Definition of Terms

artificial insemination (AI)

The process by which sperm is placed in a woman's uterus through artificial means. (Although we tend to think of artificial insemination as a modern technology, it has a history dating back to 1779. The first successful AI was recorded in 1790 by a renowned Scottish anatomist and surgeon, Dr. John Hunter.)

Clomiphene citrate (Clomid)

A drug used to induce ovulation. Clomid, a weak estrogen, stimulates increased serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

cryopreservation

The process of freezing cells or whole tissues (including human eggs) at sub-zero temperatures for later use. Cryopreservation technology can be applied to eggs (oocytes) as well as embryos; the success rate is greater for embryos than for unfertilized eggs.

cyst

By the way, a "cyst" on an ovary is basically a follicle that didn't burst when it should, not a completely different structure. The best and easiest way to know if you ovulated is to track your Basal Body Temperature through the month - a definite rise signals ovulation so clearly for most of us that it can help to alleviate that tense "Did I? Didn't I?" feeling.

donor sperm

Sperm that is donated for use in artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization procedures. Sperm should be donated through a licensed sperm bank, screened and frozen before being made available for purchase. (Use of fresh sperm by unknown partners through artificial insemination is not legal in the U.S.)

embryo

A fertilized egg developing in the womb (of a human or other mammal), up until approximately two months.

endometrium

The lining of the uterus, which provides nutrients to the fetus during pregnancy.

estradiol

Estrogen is the name of a group of hormones that stimulate the growth of the uterine lining (endometrium) during the pre-ovulatory phase of a woman's cycle. There are three principle forms of estrogen found in the human body estrone, estradiol and estriol, also known as E1, E2 and E3 respectively. There is also a group of compounds called phytoestrogens, generally found in food, which can have "estrogen like" effects in the body. Estradiol (E2) is the primary estrogen produced by the ovaries. The estradiol secreted during the first half of the menstrual cycle stimulates growth of the uterine lining (endometrium) and production of the watery "raw egg white" cervical mucous. A blood test to determine the level of estradiol in the body is one of the first fertility tests a woman typically undergoes.

follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test

FSH is the hormone in the blood that stimulates the production of eggs and is important in the regulation of menstruation. FSH also stimulates sperm production in men. Hormones are chemicals in your body that are made in one place and are used in another. FSH is made in the pituitary gland, which is a small gland found near the base of the brain. As the name implies, FSH gets the ovaries to work. Inside the ovary there are many tiny follicles. A follicle is a fluid-filled cyst that has one egg inside.

In the natural menstrual cycle, FSH is the pituitary message that stimulates the development of egg-containing follicles in the ovaries. More FSH is pumped into the body when a woman's natural follicle production is down. The FSH blood test, one of the first fertility tests a woman will undergo, measures the level of FSH in the blood and in the brain. In general, the higher the FSH number, fewer eggs a woman is producing. There is a specific FSH scale assigned to gauge a woman's fertility, which varies by age (i.e., FSH levels at age 30 have a different significance than at age 40). The FSH test should be done around day three of a woman's cycle.

human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) "trigger shot"

This hormone is produced during pregnancy and is made by cells that form the placenta, which nourishes the egg after it has been fertilized and becomes attached to the uterine wall. A woman's hCG levels can first be detected by a blood test about 11 days after conception and about 12 to 14 days after conception by a urine test. In general, hCG levels will double every 72 hours, with the level reaching its peak in the first 8 to 11 weeks of pregnancy and then declining and leveling off for the remainder of the pregnancy. A "trigger shot" or injection - of hCG is sometimes given to fertility patients to trigger an egg follicle to release an egg. This is generally done after an ultrasound has determined the follicle is ready.

hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

A fertility test performed to determine whether the fallopian tubes are open or blocked and to show the location of any blockage. A dye (radiographic contrast) is injected into the uterine cavity through the vagina and cervix, filling the uterine cavity with dye.

intrauterine insemination (IUI)

A medical procedure that involves placing sperm into a woman's uterus to facilitate fertilization. IUI is not an ART procedure because it does not involve the manipulation of eggs.

in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Literally it means "fertilization in glass." IVF comprises several basic steps: the woman is given fertility drugs that stimulate her ovaries to produce a number of mature eggs; at the proper time, the eggs are retrieved by suction through a needle that has been inserted into her ovaries; the eggs are fertilized in a Petri dish in the laboratory with sperm; and subsequently the embryos are transferred into the uterus.

luteinizing hormone (LH) test

Luteinizing hormone, produced in the pituitary gland, helps regulate the menstrual cycle and egg production (ovulation). There is an "LH surge" just before ovulation (around day 14 of a 28-day cycle). Increased levels of LH - along with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) -stimulate the growth of a follicle in the ovary, leading to ovulation. An LH test may be one of the fertility tests a woman who is trying to conceive may undergo.

oocyte

A human egg (unfertilized).

polycystic ovaries

This is unrelated to your situation, but a bit of background that might be helpful for others. Women with polycystic ovaries are women who aren't ovulating because of hormonal imbalances (often their luteinizing hormone level is routinely high, so no spike can occur - therefore no ovulation is triggered). The cysts are a symptom of the anovulatory aspect of the disorder, not a cause, which is why some scientists are wanting to move towards calling it Anovulatory Androgen Excess instead of Polycystic Ovarian Disorder.

pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)

A process that determines some genetic diagnoses in human embryos prior to implantation in the uterus. The development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) along with embryo micromanipulation techniques and DNA amplification technology has led to PGD. It is typically used to see if the mother and/or her partner or donor carry a genetic mutation that could be passed along. Cells are removed from an embryo and amplified DNA is tested to determine whether or not the embryo from which the DNA was obtained carries the genetic mutation. In this manner, only unaffected embryos will be selected to be transferred back to the uterus of the female partner.

progesterone

One of the hormones in women's bodies that stimulates and regulates functions, including preparation of the body for conception and pregnancy (by building up the endometrium.) Progesterone also helps maintain pregnancy (through egg implantation), regulates menstrual cycles and plays a role in sexual desire. Progesterone, which is produced in the ovaries, the placenta (during pregnancy) and the adrenal glands, is sometimes given in natural or synthetic form to enhance a woman's chances at conception.

reproductive endocrinologist (RE)

Specialists in reproduction and endocrinology, or the system of the endocrine glands, including hormones.

Sources: Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, American Pregnancy Association, National Women's Health Resource Center, Pacific Fertility Center, University of Michigan Health System.