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GenderLabs™ Glossary
The packet of enzymes in a sperm's head that allows the sperm to dissolve a hole in the coating around the egg, which allows the sperm to penetrate and fertilize the egg
Acrosome Reaction
A chemical change that enables a sperm to penetrate an egg
Adhesion
Scarring as a result of tissue injury. It can be caused by infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia or by previous surgeries such as removal of cysts or an appendectomy or because of endometriosis. Adhesions involving the tubes and/or the ovaries can cause infertility by preventing the normal pick-up of the egg from the surface of the ovary. If the adhesions are mild, they can be treated by laparoscopic surgery. If the adhesions are severe, surgery may not be successful and in most cases (IVF) is recommended
Amenorrhea
Absence of menstruation
Amniocentesis
Test performed between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy in order to determine the presence of birth defects in the developing fetus. It involves the insertion of a small needle into the amniotic fluid that surrounds the developing baby. The fluid is then screened for genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome
Androgens
Refers to male reproductive hormones, such as testosterone. These hormones may be produced in excess by the female in certain conditions such as PCOS
Alkaline, Alkali, Alkalinity
A chemical substance that is soluble in water,
neutralizes acids and forms salts with them. An alkali has a pH above 7
Anovulation, Anovulatory Cycle
The state of not ovulating or a fertility cycle without ovulation. An anovulatory cycle may happen due to various factors; menopause, stress, exercise, travel, illness and drugs etc. Generally, it is not a cause for concern, however, consult your doctor should it happens frequently
Antibody
substances that are produced by specialized cells in the body, called B cells. These substances attack foreign material that enters the body in order to prevent or fight off infection. Sometimes these substances may mistakenly recognize the body's organs or sperm as being foreign and attack them
Antagon™
Brand name GnRH antagonist (see GnRH antagonist). The generic name of this medication is ganirelix acetate
Anti-Sperm Antibodies
Antibodies directed against sperm. If directed specifically against the head of the sperm, they can interfere with fertilization. These antibodies can be present in both men and women. There are different methods for testing for antibodies. A simple blood test can be done or a more sophisticated test called the immunobead sperm antibody assay. This test looks for antibodies directly attached to the sperm. The recommended treatment is IVF
Artificial Insemination (AI)
The process of depositing specially prepared sperm inside the woman's reproductive tract. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one type of artificial insemination that involves the placement of sperm inside the uterine cavity. The procedure involves the washing of sperm to obtain the best quality fraction and then injecting it (less than 0.5cc) into the uterus. A thin catheter is used, connected to a syringe that contains the washed sperm. The catheter is introduced through the cervix and deep inside the uterus. Cramping sometimes does occur but it is short-lived. Artificial insemination is commonly used with ovulation inducing medications, when there is abnormal cervical mucus, and always with donor sperm
Arcateuterus
A mild deformity of the uterus that involves the presence of a very small separation in the midline of the fundus (the upper part of the uterus) inside the uterine cavity. This condition is usually not associated with infertility or recurrent miscarriages and therefore it rarely needs any form of therapy
Assisted Hatching
the process of helping an embryo to hatch by making a surgical slit in the zona pellucida or "shell" or by digesting this "shell" with special enzymes. It is indicated in most women over 40 years of age undergoing IVF, and when the zona pellucida is thick
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
a term used to describe medical procedures which enhance the opportunity for egg fertilization and pregnancy. Examples include ICSI, IVF, GIFT and ZIFT
Azoospermia
the complete absence of sperm. It can result from obstruction of the vas deferens (the duct that takes the sperm from the testicles to the urethra) or from failure of the testicles to produce sperm
