Making IVF Language Easy to Understand with a Glossary of Helpful Terms and Definitions
This glossary provides straightforward definitions of terms you might encounter in fertility and IVF treatments. From IVF steps to genetic testing, it’s designed to make fertility language clear and easy to understand. Browse through to get familiar with the essentials and gain insight into each part of the journey.
Aneuploidy is the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell. Normally, you would have 46 chromosomes in each of your cells, however, sometimes around fertilisation there are mistakes that occur which leads to each cell having more or less than 46 chromosomes. If the resulting embryo has 44 or fewer chromosomes it won’t survive the pregnancy and will lead to a miscarriage. However, sometimes other abnormal chromosomes embryos can lead to full term pregnancy.
Careunity is a new test that identifies one of the causes of recurrent miscarriage and other placental problems. Through looking at genetic “mutation” or “variation” in a specific gene carried on chromosome number 4. That is where the name C4M2 comes from. C4 stands for chromosome number 4 and M2 is the name given to the variant at a specific location of this gene on chromosome number 4.
A chromosome is a long DNA molecule that has part or all of the genetic material of an organism. Normally, each cell in the human has 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 total chromosomes), half come from the mother and the other half from the father. Two of the chromosomes (X and Y chromosomes) determine your sex as either male or female when you are born.
Our unique genetic code that carries information for our development and functioning. Euploid: This is when the embryo is genetically balanced with 46 chromosomes. Genes: These are the parts of the chromosomes that control which hereditary characteristics such as hair or eye colour a child may inherit.
Refers to an embryo with the correct number of 46 chromosomes, indicating a balanced genetic makeup.
A DNA sequence with a known physical location on a chromosome. Karyotype Test: A test to check that you have the usual number of chromosomes of the expected size and shape.
A technique used to detect the chromosomal location of disease-causing genes, allowing the trait to be investigated. Mosaic: Some embryos may have both chromosomally normal and abnormal cells or a mixture of the two-these are known as mosaic embryos.
Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for aneuploidy is a genetic screening test performed on embryos during the IVF treatment cycle to check they have the right number of chromosomes and whether they have any abnormalities to better assess an embryo’s genetic health.
This refers to the absence of menstrual periods in a woman.
A hormone produced by cells in the ovaries that helps determine a woman’s egg reserve.
A menstrual cycle where ovulation doesn’t happen, meaning no egg is released.
Body temperature at rest; tracking it over time can help identify ovulation in regular cycles.
A hormone-based medication taken daily to prevent pregnancy, often used in fertility treatment protocols as well. Although it may seem counterintuitive, BCPs are used for specific purposes during certain stages of fertility treatment.
A routine test where cells are collected from the cervix (the neck of the womb) to check for infections or pre-cancerous conditions.
Refers to the day of a woman’s menstrual cycle.
The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
A condition where the ovaries have fewer eggs available, affecting both the quantity and quality of eggs. This can result in reduced fertility and difficulty conceiving.
A process where medication is used to temporarily stop the ovaries from functioning.
A fertility preservation technique where a woman’s eggs are frozen for future use if she wishes to have children later.
A procedure in which a woman undergoing IVF donates half of her collected eggs to another woman needing donor eggs.
A type of ovarian cyst that contains uterine lining tissue, which bleeds during menstruation. Also called a “chocolate cyst.”
The lining of the uterus, essential for embryo implantation.
A test to determine when the uterine lining is most receptive for embryo transfer during fertility treatments.
A form of estrogen measured during fertility assessments.
Two tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus, where egg and sperm meet for fertilization.
A non-cancerous growth made up of muscle tissue that forms in the uterus.
A small fluid-filled sac in the ovary where an egg matures before being released during ovulation.
An essential nutrient that helps with the development of a baby’s nervous system, especially important during early pregnancy.
An estimate of ovarian reserve by counting small follicles (2-6mm in size) in the ovaries, indicating the potential for egg production.
