factor in the blood but the mother does not, the mother’s body will produce antibodies that start to attack red blood cells in the fetus.
Round Spermatid Nucleus Injection (ROSNI)
An experimental fertilization technique in which immature sperm cells are removed from the testicle and the genetic material is injected into an egg.
Salpingectomy
The removal of the fallopian tubes which is done during surgery.
Scrotum
The sac of skin on the external genitalia of the male that contains the testes.
Secondary infertility
Infertility that occurs after a couple have had a successful pregnancy and/or live birth.
Secondary sex characteristics
Physical characteristics such as breasts, facial and body hair, voice changes and other characteristics that appear during puberty, distinguishing males from females.
Semen analysis
Examination of semen under a microscope to assess sperm count, movement (motility), and the size and shape of the sperm.
Semen
A liquid medium that carries the male’s sperm outside of his body and protects and nourishes the sperm.
Singleton Birth
The birth of a single baby at a live birth event.
Sonogram (ultrasound)
These are high-frequency sound waves used to monitor pregnancy and observe images of internal body parts to detect any abnormalities.
Sperm Bank
At a sperm bank, sperm are kept frozen in liquid nitrate to be thawed later for use in insemination and ART procedures.
Sperm maturation
Sperm take 90 days to fully mature as they grow and attain better motility for fertilization.
Sperm morphology
Refers to the size and shape of the sperm and abnormal sperm morphology can indicate male factor infertility.
Sperm motility
Movement of sperm, and good motility is a sign of male fertility.
Sperm penetration assay (SPA)
A test usually done before IVF where a man’s sperm are mixed with hamster eggs to see how many sperm penetrate the egg (also called hamster test).
Sperm penetration
Refers to the ability of a sperm to penetrate an egg during fertilization.
Sperm wash
Washing of sperm, a procedure done for artificial insemination, removes toxic chemicals, reducing cramping and allergic reactions in females after artificial insemination.
Sperm
Male sex cell carried in semen that holds genetic information from the male (also called gamete).
Sterility
A condition where an individual is completely unable to conceive.
Stillbirth
The loss of a fetus between 20 weeks gestation and birth.
Stimulated cycle
A treatment cycle in which stimulation drugs are used to produce more eggs than usual in the woman's monthly cycle.
Superovulation
The use of fertility drugs to stimulate a woman to release multiple eggs (also called controlled ovarian hyperstimulation or COH).
Surrogacy
The process of a woman carrying a baby for another person. Full surrogacy involves the implantation of an embryo created using either the eggs and sperm of the intended parents, a donated egg fertilised with sperm from the intended father or an embryo created using donor eggs and sperm. Partial surrogacy involves sperm from the intended father and an egg from the surrogate.
Surrogate mother
A woman who gets pregnant and gives birth for a couple who are infertile.
Testicles
Pair of male reproductive glands that produce testosterone and sperm.
Testicular/epididymal sperm aspiration (TESA)
Sperm are extracted from the testis or epididymis with a needle.
Testosterone
A male sex hormone necessary for the development of male secondary sex characteristics, sex drive and sperm development.
TET (tubal embryo transfer)
A procedure that occurs after cell division of a fertilized egg when the egg is then placed directly into the fallopian tubes.
Trisomy
A syndrome reflecting the presence of three chromosomes of one type instead of the normal human chromosome number of two. An example is Trisomy 21 resulting in Down's syndrome.
Tubal Ligation
A permanent form of female birth control where the fallopian tubes are cut or tied, making the woman sterile.
Turner's syndrome
A condition where a female has one X-chromosome and no Y-chromosomes, resulting in limited height, underdeveloped ovaries, lack of ovulation and infertility.
Ultrasound
High-frequency sound waves used to monitor pregnancy and observe images of internal body parts to detect any abnormalities (also called sonogram).
Unexplained Infertility
When no reason or cause can be found for a couple’s infertility problems.
Unicornuate uterus
Uterine abnormality characterized by a smaller size and a single horn shape in the uterus that can cause discomfort and infertility.
Unstimulated cycle
No drugs are given to stimulate egg production. Also known as a natural cycle.
Urethra
The tube that carries urine outside of the body in males and females, and in males this tube also carries semen outside of the body.
Urologist
A doctor who specializes in urinary and urogenital medicine.
Uterine tube
One of two tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus through which the egg is released during ovulation, where it waits to be fertilized (also called fallopian tube).
Uterus
A muscular organ that contains, protects and nourishes the embryo and fetus during pregnancy (also called womb).
Vaginal ultrasound
Placing a probe into the vagina and using sound waves to view the follicles, ovaries, eggs, fetus, and other internal organs.
Vaginitis
Inflammation of the vagina caused by a fungal or bacterial infection and a condition that may cause irritation and discharge.
Varicocele
Varicose veins found in the scrotum that cause an abnormal flow of blood in the male genitalia and can sometimes lead to male infertility.
Vas Deferens
Pair of tubes which connect the epididymis to the urethra and transport sperm during ejaculation.
Vasectomy Reversal
A surgical procedure to reconnect the vas deferens after a vasectomy that restores fertility in many cases.
Vasectomy
A permanent form of male birth control where the vas deferens is blocked.
Venereal disease
Sexually transmitted infections including Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and others that can cause illness and infertility.
Vitrification
The process of gamete or embryo storage (cryopreservation) that avoids ice crystal formation by the use of high cooling rates and a high concentration of cryoprotectant.
Zona Pellucida
The thick transparent membrane surrounding an ovum before implantation.
Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
An ART procedure where a fertilized egg is transferred into the fallopian tube one day after fertilization.