Affiliation

Abortion, Habitual:

A term referring to a condition where a woman has had three or more miscarriages.

 

Abortion, Incomplete:

An abortion after which some tissue remains inside the uterus. A D&C must be performed to remove the tissue and prevent complications.

 

Abortion, Missed:

An abortion where the fetus dies in the uterus but there is no bleeding or cramping. A D&C will be needed to remove the fetal remains and prevent complications.

 

Abortion, Spontaneous:

A pregnancy loss during the first twenty weeks of gestation.

Abortion, Therapeutic:

A procedure used to terminate a pregnancy before the fetus can survive on its own.

 

Abortion, Threatened:

Spotting or bleeding that occurs early in the pregnancy. May progress to spontaneous abortion.

 

ACTH:

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate the adrenal glands. Excessive levels may lead to fertility problems.

 

Adhesion:

Scar tissue occurring in the abdominal cavity, fallopian tubes, or inside the uterus. Adhesions can interfere with transport of the egg and implantation of the embryo in the uterus.

 

Adrenal Androgens:

Male hormones produced by the adrenal gland which, when found in excess, may lead to fertility problems in both men and women. Excess androgens in the woman may lead to the formation of male secondary sex characteristics and the suppression of LH and FSH production by the pituitary gland. Elevated levels of androgens may be found in women with polycystic ovaries, or with a tumor in the pituitary gland, adrenal gland, or ovary. May also be associated with excess prolactin levels.

 

Alpha-fetoprotein Test (AFP):

A blood test performed to evaluate the development of the fetus and to look for fetal abnormalities.

 

AID (Artificial Insemination Donor):

See Artificial Insemination Donor.

 

AIH (Artificial Insemination Homologous):

See Artificial Insemination Homologous.

 

Amenorrhea:

Refers to a woman who has never had a period.

 

Amenorrhea, Secondary:

A term describing a woman who has menstruated at one time, but who has not had a period for six months or more.

Androgens:

Male sex hormones.

 

Andrologist:

A physician-scientist who performs laboratory evaluations of male fertility. May hold a Ph.D. degree instead of an M.D. Usually affiliated with a fertility treatment center working on in vitro fertilization.

 

Anorexia Nervosa:

A life-threatening eating disorder; self-imposed starvation. Severe weight loss and malnutrition from this disorder cause anovulation.

 

Anovulation:

The failure to ovulate; ovulatory failure.

 

Antibodies:

Chemicals made by the body to fight or attack foreign substances entering the body. Normally they prevent infection; however, when they attack the sperm or fetus, they cause infertility. Sperm antibodies may be made by either the man or the woman.

Antisperm Antibodies:

Antibodies are produced by the immune system to fight off foreign substances,like bacteria. Antisperm antibodies attach themselves to sperm and inhibit movement and their ability to fertilize.

 

Artificial Insemination (AI):

The depositing of sperm in the vagina near the cervix or directly into the uterus, with the use of a syringe instead of by coitus. This technique is used to overcome sexual performance problems, to circumvent sperm-mucus interaction problems, to maximize the potential for poor semen, and for using donor sperm. See also Artificial Insemination Donor; Artificial Insemination Homologous.

 

Artificial Insemination Donor (AID):

Artificial insemination with donor sperm. A fresh donor semen specimen or a thawed frozen specimen is injected next to the woman's cervix.

 

Artificial Insemination Homologous (AIH):

Artificial insemination with the husband's sperm. The sperm may be washed and injected directly into the wife's uterus (IAIH). Often used with poor semen or to overcome sperm-mucus problems.

 

 

Artificial Spermatocoele:

An artificial, surgically created pouch used to collect sperm from men with irreversible tubal blockage.

 

Asherman's Syndrome:

A condition where the uterine walls adhere to one another. Usually caused by uterine inflammation.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART):

Several procedures employed to bring about conception without sexual intercourse, including IUI, GIFT and ZIFT.

 

Asthenozoospermia:

Low sperm motility.

 

Azoospermia:

Semen containing no sperm, either because the testicles cannot make sperm or because of blockage in the reproductive tract.

 

 

Bacterial Vaginosis Infection:

A vaginal infection that causes a burning sensation and a gray, malodorous discharge. May interfere with fertility.

