A form of assisted hatching in which the embryo is introduced into a chemical solution that partially erodes the zona (egg covering) in order to promote hatching.

The protective structure around the head of the sperm. The acrosome contains enzymes that enable the sperm to penetrate the egg.

A condition in which the endometrial glands grow into the uterine wall, creating a sponge-like effect; can be associated with poor uterine linings. This condition is sometimes associated with heavy, painful periods and uterine enlargement.

Ultrasound count of the number of small early follicles in a woman’s ovaries early in her cycle. Used to measure ovarian reserve

A hormone measured early in a woman’s cycle to determine her ovarian reserve

Antibodies to some of the chemical substances that coat the root system of the placenta as it grows into the uterine wall. Women with high concentrations of these substances may have a higher incidence of miscarriages or may fail to conceive after repeated attempts.

Substances in the man’s or woman’s blood and in reproductive secretions (semen, uterine, tubal secretions, and cervical mucus) that reduce fertility by causing sperm to stick together, coating their surface or killing them.

See assisted reproductive technology.

A technique in which the zona pellucida (outer shell of the egg) is chemically or mechanically thinned prior to embryo transfer in order to improve the likelihood of subsequent hatching.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) Procedures involving retrieval of eggs and the enhancement of eggs and sperm outside the body. It includes procedures such as gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and zygote intrafallopian transfer/tubal embryo transfer (ZIFT/TET).

Antibodies that are formed against the proteins of the individual’s own body.

An advanced stage of embryo development during which a cavity develops within the young embryo.

Within the developing embryo. Each blastomere is capable of developing into an identical embryo until the embryo reaches about the 30 cell stage, after which the cells begin to differentiate into specific tissues.

The process by which sperm are prepared for fertilization as they pass through the woman’s reproductive tract (in vivo capacitation); sperm may also be capacitated in the laboratory (in vitro capacitation).

The connection between the outer cervical opening and the uterine cavity.

Mucus produced by glands in the cervical canal; it plays an important role in transporting sperm into the uterus and in initiating capacitation,

Lowermost part of the uterus, which protrudes like a bottleneck into the upper vagina; the cervix opens into the uterus through the narrow cervical canal.

Biochemical evidence of a possible developing pregnancy based on a positive blood or urine pregnancy test; at this point, pregnancy is presumptive until confirmed by ultrasound (see also clinical pregnancy).

Bacteria responsible for a sexually transmitted infection that may damage the fallopian tubes and/or the male reproductive ducts, thereby causing infertility.

Structures in the nuclei of cells, such as the egg and sperm, on which the hereditary or genetic material is arrayed.

The process of cell division.

The hormonal change that precedes the menopause by a number of years and is associated with a progressive loss of fertility, an increased incidence of abnormal or absent ovulation, hot flashes, irregular menstruation, a progressive rise in blood FSH and LH levels and mood changes. The climacteric usually represents an important stage in a woman’s life.

A pregnancy that has been confirmed by ultrasonic examination or through pathologic assessment of a surgical specimen obtained either from a miscarriage or from an ectopic pregnancy. A clinical pregnancy should be distinguished from a chemical pregnancy, which through a positive blood pregnancy test merely suggests the possibility that a pregnancy has occurred.

A synthetic hormone that is used alone or in combination with other fertility drugs to induce the ovulation of more than one egg. When marketed in the United States, Clomiphene citrate is also known as Clomid or Serophene.

A genetic test that evaluates a cell for all of its chromosomes (full karyotyping)

See controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

Creation of a zygote by the fertilization of an egg by a sperm.

A term used to describe the developing implanted embryo and/or early fetus.

In response to the administration of fertility drugs, the maturation of several follicles simultaneously, which results in the production of an exaggerated hormonal response.

A term for a follicle after an egg has been extruded. After ovulation, the follicle collapses, turns yellow, and is transformed biochemical and hormonally. The corpus luteum produces progesterone and estrogen, and has a life span of about 10 to 14 days, after which it dies unless a pregnancy occurs. If the woman becomes pregnant, the life span of the corpus luteum is prolonged for many weeks. A synonym for the corpus luteum is the yellow body.

The process of freezing (in liquid nitrogen) and storing eggs, sperm, and embryos for future use.

A drug previously taken by women during pregnancy that may cause infertility and/or pathologic conditions in the reproductive tracts of both male and female offspring.