The phase of the menstrual cycle where an egg matures inside the ovary in preparation for ovulation.
A hormone that stimulates egg growth within the ovaries.
A short procedure to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes.
A part of the brain regulating hormones linked to fertility and reproduction.
A treatment that replaces estrogen and progesterone, often used during menopause when hormone levels decline.
A blood test that provides information on a woman’s hormone levels, helping assess egg production and detect any underlying health conditions.
A surgical procedure to remove the uterus.
A procedure that uses a thin telescope to look inside the uterus, often used to check for conditions like fibroids, polyps, or scarring.
A condition where progesterone levels are insufficient during the second half of the menstrual cycle, potentially hindering pregnancy. Treatment may include progesterone supplementation and other interventions.
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland, crucial for reproductive function. In women, LH helps regulate the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation. In men, it stimulates testosterone production, which is essential for sperm development.
The onset of menstruation, marking the beginning of a female’s reproductive years.
A hormone produced by the ovaries that plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and reproductive system.
A condition where the ovaries become swollen and leak fluid, often as a result of fertility treatments that stimulate egg production.
An immature egg cell within the ovaries before it has fully developed.
Female reproductive organs that store eggs and produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside the ovaries during the ovulation process.
The quantity of eggs a woman has left, often assessed through AMH levels.
The release of a mature egg from the ovary.
A home testing tool that measures luteinizing hormone (LH) in urine to predict your most fertile days. LH levels rise before ovulation, helping indicate when the release of an egg is about to happen.
A mature female egg cell that, when fertilized by a sperm, can develop into an embryo.
A common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age that disrupts hormone balance. It can cause irregular ovulation, fertility challenges, weight gain, insulin resistance (pre-diabetes), and elevated levels of male hormones like testosterone.
A hormone that prepares the endometrium for embryo implantation.
A hormone that stimulates milk production after childbirth. High levels of prolactin in non-pregnant women can disrupt ovulation.
Having three or more consecutive miscarriages. There are tests and treatments available to identify and address the causes to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Another term for the fallopian tubes.
Inflammation of the fallopian tubes, often due to infection.
A fertility option where one partner provides the eggs, while the other partner carries the pregnancy, allowing both to share in the experience of family building.
A condition where a woman’s fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, affecting fertility.
A procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the pelvic organs, typically the uterus and ovaries, either through the abdomen or vagina.
The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
A hormone shot used to stimulate the release of mature eggs from the ovaries during fertility treatments.
This occurs when sperm clump together, often indicating the presence of sperm antibodies. It is noted during a semen analysis because sperm sticking together can impact their ability to function properly.
A condition where sperm have low motility, meaning less than 39% of them are actively swimming.
This is the absence of sperm in a man’s semen. It can be due to blockages in the tubes that transport sperm, a vasectomy, or low/no sperm production in the testicles.
Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis, a tool used to monitor sperm movement and speed, as well as check for normal sperm shape. This helps determine the best fertility treatment.
This term refers to semen that contains extremely low concentrations of sperm.
A coiled tube located behind the testicles where sperm is stored.
Also called a male hormone profile, this test checks hormone levels to assess sperm production and identify any underlying medical conditions. It measures follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone in the blood.
When fertility problems in a man either cause or contribute to a couple’s difficulty in conceiving.
Multiple Ejaculation Resuspension and Centrifugation is a test that helps find sperm in semen samples, even if sperm counts are very low.
This term describes the movement of sperm, specifically how well they swim.
Refers to the size, shape, and structure of sperm.
A condition where sperm count is below the expected 20 million per milliliter of semen.
Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration is a procedure where a fine needle is inserted into the epididymis to collect sperm through gentle suction.
Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is a method used to select sperm for ICSI treatment. Sperm are placed with hyaluronic acid (HA), and those that bind with HA are chosen for use in the procedure.
A laboratory test that examines a man’s semen to assess sperm quantity, movement (motility), and structure (morphology). This analysis is crucial for evaluating male fertility, especially in couples facing difficulty conceiving. Sperm count, movement, and shape provide valuable insight into how the sperm may function in fertility treatments.
