GLOSSARY

Amniocentesis: Insertion of a needle into the uterus through the abdominal wall to withdraw amniotic fluid for assessment of foetal health and maturity.
Andrology: Study of male sex hormones/ sperm testing.
Aneuploidy Screening: Screening for chromosomal abnormality (PGS/PGSA).
ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology): Medical treatments employed to increase the chances of conception including cycle tracking,OI, AIH, AID, IVF, ICSI.
Artificial Insemination (AIH/AID): Placing sperm into the cervix/uterus through artificial means instead of by coitus – usually injected through a catheter or cannula after being washed. This procedure is used for both donor (AID) and husband/partner’s (AIH) sperm. 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.
Assisted Hatching: Thinning of the zona pellucida prior to transferring the embryo into the uterus.
Asthenozoospermia: Low sperm motility.
Azoospermia: Absence of sperm in ejaculate.
Basal Body temperature charting: Monitoring of body temperature each morning to help confirm ovulation response.
Biochemical Pregnancy: Transient rise in hCG pregnancy hormone.
Biochemistry: Laboratory that analyses and reports on hormone blood testing.
Blastocoel cavity: Fluid filled cavity of a blastocyst.
Blastocyst Culture: Extended culture of embryos in the laboratory to Day 5 or 6 when they have two different cell types and are called blastocysts.
Cannula: A hollow tube used for insemination, GIFT and embryo transfer, and often with an inner catheter.
Catheter: A hollow flexible tube used to aspirate or inject fluids.
Cetrotide: GnRH antagonist marketed by Serono.
Cervical pH: Acidity of the cervical mucus.
Cervical Swab: Test of cervix environment for evidence of bacterial infection (and/or viral infection). Sent to pathology for analysis.
Cervix: Opening between the vagina and the uterus.
Chromosomal Abnormalities: A fault in the genetics of the sperm/oocytes/embryo. These may result in disruption of the maturation, fertilization, implantation and foetal processes, and may result in miscarriage or birth defects.
Chromosome Analysis: Testing of a blood/tissue sample for the pattern of genes/ chromosomes.
Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate): A fertility drug that stimulates ovulation through the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland.
Congenital: Present at birth.
Congenital Absence of the Vas Deferens (CAV): absence at birth of conducting pathway from testes for sperm to be ejaculated. Often caused by Cystic Fibrosis gene so screening should be performed for this gene and potential risk for offspring should be discussed.
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.
Crinone Gel: Progesterone gel medication marketed by Serono.
Cryopreservation: Freezing and storing of sperm/embryos/eggs in sub-zero liquid nitrogen tanks.
Cryoprotectant: Used to limit damage during cryopreservation.
Cystic Fibrosis: Generalised hereditary disorder associated with the accumulation of excessively thick mucus and abnormal secretion of sweat and saliva.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C): A procedure used to dilate (expand) 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 resolve a non progressive pregnancy.
Down Regulation Protocol: Most common protocol used for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in IVF/GIFT cycles.
Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy located outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
Egg Pick Up: Surgical procedure to retrieve eggs (oocytes) during IVF/ICSI using transvaginal ultrasound or laparoscopy.
Embryo Transfer (ET): Placing an oocyte fertilized outside the womb into a woman’s uterus or fallopian tube.
Embryology: Laboratory dealing with oocyte collection, fertilisation, embryo transfer and cryopreservation procedures.
Embryoscope: A device which photographically records development of individual embryos within an incubator.
Endometriosis: Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus which grows and sheds in response to oestrogen and progesterone stimulation; the bed of tissue designed to nourish the implanted embryo.
