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Glossary of termsA | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | L | M | O | P | S | T | U | V | X | Y | Z AAdrenal 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. Adrenal glands: Glands located above each kidney that secrete hormones (cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones) that help the body withstand stress and regulate metabolism. Altered function of these glands can disrupt menstruation. Amenorrhea: Absence of menstrual cycles. Anovulation: Failure or absence of ovulation. May or may not be associated with amenorrhea. 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. 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, IVF, GIFT and ZIFT. Asthenozoospermia: Low sperm motility. Atresia: The normal degeneration of eggs and follicles in the ovaries. Azoospermia: Semen containing no sperm, either because the testicles cannot make sperm or because of blockage in the reproductive tract. [ Top of page ] BBasal body temperature (BBT) chart: A temperature record designed to detect ovulation by measuring basal (resting) body temperature. Beta hCG test: A blood test used to detect very early pregnancies and to evaluate embryonic development. Blastocyst transfer: The process in which embryos are transferred at day 5 of development instead of day 3 of development. Bicornuate uterus: A congenital malformation of the uterus where the upper portion (horn) is duplicated. CCervical canal: The passageway leading from the vagina into the uterus. Cervical mucus: The substance through which sperm must swim in order to pass the cervical canal and enter the uterus. Chromosome: A rod-shaped structure located in the nucleus (center) of a cell which contains hereditary (genetic) material. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 total). Two of the 46 are the sex chromosomes, which are the X and Y chromosomes. Normally, females have two X chromosomes and males have one X and one Y chromosome. Clomiphene citrate: An anti-estrogen drug used to induce ovulation. Brand names are Clomid® and Serophene®. Coitus: Intercourse; the sexual union between a man and a woman. Corpus luteum: Tissue formed in the ovary from a mature follicle that has released its egg at ovulation. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and estrogen. The progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to support a pregnancy. Cryopreservation: A laboratory technique in which sperm or embryos are frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored for future use. 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. [ Top of page ] DDominant follicle: The largest follicle among the developing follicles in the ovary. Donor eggs: The eggs taken from the ovaries of a fertile woman and donated to an infertile woman to be used in an assisted reproductive technology procedure using IVF or GIFT. Donor sperm: Human sperm contributed by young, fertile males to patients who do not have adequate sperm quality and numbers. Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation. This may be a sign of endometriosis. Dyspareunia: Painful coitus for either the man or the woman. EEarly menopause: Cessation of menstrual periods due to failure of the ovaries before age 40. The average age of menopause in the U.S. is 52. 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. 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. Endocrinology: The discipline involving the study of hormones. 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: The female sex hormone produced by the ovaries which is responsible for the development of female sex characteristics. Estrogen is largely responsible for stimulating the uterine lining to thicken during the first part of the menstrual cycle in preparation for ovulation and possible pregnancy. It is also important for healthy bones and overall health. A small amount of this hormone is also produced in the male when testosterone is converted to estrogen in fat cells. [ Top of page ] FFallopian tubes: The 2 tubular structures, located 1 on each side of the uterus, which pick up the ovulated egg. Sperm and egg usually meet and fertilize in the tube in normal conception. 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. Fimbriae: The flared end (fingers) of the fallopian tube that sweeps over the surface of the ovary and helps to direct the egg into the tube. Follicle: Located in the ovary, the follicle contains an egg, the cells that nourish the egg (granulosa cells), and the fluid secreted by these cells. The granulosa cells produce estrogen, which in turn acts on the uterus, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland. Estrogen levels rise until the follicle reach a mature size, at which time ovulation occurs and the follicle ruptures and releases its egg. The empty follicle is known as the corpus luteum. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): The pituitary hormone responsible for egg development. FSH can also be given as a medication. Metrodin® is a brand name. Follicular phase: The first phase of the menstrual cycle (beginning on the first day of bleeding) when the developing follicle secretes increasing amounts of estrogen. GGamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT): An assisted reproductive technology that involves surgically removing eggs from a woman's ovary, combining them with sperm, and immediately injecting the eggs/sperm mixture into the fallopian tube. Fertilization then hopefully takes place inside the fallopian tube. One disadvantage of GIFT is the inability to know whether or not fertilization took place if the woman does not become pregnant. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH): A hormone secreted in a pulsatile manner by the hypothalamus that prompts the pituitary gland to synthesize and release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Brand names are Factrel® and Lutrepulse®. GnRH analogs: Synthetic, long-acting hormones similar to the naturally occurring gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Brand names are Lupron®, Synarel® and Zoladex®. [ Top of page ] HHost uterus: Also called a “surrogate gestational mother.” A couple's embryo is transferred to another woman who carries the pregnancy to term and returns the baby to the genetic parents immediately after birth. Hostile mucus: Cervical mucus that impedes the natural progress of sperm through the cervical canal. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): A hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy that is often used as a surrogate LH surge with clomiphene citrate or hMG for the treatment of ovulation disorders. Brand names are A.P.L.®, Pregnyl®, and Profasi®. Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG): A drug used to stimulate egg development and follicle growth. It contains follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), derived from the urine of postmenopausal women. Pergonal and Humegon™ are brand names. Hyperthyroidism: Overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. The resulting increased metabolism “burns up” estrogen too rapidly and interferes with ovulation. Hypospermatogenesis: Low sperm production. Hypothalamus: A thumb-sized area in the base of the brain that controls many body functions, regulates the pituitary gland and releases GnRH. Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone. The resulting lowered metabolism interferes with the normal breakdown of “old” hormones and causes lethargy. Men will suffer from a lower sex drive and elevated prolactin, and women will suffer from elevated prolactin and estrogen, both of which will interfere with fertility. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): An x-ray of the pelvic organs in which a radio-opaque dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. This test checks for malformations of the uterus and blockage of the fallopian tubes. Hysterosonogram: An ultrasound of the uterus during which fluid is instilled into the uterine cavity. Hysteroscopy: An examination, which involves inserting a narrow scope through the cervical opening to examine the cervical canal, uterine cavity, and the areas where the fallopian tubes open into the uterus. IImplantation (embryo): The embedding of the embryo into tissue so it can establish contact with the mother's blood supply for nourishment. Implantation usually occurs in the lining of the uterus; however, in an ectopic pregnancy it may occur elsewhere in the body. Insemination: Placement of sperm via a syringe into a female's uterus or cervix for the purpose of producing a pregnancy. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A micromanipulation procedure where a single sperm is injected into the egg to enable fertilization with very low sperm counts or with non-motile sperm. Intrauterine insemination (IUI): A technique in which a small, soft tube is used to place sperm into the uterine cavity. In vitro fertilization (IVF): Literally means “in glass.” Fertilization takes place outside the body in a small glass dish. Infertility: The inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. [ Top of page ] LLaparoscope: A small telescope that can be inserted into a hole in the abdominal wall for viewing the internal organs; the instrument used to perform a laparoscopy. Used to diagnose and treat a number of fertility problems including endometriosis, abdominal adhesions, and polycystic ovaries. Also used in egg retrieval for in vitro fertilization. Laparoscopy: Examination of the pelvic region by using a small telescope called a laparoscope. LH surge: The surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that the pituitary gland releases to trigger ovulation. Luteal phase: The 3rd phase of the menstrual cycle that follows ovulation and is characterized by the production of large amounts of progesterone and estrogen by the corpus luteum. Luteal phase defect: Abnormality of the luteal phase resulting in inadequate development of the endometrium. Luteinizing hormone (LH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation and stimulates the corpus luteum to secrete progesterone. MMaturation arrest: A testicular condition in which at one stage of sperm production all sperm development halts throughout all testicular tubules. May result in oligospermia or azoospermia. Menorrhagia: Heavy or prolonged menstrual flow. Menstruation: The cyclical shedding of the uterine lining in response to stimulation from estrogen and progesterone. Mid-cycle: The second phase of the menstrual cycle in which the LH surge occurs. Mittelscmerz: A pain in the lower abdomen that is associated with ovulation. It is usually related to the rupture of the follicle as the egg is released. OOligomenorrhea: An abnormally infrequent or light menstrual flow. Ovaries: The 2 female sex glands in the pelvis. Located one on each side of the uterus, that produce eggs and hormones including estrogen progesterone, and androgens. Ovarian failure: The failure of the ovary to respond to FSH stimulation from the pituitary because of damage to or malformation of the ovary. Diagnosed by elevated FSH in the blood. Ovulation: The release of a mature egg from its follicle in the ovary, usually occurring on approximately day 14 of a 28-day cycle. Ovulation induction: Medical treatment performed to initiate ovulation. See also Clomiphene Citrate; Pergonal. Ovulatory failure (Anovulation): The failure to ovulate. Ovum: The egg; the reproductive cell from the ovary; the female gamete; the sex cell that contains the woman's genetic information. [ Top of page ] PPituitary gland: The small gland just beneath the hypothalamus in the brain that stimulates ovarian function by secreting follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Disorders of this gland may lead to irregular or absent ovulation. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A condition in which the ovaries contain many small follicles of cysts that are associated with anovulation and increased secretion of androgens. Symptoms can include irregular or absent menstrual periods, obesity, and excessive growth of body hair in a male pattern. Post coital test (PCT): A microscopic examination of the cervical mucus best performed 12 or more hours after intercourse to determine compatibility between the woman's mucus and the man's semen; a test used to detect sperm-mucus interaction problems, the presence of sperm antibodies, and the quality of the cervical mucus. Premature ovarian failure (POF): Cessation of menstrual periods due to failure of the ovaries before age 40. Also known as early menopause. Progesterone: A female hormone secreted by the corpus luteum during the third phase of the menstrual cycle. It prepares the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for implantation of an embryo and also allows for complete shedding of the endometrium at the time of menstruation. Prolactin: A protein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland into the blood. When elevated, it may lead to absence of menstrual periods and anovulation as well as the secretion of a milk-like substance from the breasts. Prostaglandin: A hormone secreted by the uterine lining. It is hypothesized that prostaglandins secreted by active, young endometrial implants may interfere with the reproductive organs by causing muscular contractions or spasms. SSalpingectomy: Surgical removal of the fallopian tube. Salpingolysis: Surgery performed to remove adhesions that restrict the movement and function of reproductive organs. Secondary infertility: The inability of a couple which has successfully achieved pregnancy to achieve another. This strict medical definition includes couples for whom the pregnancy did not go to term. The common vernacular, however, refers to a couple which has one biological child but is unable to conceive another. Semen: The sperm and glandular fluid that comes out of the urethra when a man ejaculates. Semen analysis: A laboratory test used to assess semen quality: sperm quantity, concentration, morphology (form), and motility. In addition, it measures semen (fluid) volume and whether or not white blood cells are present, indicating an infection. Semen viscosity: The liquid flow or consistency of the semen. Short luted phase: A condition in which the corpus luteum deteriorates prematurely, causing the menstrual period to begin approximately 10 days (instead of 14) after ovulation. Frequently found with women undergoing ovulation induction treatment. Sonogram (Ultrasound): Use of high-frequency sound waves for creating an image of internal body parts. Used to detect and count follicle growth (and disappearance) in many fertility treatments. Also used to detect and monitor pregnancy. Sperm: The male reproductive cells that fertilize a woman's egg. The sperm head carries genetic material (chromosomes), the midpiece produces energy for movement, and the long, thin tail wiggles to propel the sperm. Sperm antibodies: Antibodies that attack and maim sperm. May be formed by either the man against his own sperm or by the woman against her husband's sperm. Sperm bank: A place where sperm are kept frozen in liquid nitrogen for later use in artificial insemination. Sperm count: The number of sperm in ejaculate. Also called sperm concentration and given as the number of sperm per milliliter. Sperm maturation: A process during which the sperm grow and gain their ability to swim. Sperm take about 90 days to reach maturity. Sperm morphology: A semen analysis factor that indicates the number or percentage of sperm in the sample that appear to have been formed normally. Abnormal morphology includes sperm with kinked, doubled, or coiled tails. Sperm motility: The ability of sperm to swim. Poor motility means the sperm have a difficult time swimming toward their goal—the egg. Superovulation: Stimulation of multiple ovulation with fertility drugs; also known as controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Sperm washing: A process which isolates the strongest, most active sperm from the dead sperm and the seminal fluid. Surrogate mother: A woman who is artificially inseminated and carries to term a baby which will be raised by its genetic father and his partner. [ Top of page ] TTesticular stress pattern: A semen analysis result showing depressed sperm production, poor sperm motility, and poor sperm morphology. The pattern is consistent with secondary testicular failure or illness. Testosterone: The male hormone responsible for the formation of secondary sex characteristics and for supporting the sex drive. Testosterone is also necessary for spermatogenesis. Thyroid gland: A large, 2-lobed, ductless gland located in front of and on either side of the trachea (windpipe) in the neck that secretes a hormone that maintains normal body growth and metabolism. Thyroid hormone: A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates growth and metabolism. Turner's Syndrome: A condition in which a female has only 1 X chromosome instead of 2 and is associated with short stature, failure to undergo normal sexual development, and other physical abnormalities. UUltrasound: A picture of internal organs produced by high frequency sound waves and viewed as an image on a monitor screen. Uterus (womb): The hollow, muscular female organ in the pelvis where an embryo implants and develops during pregnancy. The lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, produces the monthly menstrual blood flow when there is no pregnancy. VVagina: The canal in the female that leads to the cervix, which leads to the uterus. Vasectomy: The accidental or elective surgical separation of the vasa deferential a procedure used for birth control. XX chromosome: The congenital, developmental, or genetic information in the cell that transmits the information necessary to make a female. All eggs contain one X chromosome, and half of all sperm carry an X chromosome. When 2 X chromosomes combine, the baby will be a girl. See also Y chromosome. YY 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. See also X Chromosome. ZZygote: A fertilized egg which has not yet divided.
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