In this test, a semen sample is collected, frozen, and checked for chromosome abnormalities, with results typically available within a few weeks.
Various tests are available to measure both the number of sperm in a semen sample and their quality.
A test where a semen sample is examined for any DNA damage in the sperm, particularly recommended for men over 50, smokers, or those exposed to harmful substances.
A method using rapid freezing (vitrification) to preserve sperm. The sample can be thawed for future use when needed.
This test measures the balance between reactive oxygen molecules (which fight infection) and antioxidants in a semen sample. An imbalance, known as oxidative stress, can damage sperm DNA.
Surgical Sperm Retrieval is a procedure to collect sperm directly from the testicles for men who do not have sperm in their ejaculate. It includes methods like PESA or TESA.
A donation service where men undergoing their own IVF treatments donate sperm to help other families in need of sperm donors.
A condition where a high percentage of sperm (over 96%) have abnormal shapes.
Testicular Sperm Aspiration involves using a small needle and syringe to extract sperm directly from the testes.
Testicular Sperm Extraction involves making a small incision on the surface of the testicle to remove a tissue sample, from which sperm are then extracted.
Tubes that transport sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts.
An enlargement of the veins in the scrotum, which can sometimes lead to fertility issues.
The percentage or number of living sperm in a semen sample.
The total amount of semen in a sample, with a normal amount being at least 1.5 ml
Small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that may grow in response to stimulation by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
This is a process used when an egg doesn’t activate naturally during fertilization. Normally, when sperm meets an egg, it triggers an increase in calcium inside the egg to start embryo development. If this doesn’t happen naturally, a substance called calcium ionophore can be used to help the egg activate and improve fertilization chances.
An advanced stage of embryo development reached around five days after fertilization. Early embryos begin by dividing into multiple cells, and by day five, they form a blastocyst with over 100 cells, which later helps in forming the placenta. At this stage, the blastocyst is ready to be transferred into the uterus.
Good blood circulation to the uterus, ovaries, and follicles can indicate a strong ovarian reserve. Cells with proper blood flow are healthier because they receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which may mean better quality eggs.
A very early miscarriage where a fertilized egg fails to implant properly in the uterus.
A common sexually transmitted infection that, if untreated, can damage a woman’s fallopian tubes and affect sperm quality in men. It must be treated before starting fertility treatments.
A medication used to encourage ovulation in women who have difficulty releasing eggs naturally.
A way to describe the age and development of an embryo on day six after fertilization. The number (1-6) shows how developed the embryo is, and letters (A-C) rate the quality of the inner cells and outer layer, with A being the highest quality.
A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes, but can also happen in the ovaries or abdominal cavity.
An advanced incubator with built-in cameras to continuously monitor embryos during their development. The images help track growth and improve the chances of a successful outcome through advanced analysis techniques like Caremaps.
The process where a sperm successfully penetrates and merges with an egg.
A term used for the developing baby between the embryonic stage and birth.
The reproductive cells—sperm in males and eggs in females.
A hormone produced in the brain that triggers the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which control reproductive functions.
The reproductive organs that produce sex cells—ovaries in women and testes in men.
A hormone made by the placenta after implantation. It is used in pregnancy tests and also in fertility treatments to help eggs mature before retrieval.
In men, certain hormones can indicate sperm production levels. If fertility issues are unexplained, hormone tests can reveal important details about a man’s fertility by checking FSH, LH, and testosterone levels.
A condition that occurs when the ovaries respond too strongly to fertility medications, producing an excessive number of eggs.
Fertility problems can arise if the thyroid gland is overactive or underactive. Women with thyroid issues are given specialized treatments to manage the condition.
The term for a fertilized egg during the very early stage of its development.
ZyMot is a special device used in IVF to filter and select the healthiest sperm for injection into an egg during ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). It relies on sperm swimming through a membrane to choose the best candidates.