A procedure usually performed under local or general anesthesia in the office setting or in the operating room. A thin telescope like instrument is inserted via the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity. Carbon dioxide gas or a liquid is injected to distend the cavity and allow direct visualization of its structure.

A pregnancy that occurs when the embryo implants in a location other than the uterus; the most likely site for such implantation is the fallopian tube (in which case the term ectopic pregnancy is used synonymously with tubal pregnancy). If undetected, an ectopic pregnancy may rupture and cause life threatening internal bleeding. Ectopic pregnancies almost always require surgical intervention.

The female gamete, which develops in the ovary; also known as an egg or oocyte. An egg is the largest cell in the human body.

The retrieval of eggs from the ovarian follicles prior to ovulation; the eggs are aspirated from the follicles through a needle either during ultrasound guidance or laparoscopy.

The emission of semen through the urethra and penis that follows erotic stimulation and accompanies male orgasm.

The term for a fertilized egg from the time of initial cell division through the first six to eight weeks of gestation. Thereafter, the embryo begins to differentiate and take on a human organic form; at this point it is traditionally referred to as a fetus.

The donation of an embryo by the original intended parents to another person/couple to aid in conception through IVF. This generally occurs when the original intended parents have completed their family and have remaining embryos frozen, or when they have decided not to continue pursuing parenthood through IVF (in the case of medical issues that preclude it, a successful adoption, etc.).

The addition of cells derived from the growth of other tissue (from the lining of human or bovine fallopian tubes, or human follicular lining) to the culture medium in which the zygote is being nurtured in the laboratory. This is thought to enhance growth and promote the development of healthier embryos.

The process whereby embryos that have been grown in vitro are transferred into the uterus.

A condition in which the endometrium grows outside the uterus, causing scarring, pain, and heavy bleeding, and often damaging the fallopian tubes and ovaries in the process. Endometriosis is a common organic cause of infertility.

The lining of the uterus, which grows during the menstrual cycle under the influence of estrogen and progesterone. The endometrium grows in anticipation of nurturing an implanting embryo in the event of a pregnancy; it sloughs off in the form of menstruation if implantation does not occur.

Tubular reservoir that contains and transfers sperm to the vas deferens and subsequently through the urethra and penis at the time of ejaculation.

A female hormone produced by ovarian follicles. The concentration of estrogen in the woman’s blood is often measured to determine the degree of her response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with fertility drugs. In general, the higher the estradiol response, the more follicles are likely to be developing and, accordingly, the more eggs are likely to be retrieved.

A preparation of natural estradiol taken orally or by injection.

A primary female sex hormone, produced by the ovaries, placenta, and adrenal glands. fallopian tubes Narrow, 4 inch long structures that lead from either side of the uterus to the ovaries.

A procedure performed at the time of laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, in which a thin telescope like instrument is introduced into the fallopian tube to evaluate its condition.

Natural or synthetic hormones that are administered to a woman to stimulate her ovaries to produce as many mature eggs as possible, or to a man to enhance sperm function or production.

Preserving a woman’s fertility by banking her eggs or embryos for later use. Also it applies to reserving sperm for male patients.

The fusion of the sperm and egg to form a zygote (See also zygote, conception).

Once the embryo differentiates and begins to take on identifiable humanlike organic form, it is termed a fetus; the fetal stage of development usually begins around the eighth week of pregnancy.

A benign tumor in the uterus, which may prevent the embryo from properly implanting into the endometrium or cause pain, bleeding, miscarriage, and symptomatic enlargement of the uterus.

Scar tissue that may distort the interior of the uterus and prevent the embryo from implanting properly.

Fingerlike protrusions from the ends of the fallopian tubes that retrieve the egg or eggs at the time of ovulation.

A procedure whereby saline is injected via the cervix into the uterus, allowing ultrasound evaluation of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.

Blister-like structures within the ovary that contain eggs and that produce female sex hormones.

A gonadotropin that is released by the pituitary gland to stimulate the ovaries or testicles. FSH, when marketed in the United States, is also known as Follistim, Gonal-F or Bravelle follicular phase insufficiency or defect An abnormal pattern of estrogen production during the first half of the

follicular phase of the menstrual cycle See proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle

See follicle stimulating hormone.

The female egg and the male sperm.

The stage of embryonic development in which blastomeres are dedicated to the development of specific organs and structures.

The performance of in vitro fertilization using the prospective parents’ gametes and the subsequent transfer of the embryos into the uterus of a third party who thereupon would carry the baby to term.

