Fertility Glossary

Press Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) to search this page for your term, or browse by category below. Every term links to the page that explains it.

PCOS / PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)A hormonal condition causing irregular cycles and small cysts on the ovaries.
AmenorrheaAbsence of menstrual periods, often linked to a hormonal or ovulation problem.
AnovulationNot ovulating, or ovulating irregularly.
OvulationThe point in the cycle when a mature egg is released.
EndometriosisUterine-lining tissue growing outside the uterus.
EndometriumThe lining inside the uterus where an embryo implants.
Blocked Fallopian TubesWhen the tubes where egg and sperm meet are obstructed.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)An X-ray with dye that checks if the tubes are open.
PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)Infection-related inflammation that can affect fertility.
Premature Ovarian FailureOvaries stop working before age 40.

Male Factor InfertilityWhen sperm-related issues cause or contribute to infertility.
AzoospermiaNo sperm present in semen.
OligospermiaLower-than-normal sperm count.
MotilityHow well sperm move on their own.
MorphologyThe size and shape of sperm.
VaricoceleAn enlarged scrotal vein that can lower sperm quality.
Retrograde EjaculationSemen enters the bladder instead of leaving the body.
Semen AnalysisStandard lab test of sperm count, shape, and movement.
Sperm DNA FragmentationChecks DNA damage inside sperm.
Antisperm Antibody TestChecks for antibodies attacking sperm.
TESA / PESA / MESA (Sperm Retrieval)Surgical retrieval of sperm directly from the testicle.
Vasectomy / Post-Vasectomy FertilitySperm can sometimes be retrieved surgically after vasectomy.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)Egg and sperm combined in the lab, embryo placed in the uterus.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)A single sperm injected directly into an egg.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)Sperm placed directly into the uterus near ovulation.
Artificial InseminationSperm placed into the cervix, tubes, or uterus.
Cervical MucusFluid that changes as ovulation approaches, helping sperm travel.
Postcoital TestChecks sperm behaviour in cervical mucus after intercourse.
Donor Eggs / Donor SpermEggs or sperm from a screened donor.
Recurrent IVF FailureWhen embryo transfers haven’t led to pregnancy after multiple tries.
IVF CostWhat a treatment cycle typically involves financially.
Psychological CounsellingEmotional support built into the treatment journey.
InfertilityNot conceiving after a year of trying.

Basal Body Temperature, Sonogram, Laparoscopy, HysteroscopyInitial evaluation tests.
Follicle, FSH, LH, GnRH, Clomid, SuperovulationOvarian stimulation stage.
Ovum (Egg) RetrievalSurgical egg retrieval procedure.
ZygoteThe very first stage of a fertilized egg.
BlastocystAn embryo stage reached around day 5.
Luteal PhaseThe stage after ovulation where the lining prepares for implantation.
HCG, Ectopic PregnancyPregnancy confirmation stage.
Time-Lapse Embryo ImagingContinuous embryo monitoring in the incubator.

Recent Posts