Adhesions

Scar tissue that can develop as a result of tissue injury, infection, disease or previous surgery. Adhesions may affect the fallopian tubes, the ovaries or the inside of the uterus, binding together two surfaces that would normally be separate.

Anovulation

Failure to ovulate or release an egg.

Antibodies

Proteins made by the body's immune system, designed to fight and destroy foreign substances and prevent infections. Some antibodies, called antisperm antibodies, may attack sperm and cause infertility (as is common in men after a vasectomy reversal).

Asherman's Syndrome

Severe adhesions inside the uterus.

Assisted hatching

This procedure involves penetrating or softening the zona pellucida or outer covering of an embryo, using a laser beam or a special solution. The purpose is to help the embryo more easily leave the shell and implant itself in the uterine lining.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

A broad term referring to all procedures and treatments involving the handling of human sperm, eggs and/or embryos in order to achieve a pregnancy. Some examples of ART include in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), embryo cryopreservation, and egg or sperm donation.

Azoospermia

The complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

This is a woman's lowest normal body temperature and it is taken in the morning before getting out of bed. Charting basal body temperature can be used to document ovulation.

ßhCG (Beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin)

A hormone produced during pregnancy. A blood test used to detect pregnancy.

Blastocyst

A highly developed embryo at about five days of growth. The blastocyst transfer best mimics what occurs in natural conception as the fertilized egg does not enter the uterine cavity until this stage.

Catheter

A flexible tube used for intrauterine insemination and embryo transfer.

Cervical mucus

Mucus produced by the cervix. The amount and consistency of this mucus changes during the menstrual cycle.

Cervix

The lowest part of the uterus which opens into the vagina.

Corpus Luteum

A structure normally seen in the ovary after ovulation, which is responsible for producing progesterone, a hormone required for success pregnancy.

Cryopreservation

The process of freezing tissues at very low temperatures (-196°C), and storing them for future use. In assisted reproduction, sperm and embryos are routinely frozen for future reproductive use.

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disease that can cause obstructive azoospermia in men.

Donor sperm

Sperm donated for use by a woman or couple to achieve pregnancy.

Down Regulation

Sometimes the first step in the process of in vitro fertilization. The goal is to control a woman's hormones in preparation for the stimulation step. Some patients will be on a birth control pill and a hormone known as a GnRH agonist (e.g. Suprefact® or Lupron®).

Egg

The female reproductive cell that carries genetic information. When united with a sperm cell, an embryo results.

Egg Retrieval

A procedure where eggs are removed from the ovaries.

Embryo

One of the earliest stages of fetal development, an embryo is a fertilized egg which has grown and divided. It is called an embryo until about the 8th week of pregnancy, when the major structures have been created, at which point it is referred to as a fetus.

Embryo Transfer

A procedure where embryo(s) are transferred into a woman's uterus either 3 or 5 days after egg retrieval. Usually, no more than two embryos are transferred.

Endometriosis

A condition where endometrial tissue (which normally lines the uterus) grows outside the uterus and can cause painful periods or infertility.

Endometrium

The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus.

Epididymis

A collection of tubes that sit behind the testicle, which collects, concentrates and matures sperm.

Estradiol (E2)

A hormone produced by egg follicles. Estradiol is monitored through blood tests during ovarian stimulation to monitor progress and guide the drug dosage used for stimulation.

Estrogen

The best known of the female hormones, estrogen is produced by the ovaries from puberty through to menopause. Estradiol is the type of estrogen specifically produced by the ovaries.

Fallopian Tubes

Narrow tubes located on either side of the uterus. The egg released from the ovary is swept into the fallopian tube where it meets sperm, and fertilization occurs. The resulting embryo travels through the fallopian tube into the uterus for implantation.

Fertilization

Fertilization occurs when an egg and a sperm meet and combine to create a zygote, which then divides to become an embryo. Fertilization may happen naturally in the fallopian tubes or in the laboratory, as occurs in in vitro fertilization.

Fetus

In humans, a fetus refers to a developing baby, which has passed the embryonic stage (older than 8 weeks gestational age) but has not yet been born.

Fibroid

A growth made of smooth muscle tissue in the uterus. Also called a myoma.

Follicle

A fluid-filled sac in the ovary which contains a developing egg and produces hormones. Each follicle contains no more than a single egg.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland which stimulates the growth of follicles in women and the production of sperm in men.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

The placement of previously frozen and thawed embryos into the uterus at an appropriate time in a menstrual cycle for an implantation to occur.

Gamete

Sperm and eggs are gametes. When gametes from each sex unite successfully, the result is a fertilized egg.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

A hormone produced by the hypothalamus (a structure in the brain) responsible for causing the pituitary gland to release the gonadotropins, FSH and LH. GnRH agonists and antagonists are used to suppress the pituitary gland's stimulation of the ovary during an IVF cycle.