 

Basal Body Temperature (BBT):

Your body temperature when taken at its lowest point, usually in the morning before getting out of bed. Charting BBT is used to predict ovulation.

 

Basal Body Temperature, Biphasic:

A basal body temperature pattern consistent with ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone. This hormone will elevate the basal body temperature about one-half degree during the latter half of the menstrual cycle.

 

Basal Body Temperature, Monophasic:

An anovulatory basal body temperature pattern where the temperature remains relatively constant throughout the cycle.

 

Beta hCG Test:

A blood test used to detect very early pregnancies and to evaluate embryonic development.

 

Bicornuate Uterus:

A congenital malformation of the uterus where the upper portion (horn) is duplicated.

 

Bromocriptine (Parlodel):

An oral medication used to reduce prolactin levels and reduce the size of a pituitary tumor when present. This medication often causes dizziness and upset stomach and must be started with a small dose which is gradually increased as needed. This medication is equally effective when the tablet is placed into the vagina.

 

Bulimia:

An eating disorder characterized by voracious eating followed by forced vomiting. The resulting weight loss and malnutrition may cause anovulation.

 

Buserelin:

A long-acting GnRH available in Europe as a nasal spray and used to create the pseudomenopause desirable for reducing the size and number of endometriotic lesions. It can also be used to treat fibroid tumors, PMS, hirsutism, ovulation induction and for in vitro fertilization.

 

 

Candidiasis (Yeast):

An infection that may be uncomfortable and itchy and may impair fertility.

 

Capacitation:

A process that sperm undergo as they travel through the woman's reproductive tract. Capacitation enables the sperm to penetrate the egg.

 

Cauterize:

To burn tissue with electrical current (electrocautery) or with a laser. Used in surgical procedures to remove unwanted tissue such as adhesions and endometrial implants. Also used to control bleeding.

 

Cervical Mucus:

A viscous fluid plugging the opening of the cervix. Most of the time this thick mucus plug prevents sperm and bacteria from entering the womb. However, at midcycle, under the influence of estrogen, the mucus becomes thin, watery, and stringy to allow sperm to pass into the womb. See also Cervix

 

Cervical Smear:

A sample of the cervical mucus examined microscopically to assess the presence of estrogen (ferning) and white blood cells, indicating possible infection.

 

Cervical Stenosis:

A blockage of the cervical canal from a congenital defect or from complications of surgical procedures. See also Cervix.

 

Cervix:

The opening between the uterus and the vagina. The cervical mucus plugs the cervical canal and normally prevents foreign materials from entering the reproductive tract. The cervix remains closed during pregnancy and dilates during labor and delivery to allow the baby to be born.

 

Cervix, Incompetent:

A weakened cervix, which opens up prematurely during pregnancy and can cause the loss of the fetus. A CERVICAL CERCLAGE is a procedure in which a stitch or two is put around the cervix to prevent its opening until removed when the pregnancy is to term.

 

Chocolate Cyst:

A cyst in the ovary that is filled with old blood; endometrioma. Occurring when endometriosis invades an ovary, it causes the ovary to swell. Frequently, patients with large endometriomas do not have any symptoms. If the cyst ruptures or the ovary containing the cyst twists, emergency surgery may be necessary. Usually treatment can be carried out through the laparoscope.

 

Chromosome:

The structures in the cell that carry the genetic material (genes); the genetic messengers of inheritance. The human has forty-six chromosomes, twenty-three coming from the egg and twenty-three coming from the sperm.

 

Cilia:

Tiny hairlike projections lining the inside surface of the fallopian tubes. The waving action of these "hairs" sweeps the egg toward the uterus.

 

Clitoris:

The small erectile sex organ of the female which contains large numbers of sensory nerves; the female counterpart of the penis.

 

Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid, Serophene):

A fertility drug that stimulates ovulation through the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland."

 

Coitus:

Intercourse; the sexual union between a man and a woman.

 

Conception:

See Fertilization.

 

Conceptus:

The early products of conception; the embryo and placenta.

 

Condom Therapy:

Therapy prescribed to reduce the number of sperm antibodies in the woman by using a condom during intercourse for six months or more and by the woman refraining from all skin contact with the husband's sperm. The woman's antibody level may fall to levels that will not adversely affect the sperm.