The Basal Body Temperature (BBT) method measures variations in body temperature to determine when ovulation has occurred. Normally, body temperature decreases slightly just before ovulation and begins to rise for several days afterward. The temperature remains slightly elevated until menstruation begins. With this method, a woman takes her temperature every morning before getting out of bed using a basal thermometer, which has an expanded scale to show slight changes in temperature between 36° C (96° F) and 38° C (100° F). The name ‘basal’ is derived from the fact it is a measurement of the ‘base’ temperature ie. when one is at rest or under as little stress as possible
Bicornuate Uterus
A congenital abnormality of the uterus that involves a partial lack of fusion of the two parts of the uterus. A single cervix is present. In the majority of cases it does not cause infertility, but recurrent miscarriages and premature births have been reported in rare instances. If treatment is needed, it is through abdominal surgical repair
Blastocyst
An embryo made up of two groups of cells. One group will develop into the fetus and the other will become the placenta. Following IVF, blastocysts are typically allowed to mature for five days outside the body and then are transferred into the uterus
Bromocriptine (Parlodel®)
A medication that reduces levels of the pituitary hormone prolactin
A soft silver-white element that is an alkaline earth metal constituting about three percent of the earth’s crust. A very important mineral primarily for maintain the bone structure of human beings and in term of gender preselection, studies show Calcium and Magnesium may render the reproductive system more attractive to the X-sperm, which is the gender determining factor for a baby Girl
Capacitation
The changes that a sperm goes through to be capable of penetrating the layers covering the egg. It involves the sequential time release of a series of enzymes, which allows sperm to digest a passage through loose layers
In
the fertility context, ‘casually’ implies having unplanned
intercourse
at irregular
intervals eg. once or twice a week. Generally, such practice is encouraged to
maintain high sperm counts and in order to increase the probability of
conception,
especially if there is preference for a baby Boy
Cauterize
To destroy tissue with heat, cold, or caustic substances in order to seal off blood vessels or ducts
Cervical Cultures
the process of obtaining samples (of secretions) from the cervix and culturing them on special media to detect the presence of infectious organisms such as chlamydia , gonococcus and ureaplasma. These sexually transmitted diseases, if present, can cause infertility by damaging the fallopian tubes or interfering with implantation of the embryo by affecting the inside lining of the uterus. They are usually treated with antibiotic therapy
Clear slimy lubricating substance secreted by
Cervix.
It serves several purposes in human reproduction: -
1.
as a natural lubricant to facilitate sexual
intercourse,
2.
provides nutrients
for
sperm to live for up to 4-5 days and,
3.
provides sperm with
a conductive environment to travel to the
fallopian
tubes.
It is the principal element enabling conception to take place. Without its presence, sperm would die within a few hours
Cervical Stenosis
Narrowing or blockage of the cervical canal in such a way that menstrual flow can partially or completely be impeded. It is often the result of cervical injury due to surgery such as a cone biopsy done for an abnormal pap smear. It can cause infertility by hampering the normal passage of sperm through the cervix
Cervicitis
Inflammation of the cervix
Neck of the womb, consisting of a narrow passage leading to the vagina
Chlamydia
A type of bacteria that is frequently transmitted sexually between partners or from an infected mother to her newborn child; the most common sexually transmitted bacterial disease
A
rod-shaped structure in a cell nucleus carrying the genes that determine sex and
the characteristics an organism inherits from its parents
Medication also known by the trade names of "Clomid®" and "Serophene®". It is a synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen hormone that is commonly used for ovulation induction. It comes in 50 mg tablets that are taken by mouth once a day for 5 days in the early part of the menstrual cycle. It works by stimulating the release of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) from the pituitary gland. Due to its antiestrogenic actions, some of its effects include abnormal cervical mucus and endometrial lining. The former can interfere with normal passage of sperm through the cervix to reach the egg, and the latter with implantation. Some women may complain of hot flashes (10%), nausea and/or breast discomfort (2-5%). Visual symptoms (blurring) occur rarely (less than 1.5%) but are an indication to discontinue therapy
A tiny projecting thread of the
fallopian
tubes, that beats rhythmically to aid the movement of a fluid past
the cell or movement of the organism through liquid
Coverline
is a line used to help delineate pre-ovulatory and post-ovulatory
temperatures on a fertility chart.
