When you begin down the road of infertility treatments, you may feel like you have to learn a new language. When I first sought treatment to conceive my oldest child, I felt that way. The doctors and nurses are using medical terminology that is unfamiliar, which just adds to the stress. Here are some common words and phrases you will encounter in your journey to parenthood.
Anovulatory
the lack of ovulation.
Artificial Insemination>/b>
an infertility procedure during which the doctor inserts a catheter to deposit sperm directly into the woman’s uterus.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
this refers to the more invasive procedures used to achieve pregnancy, including in vitro fertilization, GIFT and ZIFT.
Atonic Uterus
a condition that results in a lack of tone in the uterus.
Autoantibodies
antibodies that attack other healthy tissues of the body.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
a method of tracking ovulation. The method involves taking the temperature with a special thermometer and charting the results to track ovulation.
Bicornate Uterus
is a uterus that is divided into two cavities, rather than one open space. This increases the risk of miscarriage and infertility. Surgery is sometimes used to correct the condition.
Blighted Ovum
the egg is fertilized and a sac forms. However, the baby does not grow and the sac remains empty.
Clomid
a commonly used fertility drug that is used to stimulate ovulation. Clomid comes in pill form.
Corpus Luteum
the spot on the ovary where the egg was released. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum supports the pregnancy until the placenta has formed.
Ectopic Pregnancy
is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus. The embryo can implant inside the fallopian tube or elsewhere in the abdominal cavity.
Endometriosis
a condition that occurs when the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This condition is a cause of infertility.
Endometrium
the membrane that lines the inside of the uterus. This grows and thickens during the cycle and will be shed in the menstrual cycle if pregnancy does not occur.
Fallopian Tube
tubes that lead from the uterus to the ovary. The egg travels from the ovary toward the uterus in the tubes. This is where fertilization takes place.
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
a type of in vitro fertilization in which the sperm and egg are mixed together just prior to being placed inside the fallopian tubes. The egg is fertilized inside the tube rather than in the lab.
Habitual Aborter
a term used to describe a woman who has had repeated miscarriages with no known explanation.
Heparin
a drug used to thin the blood. This drug is often given when the reason for miscarriage is related to the immune system.
Human Chorionic Gonadatropin
is also known as HCG. It is the hormone that is released in early pregnancy. Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of this hormone in the urine.
Incompetent Cervix
occurs when the cervix begins to dilate way too early in the pregnancy. This can be the cause of repeated miscarriages. When diagnosed, a cervical stitch can be put in place before the cervix begins to dilate, allowing the woman to carry the baby to term.
Incomplete Abortion
a miscarriage during which not all the tissue in the uterus is expelled. A D&C may be needed to remove the remaining tissue.
Laparoscopy
a surgical procedure that is used in some infertility surgeries. This procedure is often used in treating endometriosis.
Luteal Phase
the phase of the menstrual cycle from ovulation until the next period begins.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
a hormone released by the pituitary gland. This hormone is responsible for the release of the egg during ovulation.
Missed Abortion
a miscarriage without bleeding or cramping. This is often diagnosed with ultrasound.
Reproductive Endocrinologist
a specialist in the field of infertility. Reproductive Endocrinologists also treat certain high risk pregnancy situations, such as patients with a history of repeated miscarriages.
Thyroid Panel
a series of blood tests used to evaluate the thyroid gland.
Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
a type of in vitro fertilization procedure. The fertilized eggs are placed inside the fallopian tubes within twenty four hours of fertilization.
Related Articles:
What to Expect: Artificial Insemination
Finding the Right Infertility Specialist
When to Seek Help Getting Pregnant