A hormone that reflects the quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries, helping to estimate a woman’s current egg reserve.
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is crucial for sexual development and reproductive function. In women, FSH regulates the menstrual cycle and encourages the growth of eggs within the ovaries.
A hormone that regulates the production of key thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), supporting proper endocrine function. Healthy TSH levels are vital for fertility since these hormones play a role in ovulation.
One of the main forms of estrogen, primarily produced by the ovaries, but also by the adrenal glands, placenta, and other tissues in smaller amounts. Estradiol is often measured during fertility assessments and treatments.
An X-ray procedure used to determine if the fallopian tubes are open or blocked, potentially affecting sperm’s ability to reach the egg. A special dye is injected into the uterus, and X-rays are taken to track its flow through the reproductive system.
A procedure that uses ultrasound and saline to examine the uterus and its lining for abnormalities, ensuring that the uterine environment is suitable for pregnancy.
A test performed during certain IVF cycles to determine the optimal time for the embryo to be transferred to the uterus, improving the chances of a successful pregnancy and live birth.
A method used to examine the genetic or chromosomal makeup of embryos before they are transferred to the uterus to help achieve a healthy pregnancy. There are different types of PGT, each designed to test for specific genetic conditions.
This test detects embryos with abnormal numbers of chromosomes, a condition called aneuploidy. Some forms of aneuploidy, like Down Syndrome, result from extra or missing chromosomes and can lead to miscarriages or prevent pregnancy.
A broad term for any medical or laboratory procedures that involve handling eggs or embryos to help achieve pregnancy, such as IVF or IUI.
A technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, used in cases of low sperm count, motility, or abnormal shape. It’s also used when prior IVF attempts have failed to result in fertilization.
A surgical procedure that extracts sperm directly from the testes or epididymis using a needle. This is often used for men who have no sperm in their ejaculate or after a vasectomy. Sperm obtained this way must be used with ICSI to fertilize the egg.
The medical procedure used to collect eggs during an IVF cycle.
A possible side effect of fertility drugs used during IVF, where the ovaries become overstimulated.
A procedure where sperm is placed directly into the uterus, bypassing the cervix and vagina to improve the chances of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes.
A fertility treatment involving stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs, retrieving those eggs, fertilizing them in a lab, monitoring embryo development, and transferring the embryo(s) into the uterus.
A technique used in IVF where a small opening is made in the outer layer of the embryo to help it implant in the uterus, potentially improving pregnancy success rates.
A type of IVF where one female partner’s eggs are fertilized, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the other female partner to carry the pregnancy.
The practice of transferring only one embryo at a time into the uterus to minimize the risks associated with multiple pregnancies and optimize the baby’s health outcome.
A woman who carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple (the intended parents). The eggs used to create the embryo do not come from the gestational carrier but from a separate donor or the intended parent.
The process of thawing and transferring previously frozen embryos from a prior IVF cycle into the uterus.
An early miscarriage where a fertilized egg doesn’t implant successfully.
A hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy that helps thicken the uterine lining to support the developing embryo. hCG levels increase after conception and peak around 10 weeks of pregnancy.
The number of days that have passed since an embryo was transferred to the uterus in an IVF cycle.
A hormone indicating pregnancy, used in pregnancy tests.
The period of time between ovulation and a missed period while waiting to take a pregnancy test. It also refers to the time between embryo transfer and when you can take an official pregnancy test, usually around 9-10 days post-transfer in an IVF cycle.
The first day of your last period before becoming pregnant, marking the start of the menstrual cycle used to estimate pregnancy dates.
The predicted date when your baby is expected to be born, typically calculated based on the date of conception or the first day of your last menstrual period.
A surgical procedure where the cervix is widened so the uterine lining can be scraped to remove abnormal tissue or tissue left after a miscarriage.
An early pregnancy scan to check embryo growth and confirm viability.