Gonadotropin

This group of hormones regulates reproduction and includes Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).

HCG trigger

An injectible medication given 36 hours before egg retrieval. The HCG trigger completes maturation of the egg in the follicle and promotes ovulation.

High Order Multiple Pregnancy

Triplets or more. High-order multiple pregnancies are associated with greatly increased risks of preterm delivery, prematurity and poor outcome for the babies. Generally regarded as a complication of fertility treatments.

Hydrosalpinx

A swollen, fluid-filled fallopian tube.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

An X-ray based test to check the shape of uterine cavity and whether fallopian tubes are open.

Hysteroscopy

An operation where a telescope-like camera is placed into the cervix to see into the uterus.

Hysterosonogram

Like the HSG, this test is also used to check the shape of uterine cavity and whether fallopian tubes are open. Unlike the HSG, this test is performed using ultrasound instead of X-rays.

Implantation

The embedding of the embryo in the endometrium.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

This micromanipulation technique involves injecting one sperm into the cytoplasm of an egg, most commonly performed for male factor infertility. This additional IVF step is performed in the lab on the day of the egg retrieval.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

The placement of the healthiest sperm from an ejaculate directly into the uterus.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

A complex treatment during which eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized outside the body. The embryo(s) that result are placed back into the woman's uterus where they may implant and develop into a fetus.

Laparoscopy

An operation where a telescope-like camera is placed into the abdomen to see internal organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Luteal Phase

The second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone released by the pituitary gland, which triggers the release of an egg from the follicle in the ovary.

Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction (microTESE)

A surgical procedure to retrieve sperm from the testicles of men with non-obstructive azoospermia, for use with ICSI.

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)

Surgical procedures designed to minimize patient discomfort and recovery time. Examples of MIS include hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.

Multiple Pregnancy

Pregnancy containing more that one baby. Multiple pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of complications for the mother and the fetus, including prematurity.

Oocyte

An egg.

OPU

The acronym stands for "oocyte pick up". See egg retrieval.

Ovary

The paired female reproductive glands that make the hormones estrogen and progesterone, and store and release eggs.

Ovarian cyst

A fluid-filled sac within the ovary that can sometimes cause pain. Occasionally, they are a side effect of ovarian stimulation.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

This condition occurs when a large number of egg follicles develop. In a moderate case, this can cause some abdominal bloating and discomfort. In a severe case, it can lead to fluid accumulation in the abdomen resulting in a dangerous state of dehydration, requiring hospitalization.

Ovarian Stimulation

A fertility treatment using medication to cause the growth of one or more egg follicles. Ovarian stimulation usually requires monitoring with ultrasounds and blood tests.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from the ovarian follicle, usually occurring in the middle of a normal menstrual cycle.

Ovulation Induction

A fertility treatment using medication to bring on the growth and release of a single egg.

Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)

A surgical procedure to retrieve sperm from a structure called the epididymis for use in ICSI, from men with obstructive azoospermia.

Pituitary gland

A gland that sits at the base of the brain, responsible for release of several hormones, including the gonadotropins FSH and LH.

Polyp

A soft growth of tissue, occasionally found coming from the endometrium.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

A common cause of female infertility, associated with irregularities or absence of ovulation. For further information, see our Links.

Premature Ovarian Failure

The early loss of function of the ovaries, generally before age 40. For further information, see our Links.

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the corpus luteum during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone helps prepare the endometrium and sustains the implanted embryo in pregnancy.

Recurrent pregnancy loss

Two or three consecutive pregnancy losses in the first or early second trimester.

Semen

The sperm and fluid (seminal secretions) released during ejaculation.

Sperm

The male reproductive cells that carry genetic information to the egg. When united with an egg, they result in an embryo.

Sperm motility

The ability of sperm to move or "swim" towards an egg.

Spermatogenesis

The production of sperm.

Testicle

The paired male reproductive glands that make the hormone testosterone, and produce sperm.

Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)

A surgical procedure used to retrieve sperm directly from the testicle for use in ICSI, from men with obstructive azoospermia.

Testosterone

The male hormone which is needed for the production of sperm.

Tubal ligation

A surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are 'tied' to prevent future conception. Although generally considered permanent, it is possible to restore fertility by performing another surgery to 'reverse' the tubal ligation.

Ultrasound

Also called a sonogram, this diagnostic imaging test uses high-frequency sound waves to 'see' inside or to outline a part of the body. Ultrasound is frequently used in monitoring fertility treatments.

Uterine septum

A band of tissue that divides the uterine cavity into two halves.

Uterus

The female reproductive organ that carries a pregnancy. The inside of the uterus is lined by specialized cells called the endometrium.

Zona Pellucida

The protective outer covering surrounding an egg or embryo.

Zygote

A fertilized egg that has resulted from the union of sperm and egg, but which has not yet divided.