A
line drawn 0.1° F / 0.05° C above the highest of the previous six temperatures
on a
fertility
chart. When three successive temperatures are above this line, a
thermal
shift
is identified and there is a good chance that
ovulation
has already occurred. In coverline calculations and if
Rules Options is set to ‘Normal’, the system will take as
little as 4 temperatures (but will use six if they are available). On the other hand, a ‘Strict’ option
will require 6 temperatures
Colposcopy
Examination of the cervix through magnifying telescope to detect abnormal cells
Conceive, Conception
Become pregnant with a child
Conceptu, Concepti
Term given to an embryo which has already implanted in the uterus
Cone Biopsy
a procedure where precancerous cells are removed from the cervix. Potential risks associated with this procedure include damage to the mucus membranes of the cervix and weakening the cervix so that it is unable to hold the fetus throughout the duration of a pregnancy
A follicle that releases an egg at the time of ovulation is subsequently called the corpus luteum. This is initially a partially cystic space that later can become a full-blown cyst, it is a yellow mass of tissue that forms in part of the ovary and is very active in hormone secretion. Its major product is hormone progesterone, which is an essential hormone that prepares the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized ovum. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum "dies" roughly 12 to 16 days after ovulation corresponding to Luteal Phase. The result is a sudden drop in progesterone levels, which leads to menstruation. If, on the other hand, if pregnancy occurs, the newly developing placenta secretes the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), which salvages the corpus luteum and stimulates it to continue producing progesterone. This placental support of the corpus luteum is indispensable for the first 7 weeks of pregnancy. From that point on, the placenta starts making its own progesterone and the corpus luteum is no longer needed. Therefore, it shrinks and becomes the "corpus albicans"
Culture Media
A specially formulated solution that enables growth and division of a fertilized egg outside of the body until embryo transfer takes place
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
A test that is done early during pregnancy to check for the presence of genetic disorders. It involves obtaining a biopsy of the placenta, usually between the 10th and 13th weeks of pregnancy. This biopsy is then tested to check for the presence of certain congenital defects, such as Down Syndrome
Cycle
Refers to the menstrual cycle
Cyropreservation
The process of freezing sperm or embryos in extremely low temperatures (-196°C). This technique has been used for decades to freeze sperm. It allows the sperm to be quarantined while the donor is tested for transmittable infectious diseases (such as HIV). The sperm can then be thawed when necessary and used in artificial insemination. The quality of thawed sperm is not as good as a fresh sample, but is very acceptable and without negative effects in the resulting offspring. More recently we have been able to freeze and preserve human embryos, including those resulting from in vitro fertilization. These embryos can also later be thawed and transferred back to the uterus. Pregnancy rates with frozen/thawed embryos are not as high as fresh embryos and range in the 15-30% range
A synthetic androgen frequently prescribed for endometriosis. It works by inhibiting the production of LH and FSH. This results in diminished levels of estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that support growth and activity of endometrial implants in endometriosis. Since this medication inhibits LH and FSH production, a woman will not ovulate while taking the drug. Common side effects include weight gain, acne abnormal hair growth, and oily skin
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
The combination of molecules in the cell's nucleus that make up the chromosomes, which transmit hereditary characteristics
Depot Kit
An injectable medication (such as Lupron Depot™) which maintains its effect for an extended period of time. One injection with a "depot" medication may last a month or more, and therefore daily injections are not needed
DES
Also known as diethylstilbestrol; This is a medication that was prescribed to pregnant women during the late 1940's to the early 70's to prevent miscarriage. Its use was banned in 1971 in pregnant women because it was found to cause abnormalities and deformities of the reproductive organs in the children of women who took this drug during pregnancy. During an infertility evaluation, you may be asked if your mother took this drug while she was pregnant with you
DHEAS
Stands for dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate; This is a type of androgen that may be found in excessive amounts in women with PCOS, or other conditions of excessive androgen production. Its level may be checked as part of an infertility evaluation
Dilatation and Curettage (D&C)
It is the process of gradually dilating the cervix to the point of being able to introduce a sharp instrument (curette) to scrape the surface of uterine cavity (endometrium). A suction cannula is also used if the amount of tissue being removed is large. This procedure is often used to treat abnormal bleeding, incomplete miscarriages, and abnormal uterine pathology such as polyps and small fibroids. It is during sedation and sometimes under general anesthesia. Complications include infection and uterine perforation. This latter involves the passage of one of the instruments through the wall of the uterus and inside the abdominal cavity. In the majority of instances, similar observation is enough, since this artificially made hole seals on its own
Invalidated
Basal
Body Temperature (BBT) due to early or late rising, sickness,
physical exertion, hangover etc. It should not be confused with temperatures
invalidated by Rule of Thumb, which are
outlying temperatures with no valid basis for being outside of the norm. The
system will automatically adjust disturbed temperature caused by early or late
rising as long as the observation take place within 90 minutes from the normal
time
The most competitive candidate among a dozen or more
Ovarian
Follicles, which will eventually outpace all the rest to be released
as
ovum
of the cycle, while others disintegrate, during the process of
ovulation.