During your fertility research online, you’ll likely come across a range of abbreviations that capture essential terms, treatments, and milestones in the fertility journey. This list provides definitions to help you navigate common shorthand used by those trying to conceive.
Four days after a five-day embryo transfer.
“Aunt Flo,” a colloquial term for menstruation or a period.
Aunt Flo Not Wanted – a hopeful phrase indicating the desire to avoid a period (and ideally to be pregnant).
Aunt Flo Stay Away – wishing for a missed period as a positive sign of pregnancy.
Assisted Hatching, a technique within IVF to help the embryo attach to the uterine lining.
Artificial Insemination, where sperm is placed directly into the uterus to assist fertilization.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone, significant for assessing egg reserve and fertility potential.
Basal Body Temperature, the body’s resting temperature measured first thing in the morning to help track ovulation.
Birth Control, typically used to manage or delay pregnancy.
Big Fat Negative, refers to a negative pregnancy test result.
Big Fat Positive, refers to a positive pregnancy test result.
Cycle Day, representing the day within the menstrual cycle, starting with Day 1 as the first day of the period.
Cervical Fluid or Cervical Mucus, which plays a role in conception by helping sperm travel through the cervix.
Chemical Pregnancy, a very early pregnancy loss that happens shortly after implantation.
Donor Egg or Donor Embryo, referring to eggs or embryos donated for use in fertility treatments.
Donor Insemination, using donor sperm to assist in conception.
Days Past Retrieval, counting the days since egg retrieval during an IVF cycle.
Days Past Ovulation, marking the time since ovulation while waiting to take a pregnancy test.
Days Past Transfer, counting the days since an embryo transfer.
Doing the Deed, a euphemism for having intercourse.
Embryo Cryopreservation, the process of freezing embryos for later use.
Estimated Due Date, predicting when a baby will be born.
Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, sometimes affecting fertility.
Embryo Transfer, a step in IVF where a fertilized egg is placed into the uterus.
Egg White Cervical Mucus, a fertile cervical fluid that resembles egg whites in texture.
Frozen Embryo Transfer, transferring a previously frozen embryo to the uterus.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone, a hormone crucial for reproductive function, helping eggs mature in the ovaries.
Fingers Crossed, used to express hope for a positive outcome.
Gestational Surrogacy, where the surrogate carries a pregnancy created from the intended parents’ (or donor’s) genetic material.
Home Pregnancy Test, a test that detects pregnancy hormones in urine.
Infertility, the challenge of conceiving after a year of trying for pregnancy.
IVF using Donor Eggs.
Luteinizing Hormone, a hormone that triggers egg release (ovulation).
Last Menstrual Period, marking the first day of the most recent period, used to estimate ovulation and pregnancy dates.
Luteal Phase, the part of the menstrual cycle after ovulation when the body prepares for pregnancy.
Miscarriage, or pregnancy loss before 20 weeks.
Male Factor Infertility, infertility due to low sperm quality or quantity.
Missed Miscarriage, where pregnancy loss is diagnosed without symptoms.
Morning Sickness, nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy.
Ovulation Predictor Kit, a test to detect the LH surge before ovulation.
Ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary.
Pregnant.
Primary Infertility, infertility in someone with no previous children.
Post-Partum/3 Months Post-Partum, referring to the period after giving birth.
Prenatal Vitamins, supplements taken before and during pregnancy for essential nutrients.
Pee on a Stick, slang for taking a home pregnancy test.
Recurrent Miscarriage, the loss of three or more pregnancies in a row before 24 weeks.
Semen Analysis, a lab test evaluating sperm quality, quantity, and motility.
Sperm Donor.
Surrogate Mother, a woman carrying a pregnancy for someone else.
Single Mother by Choice, a woman choosing to have a child independently.
Sperm Count, measuring the number of sperm in a semen sample.
Trying to Conceive.
Two-Week Wait, the period between ovulation and the earliest time a pregnancy test might show a positive result.
Ultrasound, an imaging technique to view internal structures, including monitoring embryos and pregnancy development.
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