Endometrial Biopsy: Sampling of the endometrium and analysis for hormonal effects.
Epididymis: A coiled tubular organ attached to and lying on the testicle that provides for the transport, storage and maturation of sperm.
Estrogen: see Oestrogen.
Estradiol: see Oestradiol.
Fallopian Tube: Ducts through which oocytes travel to the uterus once released from the ovarian follicle. Sperm normally meet the oocyte in the fallopian tube, the site at which fertilisation usually occurs.
Fertilisation: The combining of the genetic material carried by sperm and oocyte 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 Fertilisation.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): A procedure where frozen (cryopreserved) embryos are thawed and then placed into the uterus.
Flare Protocol: Protocol used for some IVF/ICSI procedures where a “flare-up” of hormones occurs when the medications commence. More commonly the down regulation protocol is used that avoids the effect of this hormone “flare-up”.
Follicle: A fluid-filled sac in the ovary that contains an oocyte that is released at ovulation. This follicle grows to about one inch in size when it is ready to ovulate.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): A pituitary hormone that stimulates spermatogenesis and follicular development. In the man, FSH stimulates the Sertoli cells in the testicles and supports sperm production. In the woman, FSH stimulates the growth of the ovarian follicle. Elevated FSH levels are indicative of gonadal failure in both men and woman.
Folic Acid: one of the B complex vitamins, folic acid is involved in the synthesis of amino acids and DNA. Deficiency causes megaloblastic anaemia. Requirements for folic acid are increased in early pregnancy, and supplements are advised for those planning pregnancy and during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Glycerol: A sugar alcohol – the building block of fats.
Gonads: The glands that make reproductive cells and “sex” hormones: the testicles, which make sperm and testosterone, and the ovaries, which make oocytes (ova) and oestrogen.
Gonadotropins: Hormones that control reproductive function: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Lutenising Hormone (LH).
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) : The hormone which controls the production and release of gonadotropins. Secreted by the hypothalamus every ninety minutes or so, this hormone enables the pituitary to secrete LH and FSH, which stimulate the gonads.
GnRH Agonist: Medication that depletes stores of GnRH. Used to prevent premature ovulation during IVF/GIFT procedures.
GnRH Antagonist: Medication that blocks the release of GnRH. Used to prevent premature ovulation during IVF/GIFT procedures.
Gonal F: FSH injection marketed by Serono.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG/HCG): The hormone produced in early pregnancy which keeps the corpus luteum producing progesterone. Also used via injection (Profasi/Pregnyl) to trigger ovulation after some fertility treatments.
Hormone: A substance produced by an endocrine gland that travels through the bloodstream to a specific organ.
Hyperstimulate: Promote over-response.
Hysterosalpingogram: X-Ray using dye injected through the cervix to examine the endometrial cavity and fallopian tubes.
Hysteroscopy: Uterus endometrial cavity examination using a fibre-optic camera.
Implantation (Embryo): The embedding of the embryo into tissue. Implantation usually occurs in the lining of the uterus 5–10 days after ovulation; however, in an ectopic pregnancy it may occur elsewhere in the body.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A procedure in which a single sperm is injected into the oocyte to enhance fertilisation with very low sperm counts or with non-motile sperm.
Interuterine sperm insemination: see Artificial Insemination.
In Vitro maturation: Growth of an embryo that occurs outside the body.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Fertilisation of sperm and oocyte to form an embryo takes place outside the body in a small plastic dish.

