Andrologist:
A medical professional specializing in male infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Embryologist:
A specialist in embryo development.
Fertility Nurse Specialist:
A nurse with special training in caring for people undergoing infertility treatments. Often coordinates care and serves as a primary contact person.
Reproductive Endocrinologist:
A gynecologist who is subspeciality fellowship trained in women's infertility workups.
Ultrasonographer:
A technician qualified to perform abdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds to determine the size, shape and dimensions of the pelvic organs, ovarian follicle production, and the existence of tumors, enlargements or inflammations.
Urologist:
An M.D. specializing in male and female urinary tract problems who is particularly knowledgeable about penile and testicular function.
Lab Tests & Procedures
Endometrial Biopsy:
The removal of a small fragment of uterine tissue to study hormonal activity. The results indicate whether there are adequate changes in the endometrial tissue to support a pregnancy.
GIFT:
Gamete intrafallopian transfer involves combining sperm and eggs outside the body and immediately placing them into the fallopian tubes to achieve fertilization.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG):
An x-ray study in which dye is injected into the uterus to show the body of the uterus and whether the fallopian tubes are open.
Hysteroscopy:
An examination of the inside of the uterus through a fiberoptic telescope inserted through the vagina and cervical canal.
IUI:
Intrauterine insemination is the insertion of sperm, which have been carefully washed and prepared, directly into the uterus.
IVF:
Performed in the laboratory, In-vitro (in glass) fertilization involves the removal of eggs from ripe follicles and their fertilization by sperm cells outside the human body.
Laparoscopy:
Use of a surgical instrument inserted through a small incision below the navel to allow direct visualization of the ovaries and exterior of the fallopian tubes and uterus.
Ovulation Induction:
Use of hormone therapy to stimulate oocyte (egg) development and release.
Post-coital Test (PCT):
Also called a Huhner test. Test in which cervical secretions are obtained following intercourse and analyzed under a microscope to discern problems with the interaction of sperm and cervical mucus.
Ultrasound:
A technique using sound waves to visualize the uterus and ovaries, a fetus in the uterus, or the growth of ovarian follicles during infertility treatment.
ZIFT:
Zygote intrafallopian transfer involves In-vitro fertilization with a transfer of the zygote into the fallopian tube. The zygote is an egg that has been fertilized but has not yet divided.
Other Terms
Embryo:
A fertilized egg from conception to the eighth embryologic week.
Estradiol:
A form of estrogen. This hormone is produced by developing follicles in the ovary. Measuring levels helps determine progressive growth of the follicle during ovulation induction.
FSH:
Follicle Stimulating Hormone stimulates the ovary to ripen a follicle for ovulation.
Fibroid:
A benign tumor of the uterine muscle and connective tissue.
Follicle:
The structure in the ovary that nurtures a ripening egg and releases it.
Infertility:
The inability of a couple to conceive a pregnancy after 1 year of unprotected sexual intercourse.
LH:
Luteinizing Hormone increases in the middle of the cycle to trigger ovulation--the release of an egg.
Ovarian Cyst:
Fluid-filled sacs in the ovary.
Glossary Terms
Ovulation:
Release of an egg from it's follicle in the ovary.
Progesterone:
A female hormone secreted after ovulation has occurred. It prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.
Prolactin:
Female hormone responsible for milk production in nursing mothers. Can be elevated for other reasons such as an underactive thyroid. Elevated prolactin can stop ovulation.
Sperm Morphology:
Size and shape of individual sperm. Normal sperm have an enzyme-coated head, middle piece and whip-like tail.
Sperm Motility:
The ability of sperm to swim and move progressively. Motility is one of the most important determining factors in the sperm's ability to fertilize an egg.
STD:
Sexually transmitted diseases include chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, and other conditions.
Testosterone:
Male sex hormone produced in the testicles.
TSH:
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is release by the pituitary gland to increase thyroid hormone production. TSH results can reveal whether thyroid function is normal, which is necessary for normal ovulation.