See gonadotropin releasing hormone.

See gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists.

GnRH like hormones that cause the release of virtually all FSH and LH production by the pituitary gland, GnRH agonists cause FSH and LH blood levels to fall to very low levels. In the United States, GnRH agonists are also known as Lupron, Synarel, and Nafarelin.

Hormones that block the release of both FSH and LH by the pituitary gland, causing blood levels of FSH and LH to drop to very low concentrations. In the United States, GnRH Antagonists are sold under the names Ganirelix and Cetrotide

A “messenger hormone” released by the hypothalamus to influence the production of gonadotropins by the pituitary gland.

The gonad stimulating hormones LH and FSH, which are released by the pituitary gland to stimulate the testicles in the man and the ovaries in the woman.

The ovaries and testicles.

A bacterium producing gonorrhea, a common venereal disease occurring in both men and women that may cause sterility.

A common venereal disease that may cause sterility in both men and women.

See human chorionic gonadotropin.

A drug that may be added to the solution used to flush eggs out of ovarian follicles during egg retrieval; its purpose is to prevent blood clotting within the fluid that harbors the egg.

Chemicals produced by the testicles, ovaries, and adrenal glands that play a major role in reproduction and sexual identity.

See hysterosalpingogram.

A hormone, produced by the implanting embryo (and subsequently also by the placenta), whose presence in the woman’s blood indicates a possible pregnancy; hCG may also be administered to women undergoing stimulation with HMG alone or in combination with other fertility drugs in order to trigger ovulation. Injections of hCG may also be administered to encourage the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum in the hope of promoting implantation following embryo transfer and thereby reducing the incidence of spontaneous miscarriage in a pregnancy resulting from IVF. The hormone hCG is derived from the urine of pregnant women.

A procedure used to assess the interior of the fallopian tubes and uterus; it involves injecting a dye into the uterus via the vagina and cervix, and tracking the dye’s pathway by a series of X-rays.

A lighted, telescope like instrument that is passed through the cervix into the uterus, enabling the surgeon to examine the cervical canal and the inside of the uterus for defects or disease.

Examination of the cervical canal and inside of the uterus for defects, by means of the hysteroscope. Surgery designed to correct such defects can be performed through the hysteroscope during this procedure, thereby often making more invasive abdominal surgery unnecessary.

See intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

The process that occurs when the embryo burrows into the endometrium and eventually connects to the mother’s circulatory system.

Pregnancy success reports that combine rates for both clinical and chemical pregnancies and do not distinguish between the two.

The inability to conceive after one full year of normal, regular heterosexual intercourse without the use of contraception.

A hormone measured in the woman’s blood to measure her ovarian reserve.

In the laboratory, the addition of a drop or two of the medium containing capacitated sperm to a Petri dish containing the egg in order to achieve fertilization. Also refers to placement of sperm into the woman’s reproductive tract.

A liquid that bathes and nourishes the eggs and embryos in the Petri dish just as the mother’s body fluids sustain them in nature.

A form of micromanipulation whereby a single sperm is captured in a thin glass needle and injected directly into the ooplasm of the egg. Usually used to assist fertilization in couples suffering from severe sperm dysfunction.

The injection of sperm, processed in the laboratory, into the uterus by means of a catheter directed through the cervix; enables sperm to reach and fertilize the egg more easily or to bypass hostile cervical mucus.

The injection of semen (usually donor semen) into the vagina in direct proximity to the cervix in the hope that pregnancy will occur.

Literally “fertilization in glass,” IVF comprises several basic steps: the woman is given fertility drugs that stimulate her ovaries to produce a number of mature eggs; at the proper time, the eggs are retrieved by suction through a needle that has been inserted into her ovaries; the eggs are fertilized in a glass Petri dish, or in a test tube, in the laboratory with her partner’s or donor sperm, and subsequently the embryos are transferred into the body.

See intrauterine insemination.

See in vitro fertilization.

Synonym for gestational surrogacy.

A long, thin telescope like instrument containing a high intensity light source and a system of lenses that enables the surgeon to examine the abdominal/pelvic cavity and to perform other diagnostic or surgical procedures under direct vision without necessitating major surgery.

A surgical procedure using the laparoscope. to enable the physician to assess tubal patency and visualize the abdominal cavity and perform surgical procedures if needed.

A procedure in which an incision is made in the abdomen to expose the abdominal contents for diagnosis or surgery.