Karotype: A karyotype is a picture of a person’s chromosomes. In order to get this picture, the chromosomes are isolated, stained, and examined under the microscope.  

Laparoscopy: Examination of the pelvic region by using a small telescope that can be inserted into a hole in the abdominal wall for viewing the internal organs. Used to access the fallopian tubes in GIFT and sometimes for oocyte retrieval from the ovaries in IVF.

Luteal Phase: Post-ovulatory phase of a woman’s cycle. The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which cause the uterine lining to thicken to support the implantation and growth of the embryo.

Luteinising Hormone (LH): A pituitary hormone that stimulates the gonads. An LH surge is the spiking release of LH that causes the release of a mature oocyte from the follicle.
Lucrin: GnRH Agonist injection medication.
Menopause: span of time when ovaries stop functioning and therefore menstruation and childbearing ceases.
Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA): Using microsurgery to remove sperm from the epididymis for use in IVF usually with ICSI.
Miscarriage: Spontaneous loss of an embryo or foetus from the womb.
Monozygotic twins: identical twins forming from a single embryo dividing in two.
Morphology: The shape of sperm as studied in a semen analysis.
Motility: The measurement of motion and forward progression of sperm in a semen analysis.
Oestradiol: the principal Oestrogen produced by the ovaries.
Oestrogen: The female sex hormone.
OHSS: see Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.
Oligospermia: A low number of sperm in the semen.
Oocyte (Egg): The female reproductive cell.
Orgalutran: The GnRH antagonist marketed by Organon.
Ovarian Cyst: A fluid-filled sac inside the ovary. May be found in conjunction with ovulation disorders, endometriosis (chocolate cyst), and tumors of the ovary.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation (Controlled): Using medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce more oocytes as in IVF treatments and ovulation induction.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome OHSS: A potentially life-threatening side effect of ovulation induction with injectable fertility medications. A woman’s ovaries become enlarged and produce an overabundance of oocytes. Blood hormone levels rise, fluid may collect in the lungs or abdominal cavity, and ovarian cysts may rupture, causing internal bleeding. Blood clots sometimes develop. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, sudden weight gain and abdominal pain. Cycles stimulated with these drugs must be carefully monitored with ultrasound scans. OHSS may be prevented by withholding the hCG injection when ultrasound monitoring indicates that too many follicles have matured.
Ovary: The female gonad; produces oocytes and female hormones.
Ovidrel: HCG injection marketed by Serono.
Ovulation: The release of the egg (ovum/oocyte) from the ovarian follicle.
Ovulation Induction (OI) or Ovulation Stimulation (OS): Medical treatment used to enhance and initiate ovulation. Eg: Use of the medications Clomid, Serophene, Gonal F, and Puregon.
Ovum: The egg; the reproductive cell from the ovary; the female sex cell or oocyte.
PGS: See Pre-Implantation Screening.
Polar Body: The discarded genetic material resulting from female germ cell division. The presence of a polar body indicates maturity of an oocyte collected during IVF/ICSI.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): A condition found in women who don’t ovulate/ ovulate infrequently, characterized by excessive production of androgens (male sex hormones) and the presence of cysts in the ovaries. Though PCOS can be without symptoms, some include excessive weight gain, acne and excessive hair growth.
Progesterone: The hormone produced by the corpus luteum during the second half of a woman’s cycle. It thickens the lining of the uterus to prepare it to accept implantation of a fertilised oocyte. It is released in pulses, so the amount in the bloodstream is not constant.
Pituitary: An endocrine gland that secretes a number of hormones including gonadotropins (FSH and LH), thyroid stimulating hormone and prolactin.
Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS): sampling of cells from an embryo for chromosomal analysis prior to embryo transfer.
Pregnyl: HCG injections marketed by Organon.
Progynova: Oestrogen support medication often used in FET cycles when a women is anovulatory.
Prolactin: Hormone released by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the mammary gland and can impact on the function of the corpus luteum.
Puregon: FSH injection marketed by Organon.
Rubella: German measles.
Semen Analysis: A laboratory test used to assess semen quality: sperm quantity, concentration, morphology (form), and motility. In addition, it measures semen volume and fluid consistency.
Semen Culture: A laboratory test used to analyse the bacterial levels of a semen sample.
Serophene (Clomiphene Citrate): A fertility drug that stimulates ovulation through the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. Marketed by Serono.
Sperm 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 fertilise. Either the man or the woman may produce sperm antibodies.
Sperm Banking: Cryopreservation of semen samples for future use.
Synarel: GnRH agonist Nasal spray medication.
Testes: The two male sexual glands contained in the scrotum. They produce the male hormone testosterone and the male reproductive cells (sperm). Singular is testicle.
Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)/Testicular Biopsy/Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE): A surgical procedure used to take a small sample of testicular tissue for microscopic examination. May be used in an attempt to obtain sperm for IVF using ICSI.
Transvaginal: Through the vagina or across its wall as in a surgical procedure
Transvaginal Ultrasound: An ultrasound examination performed by means of inserting a probe into the vagina.
Teratozoospermia: high numbers of abnormal sperm on analysis.
Testosterone: The male hormone responsible for the formation of secondary sex characteristics and for supporting the sex drive.
Thyroid: gland with two lobes either side of the trachea (Adams Apple) that secretes hormones that are concerned in regulating metabolism.
Tubal patency: clear and well functioning fallopian tubes.
Ultrasound: technique used to evaluate internal organs using sound waves reflected from the tissues.
Ultrasound follicle tracking: Monitoring of ovarian follicles using ultrasound technique.
Ultrasound guided pick-up: Transvaginal ultrasound visualisation of the ovaries enabling access the ovarian follicles and oocyte collection using a transvaginal probe attachment for IVF.
Urologist: Specialist surgeon often consulted for Male Infertility issues.
Uterine Cavity Measurement: Length of uterine cavity from fundus to cervix measured using a sterile guide or estimated via ultrasound.
Uterus: The muscular female reproductive organ that houses and nourishes the foetus during pregnancy. Internal lining is the endometrium. The womb.
Vaginal pessary: Medication designed to be absorbed through the vaginal wall.
Vas Deferens: a pair of excretory ducts that convey semen from the epididymis to the urethra.
Vasectomy: The surgical separation of both vas deferens. A procedure used for birth control/sterilisation.
X-Chromosome: The genetic information in a cell that transmits the information necessary to make a female. All oocytes contain one X-chromosome, and half of all sperm carry an X-chromosome. When two X-chromosomes combine, the baby will be a girl.
Y-Chromosome: The genetic material that transmits the information necessary to make a male. The Y chromosome can be found in one-half of the man’s sperm cells. When an X- and a Y-chromosome combine, the baby will be a boy.
Zona Pellucida: The protective outer membrane surrounding the oocyte.