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Fertility Glossary
- Assisted embryo hatching: A procedure in which a tiny opening is created in the outer covering of the embryo to aid in implantation of the embryo and pregnancy.
- Assisted reproductive technology: All treatments that include the handling of eggs and/or embryos, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Blastocyst: An embryo that may have developed five days after fertilization.
- Blastocyst culture and transfer: Fertilized eggs that have developed into a
highly cellular embryo are transferred to the uterus when ready for
implantation, usually at day 5.
- Ectopic pregnancy: Pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity in the fallopian tube or the abdominal cavity. Requires immediate surgery to avoid risk of rupture.
- Egg donation: A process in which a woman may donate eggs through in vitro fertilization to another woman.
- Egg retrieval: A procedure used to obtain eggs from ovarian follicles. The procedure is performed by using a needle and ultrasound to locate the follicle in the ovary.
- Embryo: A fertilized egg that has begun cell division.
- Embryo cryopreservation: The freezing of embryos created from one cycle, which may be stored and successfully thawed for use in another cycle.
- Embryo transfer: Embryo Transfer (ET): Placing an egg fertilized outside the womb into a woman's uterus.
- Endometrial biopsy: A procedure during which a sample of the uterine lining is collected for microscopic analysis.
- Endometriosis: The presence of endometrial tissue in abnormal locations, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries and abdominal cavity. The condition frequently causes pain and discomfort during menstruation, or even chronic pelvic pain, and may also cause infertility.
- Gestational carrier: A woman who carries a pregnancy for the genetic parents.
- Laparoscopy: Direct visualization of the ovaries and exterior of the fallopian tubes and uterus through a surgical instrument inserted through a small incision below the navel.
- Hysteroscopy: Diagnostic procedure in which a lighted scope (hysteroscope) is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to enable to the physician to view the inside of the uterus.
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy: A procedure in which the doctor removes a uterine fibroid while using a hysteroscope.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): A process in which an egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish (in vitro) to facilitate fertilization. If fertilized, the resulting embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus.
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI ): A micromanipulation procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to attempt fertilization—used in cases of male infertility or couples with prior unsuccessful IVF fertilization.
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Placement of washed sperm into the uterus
- Laparoscopic myomectomy: Removal of a uterine fibroid by using a laparoscope, a small telescope that can be inserted into a hole in the abdominal wall for viewing the internal organs. A laparoscope can be used to diagnose and treat a number of fertility problems including endometriosis, abdominal adhesions, and polycystic ovaries.
- Micromanipulation: An IVF laboratory process in which the egg or embryo is held with special instruments and treated by procedures such as ICSI, assisted hatching, or embryo biopsy.
- Oocyte (Egg): The female reproductive cell.
- Ovulation induction: The administration of hormone medications (ovulation drugs) that stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Oocyte Cryopreservation: Freezing of egg cells to keep them viable.
- Ovarian cysts: A fluid-filled sac inside the ovary. An ovarian cyst may be found in conjunction with ovulation disorders, tumors of the ovary, and endometriosis.
- Ovulation disorder/dysfunction: A problem where either something is abnormal in the process of developing the follicle or the egg is not released from the follicle.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection of the pelvic organs. PID may lead to tubal blockage and pelvic adhesions.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Development of multiple cysts in the ovaries due to arrested follicular growth due to lack of ovulation.
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD): A procedure performed in conjunction with IVF in which one or two cells are removed from an embryo prior to the initiation of pregnancy and screened for genetic abnormalities.
- Semen cryopreservation: Freezing of semen to keep it viable.
- Semen donation: A process in which semen may be obtained from a donor bank.
- Single embryo transfer: Placement of a single embryo into the uterus.
- Surgical sperm retrieval: The extraction of sperm from the male reproductive
tract can be accomplished using a variety of procedures including needle
aspiration or biopsy.
- Testicular biopsy/Epididymal aspiration: Removal of sperm with surgical techniques.
- Tubal reanastomosis: Reversal of a tubal ligation.
- Tuboplasty: Plastic or reconstructive surgery on the fallopian tubes in order to correct abnormalities which may lead to blockage or otherwise cause infertility.
- Uterine myomectomy via laparotomy: Removal of a uterine fibroid through an abdominal incision.
- Vaginal ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging of the female reproductive system through an ultrasound device inserted into the vagina.
Links & Resources
Recommended web links that will you understand the process and provide further information include:
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