 

Cone Biopsy:

A surgical procedure used to remove precancerous cells from the cervix. The procedure may damage the cervix and thus disrupt normal mucus production or cause an incompetent cervix, which may open prematurely during pregnancy.

 

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia:

A congenital condition characterized by elevated androgens which suppress the pituitary gland and interfere with spermatogenesis or ovulation. Women may have ambiguous genitalia from the excess production of male hormone.

 

Contraception:

A congenital condition characterized by elevated androgens which suppress the pituitary gland and interfere with spermatogenesis or ovulation. Women may have ambiguous genitalia from the excess production of male hormone.

 

Contraceptive, Oral:

A medication that prevents ovulation and pregnancy. Up to 3 percent of women taking the Pill will become anovulatory when they stop taking it. The regulatory effects of the Pill can also disguise symptoms of fertility problems-- for example, an irregular cycle or endometriosis. May be used to control the symptoms and development of endometriosis.

 

Corpus Luteum:

The yellow-pigmented glandular structure that forms from the ovarian follicle following ovulation. The gland produces progesterone, which is responsible for preparing and supporting the uterine lining for implantation. Progesterone also causes the half-degree basal temperature elevation noted at midcycle during an ovulatory cycle. If the corpus luteum functions poorly, the uterine lining may not support a pregnancy. If the egg is fertilized, a corpus luteum of pregnancy forms to maintain the endometrial bed and support the implanted embryo. A deficiency in the amount of progesterone produced (or the length of time it is produced) by the corpus luteum can mean the endometrium is unable to sustain a pregnancy. This is called Luteal Phase Defect (LPD).

 

Cumulus Oophorus:

The protective layer of cells surrounding the egg.

 

Cushing's Syndrome:

A condition characterized by an overproduction of adrenal gland secretions. The person will suffer from high blood pressure and water retention as well as a number of other symptoms. A concurrent elevation of adrenal androgens will suppress pituitary output of LH and FSH and result in low sperm production or ovulatory failure. A woman may also develop male secondary sex characteristics, including abnormal hair growth. Cushing's Disease is another condition in which these same symptoms occur, but as the result of a pituitary tumor.

 

 

D&C (Dilation and Curettage):

A procedure used to dilate the cervical canal and scrape out the lining and contents of the uterus. The procedure can be used to diagnose or treat the cause of abnormal bleeding and to terminate an unwanted pregnancy.

 

Danazol (danocrine):

A medication used to treat endometriosis. Suppresses LH and FSH production by the pituitary and causes a state of amenorrhea during which the endometrial implants waste away. Many women experience oily skin, acne, weight gain, abnormal hair growth, deepening of the voice and muscle cramps with this medication.

 

Delayed Ejaculation:

A condition in which the man fakes orgasm and does not actually ejaculate when having sex.

 

Delayed Puberty:

A condition in which the youngster fails to complete puberty and develop secondary sex characteristics by sixteen years of age. Puberty may be stimulated with hormonal replacement therapy. Some will outgrow the condition without treatment.

 

DES (Diethylstilbestrol):

A medication prescribed in the 1950s and 1960s to women to prevent miscarriage. Male and female fetuses exposed in utero to this drug developed numerous deformities including blockage of the vas deferens, uterine abnormalities, cervical deformities, miscarriages, and unexplained infertility. DES is no longer prescribed for this indication.

 

DHEAS:

See Adrenal Androgens.

 

Doxycycline:

A tetracycline derivative; an antibiotic that inhibits many of the microorganisms infecting the reproductive tract. Often used for treating ureaplasma infections. Many physicians find routine treatment with this antibiotic more cost-effective than performing multiple cultures on both the husband and wife looking for infection.

 

Dysmenorrhea:

Painful menstruation. This may be a sign of endometriosis.

 

Dyspareunia:

Painful coitus for either the man or the woman.

Ectopic Pregnancy:

A pregnancy outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. Such a pregnancy can rarely be sustained, and often leads to decreased or complete loss of function in the affected tube. Methotrexate is now used to dissolve the pregnancy without causing major damage to the tube.

Egg Retrieval:

A procedure used to obtain eggs from ovarian follicles for use in in vitro fertilization. The procedure may be performed during laparoscopy or by using a long needle and ultrasound to locate the follicle in the ovary.

Ejaculate:

The semen and sperm expelled during ejaculation.