A medical professional specializing in male infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Embryologist:
A specialist in embryo development.
Fertility Nurse Specialist:
A nurse with special training in caring for people undergoing infertility treatments. Often coordinates care and serves as a primary contact person.
Reproductive Endocrinologist:
A gynecologist who is subspeciality fellowship trained in women's infertility workups.
Ultrasonographer:
A technician qualified to perform abdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds to determine the size, shape and dimensions of the pelvic organs, ovarian follicle production, and the existence of tumors, enlargements or inflammations.
Urologist:
An M.D. specializing in male and female urinary tract problems who is particularly knowledgeable about penile and testicular function.
Lab Tests & Procedures
Endometrial Biopsy:
The removal of a small fragment of uterine tissue to study hormonal activity. The results indicate whether there are adequate changes in the endometrial tissue to support a pregnancy.
GIFT:
Gamete intrafallopian transfer involves combining sperm and eggs outside the body and immediately placing them into the fallopian tubes to achieve fertilization.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG):
An x-ray study in which dye is injected into the uterus to show the body of the uterus and whether the fallopian tubes are open.
Hysteroscopy:
An examination of the inside of the uterus through a fiberoptic telescope inserted through the vagina and cervical canal.
IUI:
Intrauterine insemination is the insertion of sperm, which have been carefully washed and prepared, directly into the uterus.
IVF:
Performed in the laboratory, In-vitro (in glass) fertilization involves the removal of eggs from ripe follicles and their fertilization by sperm cells outside the human body.
Laparoscopy:
Use of a surgical instrument inserted through a small incision below the navel to allow direct visualization of the ovaries and exterior of the fallopian tubes and uterus.
Ovulation Induction:
Use of hormone therapy to stimulate oocyte (egg) development and release.
Post-coital Test (PCT):
Also called a Huhner test. Test in which cervical secretions are obtained following intercourse and analyzed under a microscope to discern problems with the interaction of sperm and cervical mucus.
Ultrasound:
A technique using sound waves to visualize the uterus and ovaries, a fetus in the uterus, or the growth of ovarian follicles during infertility treatment.
ZIFT:
Zygote intrafallopian transfer involves In-vitro fertilization with a transfer of the zygote into the fallopian tube. The zygote is an egg that has been fertilized but has not yet divided.
Other Terms
Embryo:
A fertilized egg from conception to the eighth embryologic week.
Estradiol:
A form of estrogen. This hormone is produced by developing follicles in the ovary. Measuring levels helps determine progressive growth of the follicle during ovulation induction.
FSH:
Follicle Stimulating Hormone stimulates the ovary to ripen a follicle for ovulation.
Fibroid:
A benign tumor of the uterine muscle and connective tissue.
Follicle:
The structure in the ovary that nurtures a ripening egg and releases it.
Infertility:
The inability of a couple to conceive a pregnancy after 1 year of unprotected sexual intercourse.
LH:
Luteinizing Hormone increases in the middle of the cycle to trigger ovulation--the release of an egg.
Ovarian Cyst:
Fluid-filled sacs in the ovary.
Glossary Terms
Ovulation:
Release of an egg from it's follicle in the ovary.
Progesterone:
A female hormone secreted after ovulation has occurred. It prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.
Prolactin:
Female hormone responsible for milk production in nursing mothers. Can be elevated for other reasons such as an underactive thyroid. Elevated prolactin can stop ovulation.
Sperm Morphology:
Size and shape of individual sperm. Normal sperm have an enzyme-coated head, middle piece and whip-like tail.
Sperm Motility:
The ability of sperm to swim and move progressively. Motility is one of the most important determining factors in the sperm's ability to fertilize an egg.
STD:
Sexually transmitted diseases include chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, and other conditions.
Testosterone:
Male sex hormone produced in the testicles.
TSH:
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is release by the pituitary gland to increase thyroid hormone production. TSH results can reveal whether thyroid function is normal, which is necessary for normal ovulation.