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Adhesions: Rubbery or filmy bands of scar tissue often caused by a previous infection or surgery orendometriosis that attach to the surface of reproductive organs and also the bowels or bladder. Adhesions to or around the fallopian tubes and ovaries may block a tube or prevent an egg (oocyte) from meeting with a sperm. Amenorrhea: the absence
of menstruation Artificial Insemination: Prepared or washed sperm is placed into the uterus using a specialized catheter. Basal Body Temperature (BBT): a woman's temperature upon first awakening in the morning. A rise of about one degree Fahrenheit is seen in the middle of the cycle to help predict ovulation. Charting of these temperatures is very popular but can be imprecise. Blastocyst: a more developed embryo, often referred to as a preimplantation embryo. It begins to implant into the uterine lining 6-7 days after fertilization. Bromocriptine: used to treat abnormally high prolactin (pituitary hormone responsible for breast milk production) levels that may result in infertility and amenorrhea. Prolactin may be overproduced due to pituitary brain tumors, as a side effect of various medications, chest wall trauma, and breast implants. Cervical Mucus: the opening to the uterus is referred to the cervix. It produces mucus which normally is thick, but then thins out at the time of ovulation to help with the transport and survival of sperm. Chlamydia: a sexually transmitted disease that may cause fallopian tube scarring or blockage. It is responsible for up to 50% of pelvic inflammatory infections. Clomiphene Citrate: a commonly prescribed fertility drug that works by binding to the estrogen receptor, blocking it, and tricking the brain into thinking there is no estrogen. This results in more FSH release from the pituitary, which then stimulates specialized cells in the ovary to produce estrogen. The twin rate is about 10% due to the higher levels of FSH produced and therefore more eggs. Corpus Luteum: responsible
for progesterone production in the ovary after ovulation has occurred.
It helps prepare the uterine lining for implantation. It appears as a
cyst on the ovary and regresses if pregnancy does not occur. Otherwise,
it continues to produce progesterone until the 10-12th week of pregnancy.
Later the placenta takes over progesterone production. Donor Oocytes: eggs donated for patients who have lost their ovaries, have premature ovarian failure or advanced maternal age to help achieve pregnancy. Ectopic Pregnancy: a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. Embryo transfer: the transfer of an embryo resulting from in vitro fertilization from the dish into the uterus of a woman. Endometrial Biopsy: uterine lining cells obtained through an in office procedure to allow the pathologist to directly determine hormonal effects. An inadequate amount of progesterone may lead to a condition known as luteal phase deficiency and infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. Endometriosis: Uterine lining tissue found outside the uterus, often inside the peritoneal cavity on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, bowels and bladder. It is a leading cause of infertility by affecting nearly all aspects of reproduction. Estrogen: steroid hormones produced by the ovaries beginning with puberty until menopause. Fallopian tubes: pair of hollow structures leading to the uterus from the area of the ovaries. Fertilization occurs here. Blockages or scarring of the tubes are one of the most common causes of infertility. Fertilization: sperm penetrating an egg with subsequent combining of genetic material. Fimbria: the end of the fallopian tube that helps pick up an egg from the ovary after ovulation. Fimbrioplasty: surgical procedure to open up the constricted end of a fallopian tube. Follicle: a fluid filled structure on the surface of the ovary in which the maturing egg (oocyte) grows. It produces estrogen until release of the egg, after which it becomes the corpus luteum and secretes progesterone. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): a gonadotropin (pituitary hormone) that stimulates estrogen production in the ovary and mature an oocyte. Gametes: a reproductive cell; oocytes in women; sperm in men Gamete Intra fallopian transfer (GIFT): a variation of the IVF procedure requiring laparoscopy. After collection of the oocytes, they are mixed with sperm and using a catheter, are placed using Iaparoscopic guidance into the fallopian tube. Fertilization therefore occurs in the body (in vivo) as opposed to in a glass dish (in vitro). Gonad: an ovary or testis Gonadotropin: a hormone (FSH, LH or hCG) that stimulates the ovaries or testes. These can be administered in the form of injections to stimulate ovulation. Trade names include as Pergonal (FSH/LH), Humegon (FSHILHIhCG), Metrodin (FSH), Pregnyl (hCG), Profasi (hCG), Fertinex (FSH). Gonadotropin Hormone Releasing Hormone (GnRH): the hypothalamic hormone that stimulates the pituitary to release LH and FSH. It is used in IVF to prevent the body from spontaneously triggering ovulation (Lupron). It is also used to treat endometriosis and to shrink the size of fibroid. Gonorrhea: a sexually transmitted disease that may cause inflammation of the reproductive organs in both men and women resulting in infertility. Hamster-oocyte penetration test: a test that evaluates the ability of human sperm to penetrate an ovum. Sperm are incubated with hamster eggs, and normal sperm will penetrate an egg. If no penetration occurs, this correlates in our laboratory with a poor prognosis of spontaneous fertilization occurring. The ICSI procedure can then circumvent this situation. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): a hormone secreted by the embryo that maintains corpus Iuteum function when pregnancy occurs. It is also used like LH to trigger ovulation. Human menopausal gonadott-opin (hMG): FSH and LH hormones extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women and then injected to stimulate ovulation to occur. Hyperprolactinemia: overproduction of prolactin, the hormone responsible for breast milk production. It may be treated with bromocriptine (Parlodel). Hypothalamus: an area in the brain responsible for release of GnRH (as well as other releasing hormones). Hysterosalpingogram: A special dye is injected through the cervix and flows into the uterine cavity and through the tubes. If the tubes are not blocked, the dye will spill out of the tubes into the abdomen indicating that the tubes are open. The uterine cavity can also be examined for the presence of fibroids, polyps or scar tissue. Hysteroscopy: a hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus through the cervix from the vagina to directly visualize the inside of the uterus. Removal of fibroids, scar tissue, and polyps may be performed in this way without having to operate on the abdomen. Implantation: the process whereby a fertilized egg (zygote) attaches to the uterine lining. In vitro: latin for "in glass" a term referring to IVF or fertilization occurring in a dish as opposed to in the body. In Vitro Fertilization: test tube baby; a technique used in women with blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, unexplained in fertility, and male factor causes. Fertility medications are given to mature multiple eggs which are then removed from the ovary and placed into a dish with sperm. Fertilization therefore occurs outside the body. There are variations of this procedure to accommodate various faiths and religious beliefs. Intrauterine Insemination: sperm are directly deposited into the uterus using one of many various specialized catheters. Karyotype: evaluation of chromosomes for their number, sizes, and shapes. Abnormalities may lead insights into recurrent pregnancy loss, premature ovarian failure, primary amenorrhea, and low sperm counts. Laparoscopy: an outpatient surgical technique where a 5 or 10 mm narrow lighted instrument is placed through the belly button to allow direct visualization of the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and peritoneal cavity. Various laser and microsurgical procedures can be performed through the laparoscope. Laparotomy: a surgical incision through the abdomen, typically 4-6 inches in length to allow direct visualization of the reproductive structures. Luteal Phase Deficiency: the uterine lining fails to develop appropriately after ovulation. This condition is often treated with progesterone or ovulation induction medications. Menopause: the cessation of the menstrual cycle. Occurs when there are no more oocytes in the ovaries. Microsurgery: fine and delicate surgery requiring magnification often using a microscope. It is used to reconnect tied tubes after sterilization or repair blocked fallopian tubes. Mycoplasma: this organism is tested for from cervical cultures and has been associated with some types of infertility and miscarriages. Oligomenorrhea: infrequent menses Oocyte: egg or ovum that is produced in the ovary Ovaries: paired female sex glands where eggs are stored, and where estrogen and progesterone are produced. Ovulation: the release of an oocyte form the ovary, usually occurring in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation Induction: medications/hormones such as clomid or gonadotropins are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen and induce ovulation, It is used in conditions such as polycystic ovaries, oligomenorrhea, endometriosis, and male factor infertility. Ovulation Predictor Kit: home urine test for LH which is the signal to release an egg. Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID): Infection of the upper reproductive tract (gonorrhea, chlamydia) including the tubes (salpingitis), ovaries (oophoritis), uterus (endometritis) that ascends from the lower tract (vagina). If untreated, it may cause infertility. Peritoneal cavity: the abdominal cavity Pituitary: the master gland situated at the base of the brain. It secretes FSH and LH as welt as prolactin and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD): a hormonal imbalance resulting in lack of ovulation, irregular periods and infertility. It has a characteristic appearance on ultrasound of many small cysts in the ovary. Post -coital test: cervical mucus is examined within 12 hours of intercourse in the middle of the cycle. Sperm number, movement, and cervical mucus quality are graded. Primary Infertility: infertility in those who have never had children. Progesterone: A steroid hormone secreted by the ovary after ovulation has occurred to prepare the uterine lining for implantation. Prolactin: pituitary hormone that stimulates breast milk production. Salpingostomy: surgical attempt to create a new opening at the end of a blocked fallopian tube. Secondary Infertility: infertility in those who have previously been fertile. Zygote: a fertilized oocyte formed by the fusion of the egg with the sperm. Back to Top