The dominant follicle plays the key role in influencing the secretion of
Luteinizing
Hormone (LH) in abundance and to eventually trigger the ovulation
Donor Insemination
Artificial insemination with a donor's sperm
The Dry Day Rule dictates that
the
fertile
Phase 2
will begin upon sighting of Cervical Mucus (CM), as long as the CM
appears to be more fertile than the selected
Infertile
Phenomenon. The rule is so named for the fact that ‘Dry’ is the
de facto Infertile Phenomenon for majority of the women
A normal pregnancy results when the embryo implants inside the uterus. When implantation occurs outside the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy occurs. Such an abnormal pregnancy can be located in the tubes, the ovaries, the cervix or inside the abdomen. In 1987, roughly 2 of every 100 women who were known to conceive were hospitalized for ectopic pregnancy. This incidence is slightly higher with in vitro fertilization. The most common symptoms are abnormal bleeding and lower abdominal pain. Women who have tubule damage (such as scarring from infection) are at an increased risk for an ectopic pregnancy. The incidence is also higher in women who have had children, especially those who have been pregnant three or more times
Egg (Ovum)
The female reproductive cell
Egg Donation
The process that involves stimulation of a younger woman with fertility drugs, the retrieval of her eggs, fertilization of the eggs with the recipient's husband's sperm, and the transfer of the resultant embryos into the uterus of the recipient. Women who may need egg donation include the following:
women with no ovaries as a result of congenital absence or surgical removal
women with early (premature) menopause
older women, greater than 43 years of age
women who fail to produce adequate number of eggs after stimulation with fertility drugs
women with serious transmissible genetic traits or diseases
Women who are about to undergo surgery for ovarian cancer, in which case they can freeze the resultant embryos for use at a later time.
Egg donors should be less than 37 years old. Most egg donation is done anonymously, however known donors are also acceptable in many instances
Egg Retrieval
The process of introducing a long needle through the vagina and into the ovaries to aspirate the follicles that contain the eggs. It is done under ultrasound guidance. The ovaries are visualized on the ultrasound screen, and the needle, which is attached to the ultrasound probe, is directed into the follicles, which are aspirated with gentle suction. The aspirated fluid is sent to the embryologist who examines it and separates the egg. The procedure is done under heavy sedation and is therefore painless. It takes about 20-40 minutes to complete (depending on the number of follicles present) and the patient is discharged 2-3 hours later. The patient is not allowed to drive because of slight drowsiness for a few hours after the procedure. Complications are very rare and include bleeding from the site of the needle punctures or the ovaries, and infection. Bleeding almost always subsides on its own with light pressure, and infections are treated with antibiotic
Electronic Fertility Monitoring Device
(EFMD)
Basically an electronic Basal
Thermometer with computing capability designed to facilitate fertility planning.
Typically, it is programmed to record
Basal
Body Temperature (BBT) and to provide basic advice such as Fertile/Infertile.
Therefore, it is not made for advanced users who demand high level of precision
and complexity
Ejaculation
The
ejecting of semen from the penis during an
orgasm
Ejaculatory Duct
The male ducts that contract the fluid released at orgasm
Electroejaculation
Controlled electrical stimulation to induce ejaculation in a man with damage to the nerves that control ejaculation
Embryo
A
human offspring in the early stages following
conception
up to the end of the eighth week, after which it is classified as a fetus
Embryologist
A specialist in embryo development
Embryo Transfer
The process of depositing fertilized eggs (or embryos) inside the uterus. This often occurs 2 days following egg retrieval. A predetermined number of embryos are first placed inside a special catheter, which is then introduced inside the uterus through the cervix. The embryos are then gently injected and the catheter is removed. During this procedure, the woman is in a position similar to a pelvic examination for a pap smear. The patient will remain in that position for roughly an hour before being discharged. The number of embryos to be transferred depends mostly on the age of the woman and the quality of embryos. As a general rule, 4 embryos will be transferred in women less than 35 years of age to reduce the risk of high order (more than twins) multiple pregnancies. This number increases with age, and it is not unusual to transfer 8-10 embryos in women over 40. The couple will make the informed decision regarding the number of embryos to be transferred after conferring with her physician
Endometrial Biopsy
A procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the inside the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium). It is done in the office and takes only a few minutes. A small hollow catheter is introduced through the cervix inside the uterus and gently the endometrium is scraped, while a gentle suction is applied to the catheter. Small pieces of endometrial tissue are collected by this process and sent for microscopic examination. An endometrial biopsy is done for many reasons. In case of investigation for infertility, it is performed to evaluate the endometrium for its readiness to accept the embryo. An egg that is fertilized by a sperm in the fallopian tube travels to the uterus in about 3 days and then is ready to implant in about another 3 to 4 days. Therefore, roughly one week after ovulation and successful fertilization, that embryo will implant. During this crucial time, the endometrium should be "ready" for implantation. The biopsy will check for these specific changes in the cells and glands of the endometrium. A normal test is said to be "in-phase" with the menstrual date, since the biopsy is done on a specific day of the cycle (usually 7 to 12 days after ovulation). An abnormal test is said to be "out-of-phase" in relation to the date of the cycle. An abnormal test result usually signifies that there is a "luteal phase defect," which means that the second part of the cycle (called the luteal phase) is abnormal and can be the cause of infertility. Women who have very short luteal phases (less than 11 days) will often have an abnormal biopsy result. An endometrial biopsy is also performed for abnormal uterine bleeding, to diagnose hormonal imbalances or an anatomic cause for bleeding, such as polyps, hyperplasia (abnormal benign growth of the endometrium) or cancer
Endometrium
The inside lining of the uterus where implantation of the embryo occurs. It sheds every month in response to estrogen and progesterone stimulation. If pregnancy occurs, the endometrium will not shed
Endometrioma
Aspecial type of ovarian cyst that is chocolate in color and contains endometrial cells that grow and bleed during menstruation; also known as a chocolate cyst
Endometriosis
Inflammation of endometrium. The presence and growth of endometrial tissue (known as implants) in locations outside the uterus, such as over the fallopian tubes, ovaries, the lining of the pelvis, bowel or other unusual areas. The disease is benign but usually progressive. In advanced stages, it causes severe scarring of the ovaries and /or tubes which can result in infertility. Even milder forms of the disease, where only few implants are present, can be associated with infertility. The incidence of the disease is 30% to 45% in women with infertility. The cause of endometriosis is not known with certainty, but several mechanisms are involved. More recently immunological causes have been implicated in the mechanism of infertility in patients with endometriosis. The classic symptoms of endometriosis are cyclic pelvic pain and infertility. Medical or surgical therapy is successful only for the relief of pain. Studies have sown that medical therapy does not improve fertility. Surgery for endometriosis is also not successful in treating infertility except in instances where there are mild adhesions partially blocking the tubes
Endometrium
Mucous membrane that lines the uterus which builds up during every fertility cycle to facilitate implantation of a fertilized ovum. It will grow thicker during the pre-ovulatory and during ovulation and it is maintained during the Luteal Phase by progesterone released by Corpus Luteum. If implantation is successful, it will provide the developing zygote with nutrients and protection until a placenta is formed. If implantation never happen, progesterone production will stop within 12-16 days after ovulation and the endometrium will be shed during menstruation.
Epididymis
The tightly coiled, thin-walled tube where sperm maturation is completed. Sperm move from the testicles to the vas deferens through the epididymis
Epididymitis
Inflammation of the epididymis
Estradiol
The principal estrogen produced by the ovary. This is the primary hormone monitored via blood test during stimulation with fertility drugs
The
major female hormone
secreted by by developing follicles and eventually by the dominant
follicle in the ovaries.
A normally menstruating woman ovulates once a month about 14 days after the
start of the menstrual cycle. The developing follicle (a balloon-like space in
the ovary that contains the egg) secretes estrogen as it grows. The level of
this hormone peaks at the time of ovulation; it then drops for several days and
peaks again about a week after ovulation. Estrogen is responsible for the normal
grown and differentiation of the follicle and the egg. It also plays an
important role in preparing the endometrial lining for implantation. Estrogen
also changes the quality and texture of the Cervical Mucus (CM),
making it thinner and more elastic. This allows the normal passage of sperm
through the Cervix
towards the uterus and the fallopian tube where the sperm meets the ovum
(egg). Most important of all, estrogen causes Luteinizing
Hormone (LH) to be released to trigger ovulation.
The two ducts in female mammals leading from
the ovaries to the upper part of the uterus. They are also known as oviducts. In
the human female the Fallopian tubes are about 2 cm (about 0.75 in) thick and 10
to 13 cm (4 to 5 in) long. As the ovum
leaves the ovary it passes into the mouth of the adjoining Fallopian tube and is
propelled toward the uterus by hairlike projections called cilia
on the inner surface of the tube. If the ovum is fertilized inside the tube,
where most fertilization takes place, it usually implants in the uterus. Some
fertilized ova, however, implant in the Fallopian tube itself and must be
surgically excised. The condition is called an ectopic pregnancy. Many cases of
infertility in women are due to blocked Fallopian tubes, which can result from
infection, especially that which is contracted from sexually transmitted
disease. Surgical severing and sealing of the Fallopian tubes is a common method
of preventing pregnancy. These tubes were named after their discoverer, the
Italian anatomist Gabriel Fallopius.