See luteinizing hormone.

When this test is performed several times daily around the presumed time of ovulation, the detection of a rapidly rising blood LH (luteinizing hormone) concentration can accurately determine the time of probable ovulation. This test, which requires blood to be drawn several times and is therefore painful, time consuming, and expensive, has been virtually supplanted by serial urine LH testing (see also urine ovulation
test).

The inadequate production of hormones during the second phase of the menstrual cycle, which may result in infertility or miscarriage.

See secretory phase of the menstrual cycle.

A gonadotropin released by the pituitary gland to stimulate the ovaries and testicles.

Cells of the immune system that destroy invading organisms or foreign proteins.

The period of a woman’s life that begins with the total cessation of menstruation, usually between the ages of 40 and 55.

The time that elapses between menstrual periods. The average cycle is 28 days, with ovulation usually occurring at the midpoint (around the 14th day).

The monthly flow of blood when pregnancy does not occur; the flow comprises about two thirds of the endometrium and blood.

Spontaneous expulsion of the products of conception from the uterus in the first half of pregnancy.

An early phase during which the developing embryo, which contains a large number of blastomeres, and resembles a mulberry.

The ability of sperm to move and progress forward through the reproductive tract and fertilize the egg; sperm motility can be assessed microscopically.

The presence of more than one gestation within the woman’s reproductive tract at the same time.

The cytoplasm inside the egg

See egg.

A laparoscope that has been modified to allow passage of a double bore needle or surgical instruments through a groove or sleeve adjacent to the instrument (see also laparoscope).

A financial plan whereby full payment for IVF is only made in the event of a baby being born following the transfer of all embryos (over one or more months of treatment).

The ovarian tissue surrounding the follicles that produces hormones.

Two white, almond sized structures, the female counterpart of the testicles that are attached to each side of the pelvis adjacent to the ends of the fallopian tubes; the ovaries both release eggs and discharge sex hormones into the bloodstream.

The process by which an ovary releases one or more eggs.

See egg.

The abdominal cavity that contains pelvic organs, bowel, stomach, liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, Spleen, and so on, and is lined by a membrane called the peritoneum.

A nerve that may be irritated by trapped gas or blood during laparoscopy or following internal bleeding, resulting in subsequent pain in the shoulder, arm, and neck (most commonly on the right side).

A small, grape-like structure hanging from the base of the brain that, together with the hypothalamus, produces and regulates the release of many hormones in the body.

The uterine factory that nourishes the fetus throughout pregnancy and is connected to the baby’s navel via the umbilical cord.

Formation and attachment of the placenta to the uterine wall.

Condition in which the ovaries develop multiple small cysts; it is often associated with abnormal or absent ovulation and, accordingly, with infertility.

Outgrowths that protrude into the uterus and may cause pain and bleeding or prevent an embryo from implanting.

Assessment of the cervical mucus after intercourse to evaluate the quality of the mucus and mucus sperm interaction; also known as the Huhner Test.

A new diagnostic technology involving chromosome and genetic assessment of the embryo in order to determine its health and potential to develop into a healthy offspring. A procedure currently used to determine the sex of the embryo and to diagnose a variety of genetic disorders.More on PGD.

A primary female sex hormone produced by the corpus luteum that induces secretory changes in the glands of the endometrium. Progesterone may also be given by injection or in the form of vaginal suppositories to enhance implantation and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Measuring of the concentration of progesterone in the woman’s blood during the second half of the menstrual cycle about one week prior to anticipated menstruation; indicates whether or not she is likely to have ovulated because progesterone is usually produced only by the corpus luteum, which develops after ovulation.

A hormone produced by the brain that may influence the activity of FSH on the ovaries.

The discontinuation of hMG/FSH medication and deferring hCG administration for a number of days, while continuing GnRH agonist therapy in cases where severe ovarian hyperstimulation occurs following COH.

Gland in the male reproductive tract that secretes a milky substance that nurtures and promotes survival of sperm. The combination of sperm and milky fluid that is ejaculated during erotic experiences is known as semen.

A test that detects and measures the amount of hCG produced by an implanting embryo) in the woman’s blood. Measured nine to 11 days after embryo transfer, it can diagnose a possible pregnancy before the woman has missed a menstrual period.

A form of tubal surgery in which the end of the fallopian tube(s) is opened at the time of aparoscopy or laparotomy, using small surgical stitches or a laser.

