Infertility Words and Terms to Know

Glossary of Terms for Infertility - Large

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Here’s a glossary of many words and terms you might come across:

Body Parts and Functions

Egg: The female reproductive cell produced in the ovaries, then released. Also called the ovum.

Embryo: The developing organism from when implants in the uterus up until the 8th week of pregnancy.

Fallopian Tubes: Tubes through which the egg travels, going from the ovary to the uterus.

Follicles: Sac-like structures in which eggs develop inside the ovary.

Hormones: Substances produced by your body, aiding in the function of various organs.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): This hormone is produced during pregnancy. Most pregnancy tests are done by detecting whether or not you have hCG.

Ovaries: Two glands, located on each side of the uterus. Ovaries contain the eggs that are released at ovulation.

Ovulation: The release of an egg from an ovary.

Progesterone: A female hormone produced in the ovaries. It prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy.

Sexual intercourse: The male penis enters the vagina of the female.

Sperm: A male cell, produced in the testes, which can fertilize a female egg.

Uterus: An organ located in the female pelvis. It holds and nourishes the fetus during pregnancy.

Varicocele: Varicose veins in the scrotum.

It pays to know the jargon you’ll hear.

Conditions and Techniques

Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue normally lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic structures.

Multiple pregnancy: Two or more fetuses are present.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: A condition caused by over-stimulation of the ovaries. It may result in painful swelling of the ovaries and fluid in the abdomen and lungs.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A condition with two of the following: the presence of growths called cysts on the ovaries, irregular menstrual periods, and an increase of certain hormones.

Premature Ovarian Failure: Ovulation and the menstrual cycle stop before age 35.

Ultrasound: A test using sound waves to examine internal parts of the body.

Find Your Perfect Match

Answer a few questions and we'll provide you with a list of primary care providers that best fit your needs.

Small Steps: Get a Head Start
Study the infertility risk factors to see which ones you might be able to do something about. Take those to your doctor and start the conversation early about possible changes you can make.