Ejaculation:

The physiological process by which the semen is propelled from the testicles, through the reproductive tract, and out the opening of the penis.

Embryo:

The early products of conception; the undifferentiated beginnings of a baby; the conceptus.

Embryo Transfer

Placing an egg fertilized outside the womb into a woman's uterus or fallopian tube.

Empty Sella Syndrome:

A condition that occurs when spinal fluid leaks into the bony chamber (fossa) housing the pituitary gland. The fluid pressure compresses the pituitary gland and may adversely affect its ability to secrete LH and FSH and may elevate prolactin levels.

Endometrial Biopsy:

A test to check for Luteal Phase Defect. A procedure during which a sample of the uterine lining is collected for microscopic analysis. The biopsy results will confirm ovulation and the proper preparation of the endometrium by estrogen and progesterone stimulation

 

Endometrial Biopsy:

A condition where endometrial tissue is located outside the womb. The tissue may attach itself to the reproductive organs or to other organs in the abdominal cavity. Each month the endometrial tissue inbreeds with the onset of menses. The resultant irritation causes adhesions in the abdominal cavity and in the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis may also interfere with ovulation and with the implantation of the embryo.

Endometrium:

The lining of the uterus which grows and sheds in response to estrogen and progesterone stimulation; the bed of tissue designed to nourish the implanted embryo.

Endorphins:

Natural narcotics manufactured in the brain to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress. May contribute to stress-related fertility problems.

Epididymis:

A coiled, tubular organ attached to and lying on the testicle. Within this organ the developing sperm complete their maturation and develop their powerful swimming capabilities. The matured sperm leave the epididymis through the vas deferens.

Erection:

The process during which the erectile tissue of the penis becomes engorged with blood, causing the penis to swell and become rigid.

Estradiol:

The female hormone produced in the ovary. Responsible for formation of the female secondary sex characteristics such as large breasts; supports the growth of the follicle and the development of the uterine lining. At midcycle the peak estrogen level triggers the release of the LH spike from the pituitary gland. The LH spike is necessary for the release of the ovum from the follicle. Fat cells in both obese men and women can also manufacture estrogen from androgens and interfere with fertility.

Estrogen:

Female sex hormone.

Expectant Therapy (Endometriosis):

A wait-and-see approach used after laparoscopic surgery for mild endometriosis.

 

Fallopian Tubes:

Ducts through which eggs travel to the uterus once released from the follicle. Sperm normally meet the egg in the fallopian tube, the site at which fertilization usually occurs.

Female Kallman's Syndrome:

A condition characterized by infantile sexual development and an inability to smell. Since the pituitary cannot produce LH and FSH, the woman must take hormone supplements to achieve puberty, to maintain secondary sex characteristics, and to achieve fertility.

Ferning:

A pattern characteristic of dried cervical mucus viewed on a slide. When the fern pattern appears, the mucus has been thinned and prepared by estrogen for the passage of sperm. If it does not fern, the mucus will be hostile to the passage of the sperm.

Fertile Eunuch:

A rare disorder characterized by an LH deficiency leading to low testosterone levels and poor sperm production. Male secondary sex characteristics will be incomplete and sex drive will be low.

Fertility Specialist:

A physician specializing in the practice of fertility. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology certifies a subspecialty for OB-GYNs who receive extra training in endocrinology (the study of hormones) and infertility.

Fertility Treatment:

Any method or procedure used to enhance fertility or increase the likelihood of pregnancy, such as ovulation induction treatment, varicocoele repair, and microsurgery to repair damaged fallopian tubes. The goal of fertility treatment is to help couples have a child.

Fertility Workup:

The initial medical examinations and tests performed to diagnose or narrow down the cause of fertility problems.

 

Fertilization:

The combining of the genetic material carried by sperm and egg to create an embryo. Normally occurs inside the fallopian tube (in vivo) but may also occur in a petri dish (in vitro). See also In Vitro Fertilization.

Fetus:

A term used to refer to a baby during the period of gestation between eight weeks and term.

 

Fibroid (Myoma or Leiomyoma):

A benign tumor of the uterine muscle and connective tissue.

Fimbria:

The opening of the fallopian tube near the ovary. When stimulated by the follicular fluid released during ovulation, the fingerlike ends grasp the ovary and coax the egg into the tube.