See The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Pouch in which the male’s testicles are suspended outside the body.

Prior to completion of the third month of pregnancy, reduction of the number of fetuses in a large multiple pregnancy by injecting a chemical substance under ultrasound guidance; the fetus or fetuses succumb almost immediately and are absorbed by the body. It may be considered a life saving measure for the remaining fetuses in high multiple pregnancies such as quadruplets, quintuplets, or greater, and may reduce the risk of high multiple pregnancies.

The combination of sperm, seminal fluid, and other male reproductive secretions.

Affiliated with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, SART provides information about IVF programs and compiles a registry of audited IVF results from participating programs.

A procedure whereby a liquid is injected via the cervix into the uterus, allowing ultrasound evaluation of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.

The male gamete; spermatozoa.

A test that determines whether either partner’s blood or the woman’s cervical mucus contains antibodies to sperm.

A basic fertility assessment test of sperm function, primarily involving counting the number of sperm, assessing their motility and progression, and evaluating their overall structure and form.

A test that detects occult sperm dysfunction.
Staggered IVF (St-IVF) A form of IVF which involves separating the cycle in which ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval is performed from a later cycle where the ET is performed (days, weeks, months or years later).

Induction of the development of a number of follicles in response to the administration of fertility drugs (see also controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and superovulation).

Situation in which an infertile woman uses someone else’s uterus to carry a child to term for her. Surrogacy can be divided into (1) cases in which the surrogate mother contributes biologically to the offspring by providing her own eggs (classic surrogacy), and (2) cases in which the surrogate does not contribute biologically and therefore must undergo IVF (gestational surrogacy).

A life endangering venereal disease that in its late stages attacks most systems in the body, including the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

The male counterparts of the female ovaries; located in the scrotum, the testicles produce sperm and male hormones such as testosterone.

A procedure performed on an outpatient basis (usually under local anesthesia) where one or more hair-thin tissue biopsy specimens are removed from the testicle and delivered to the embryology laboratory for sperm to be removed for ICSI. See also “OUCH!”

The predominant male sex hormone, which influences the production and maturation of sperm.

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the release of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.

Refers to the physiological or surgical pathway whereby secretions, organisms, sperm, or surgical instrumentation passes from the vagina into the uterus.

A procedure that transfers embryos to the uterus via a needle and/or catheter introduced through the uterine wall (myometrium) rather than through the cervix. It is used in situations where severe narrowing of the cervix negates the performance of conventional embryo transfer.

An ultrasound guided egg retrieval procedure in which the needle is passed through the back or side of the woman’s vagina into her ovaries. It is the most commonly performed egg retrieval procedure today.

The menstrual cycle during which a particular fertility treatment such as IVF, IUI, AID, GIFT, etc. was performed.

See ectopic pregnancy.

A surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are reconnected, reestablishing patency. Usually performed after a previous tubal ligation (sterilization). Also referred to as a tubal ligation reversal or simply a tubal reversal.

A painless diagnostic procedure that transforms high frequency sound waves as they travel through body tissue and fluid into images on a TV like screen; it enables the physician to clearly identify structures within the body and to guide instruments during certain procedures. Ultrasound is also used to diagnose a clinical pregnancy.

Infertility whose cause cannot be readily determined by conventional diagnostic procedures; this occurs in about 10% of all infertile couples.

A microorganism that occurs in the reproductive tracts of males and females, and might interfere with sperm transport and/or embryo implantation. It might also be responsible for early miscarriages.

A muscular organ that enlarges during pregnancy from its normal pear-like size to accommodate a full term pregnancy.

The narrow passage that leads from the vulva to the cervix. The vagina’s elastic tissue, muscle, and skin have enormous ability to stretch so as to accommodate the penis during the sex act and the passage of a baby during childbirth.

A collection of dilated veins around the testicles that hinders sperm function, possibly through increasing the temperature in the scrotum.
vas deferens Tube that connects the epididymis with the urethra in the male reproductive tract.

An ultrarapid freezing method of eggs and embryos that is far more effective at preserving egg viability than previous “conventional” (slow freezing) cryopreservation methods.

Surgery to block the male’s sperm ducts for the purpose of birth control.
vulva The external portion of the female reproductive tract.

The processing of a semen specimen in a centrifuge in order to separate the sperm cells from the seminal fluid.

The shell like covering of the human egg.

The term for a fertilized egg until it begins to cleave, at which time it is known as an embryo.