Male infertility Asthenospermia: poor motility of sperm Azoospermia: complete absence of sperm Clomiphene Citratate: a commonly used fertility drug in women, but occasionally also prescribed for men with poor sperm quality. The drug may work by increasing testosterone levels to improve sperm. Unfortunately, it only works 40% of the time. Ctyptorchidism: testicles that are not descended into the scrotal sac. Donor Sperm: sperm that has been donated (known or anonymously) used in men with no sperm or very few sperm. Commercial sperm banks screen prospective sperm donors with a battery of genetic tests and for sexually transmitted diseases including HIV before releasing sperm. Physical characteristics are provided to help match various traits as desired. Eltoejaculation: electrical stimulation of nerves that control ejaculation, used to obtain semen from men with spinal cord injuries. Epididymis: The collection of tubes that store sperm after they have left the testicle but before entering the ejaculatory duct (vas deferens). Sperm mature in here and acquire motility and fertilization potential. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): a pituitary hormone that stimulates the testicle to help mature sperm. Hypospadias: a structural abnormality of the penile shaft resulting in an opening on the underside. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): process of sperm being injected in to an oocyte using micromanipulation equipment. Useful when there are very few sperm or in sperm that are unable to fertilize. Impotence: inability to maintain an erection 'Ce Oligospermia: less than 20 million total sperm Oligoasthenospermia: poorly moving and low numbers of sperm Percoll: density gradients are created and then sperm are centrifuged/washed to help separate sperm from debris and dead sperm, immature sperm. Prostate gland: male gland supplying part of the fluid for sperm transport. Infections may decrease sperm quality (prostatitis). Retrograde Ejaculation: Retrograde ejaculation is a clinical condition in which sperm are not ejaculated in a forward direction and therefore reflux into the bladder. This can occur despite a normal sensation of ejaculation. This condition can be due to a variety of reasons: diabetes, surgical damage to nerves that lead to the bladder neck, side effects of various medications including anti-hypertensives such as alpha blockers. Exposure to urine is highly toxic to sperm! Alkalinization of the urine with sodium bicarbonate can help to protect the sperm. Semen: Fluid that provides nutrients and a transport medium for sperm. It comes from seminal vesicles, prostate and glands adjacent to the urethra. Semen analysis: analysis of the semen for sperm number, appearance (morphology), motility, volume and viscosity. The presence of a bacterial infection or immature sperm cells may also excluded. A CASA machine may be used for analysis Sperm: the male reproductive gamete Sperm Bank: frozen or cryopreserved sperm are stored for use in artificial insemination or donor sperm situations. Sperm Washing: dilution of sperm sample prior to insemination to remove prostaglandin chemicals in the semen that cause contractions of the uterus. It may also be used to remove other debris from semen. Teratospermia: abnormally shaped sperm Testicular Biopsy: removal of a small sample of testicular tissue to examine for evidence of sperm development and production. Testicularlepididymal sperm aspiration (TESA): surgical procedure where the testicle or epididymis are biopsied for the purposes of obtaining sperm for ICSI. Useful in men with vasectomies, blockages, azoospermia or failed vasectomy reversals. Testosterone: an androgen hormone produced in the testes that affects sperm production and male sex characteristics. Varicocoele: an abnormal dilation or torsion of vein that carries blood from the testes back to the heart. Most commonly occurs on the left side. It may cause deceased sperm production by increasing the temperature in the sperm producing cells, by decreasing blood flow and oxygenation, or by changing hormone concentrations. Vas Deferens: The tubule that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct of the penis. Vasectomy: sterilization procedure in men by surgically removing part of the vas deferens. Vasogram: an x-ray examination of the vas deferens to check for blockage (male counterpart of the HSG). Back to Top |