49 essential terms explained in plain language. From AMH to Zygote — understand the medical terminology on your journey.
The absence of menstrual periods. Primary amenorrhea is when periods haven't started by age 15. Secondary amenorrhea is missing 3+ periods in a row after having regular cycles.
A menstrual cycle in which no egg is released from the ovaries. Anovulation is the most common cause of female infertility.
An ultrasound measurement of small follicles (2-10mm) in the ovaries at the beginning of a menstrual cycle, used to estimate ovarian reserve.
Your body's lowest resting temperature, taken immediately upon waking before any activity. BBT rises 0.2-0.5°F after ovulation due to progesterone.
A hollow ball of about 200-300 cells that forms from the fertilized egg approximately 5-6 days after conception, just before implantation.
Fluid produced by the cervix that changes in consistency throughout the menstrual cycle. Fertile-quality mucus resembles raw egg whites and helps sperm survive and travel.
Brand name for clomiphene citrate, the most commonly prescribed fertility medication. It stimulates ovulation by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain.
The temporary endocrine structure that forms from the ovarian follicle after it releases an egg during ovulation. It produces progesterone to support early pregnancy.
A pregnancy that implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies cannot develop normally and require immediate medical treatment.
The final step of IVF where one or more embryos are placed into the uterus using a thin catheter through the cervix.
A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain, inflammation, and potentially infertility. Affects about 10% of reproductive-age women.
The primary female reproductive hormone, produced mainly by the ovaries. Estrogen drives follicle development, builds the uterine lining, and triggers the LH surge that causes ovulation.
Two thin tubes connecting each ovary to the uterus. Fertilization normally occurs inside a fallopian tube, which then transports the fertilized egg to the uterus.
The approximately 6-day period each cycle when pregnancy is possible — the 5 days before ovulation plus ovulation day itself.
A fluid-filled sac in the ovary that contains a developing egg. Each cycle, several follicles begin growing, but usually only one dominant follicle releases a mature egg.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone — produced by the pituitary gland, it stimulates follicle growth in the ovaries. FSH levels are used to assess ovarian reserve.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin — the 'pregnancy hormone' produced by the placenta after implantation. It's what pregnancy tests detect.
Hysterosalpingography — an X-ray procedure where dye is injected through the cervix to check if the fallopian tubes are open and if the uterine cavity is normal.
A minimally invasive procedure where a thin camera is inserted through the cervix to view the inside of the uterus, diagnose problems, and sometimes treat them.
The process by which a fertilized egg (blastocyst) attaches to and embeds in the uterine lining, occurring 6-12 days after ovulation.
Intrauterine Insemination — a fertility treatment where washed, concentrated sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.
In Vitro Fertilization — the most effective form of assisted reproduction, where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a lab, and resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus.
A rapid rise in Luteinizing Hormone that triggers ovulation approximately 24-36 hours later. OPKs (ovulation predictor kits) detect this surge.
The second half of the menstrual cycle, from ovulation to the start of the next period. It typically lasts 12-14 days and is dominated by progesterone.
A woman's first menstrual period, marking the beginning of reproductive capability. Average age is 12-13, but can range from 8-16.
The permanent end of menstruation, diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period. Average age is 51, but can occur naturally between 45-55.
The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. Occurs in 10-20% of known pregnancies, with most happening in the first trimester.
German for 'middle pain' — a one-sided lower abdominal pain that some women feel during ovulation when the follicle ruptures to release the egg.
A solid ball of 16-32 cells formed 3-4 days after fertilization, before it develops into a blastocyst. Named after the Latin word for mulberry.
Infrequent menstrual periods, occurring more than 35 days apart. Unlike amenorrhea (no periods), women with oligomenorrhea do menstruate, just irregularly.
The medical term for an egg cell (ovum). A primary oocyte develops inside a follicle and becomes a mature oocyte (egg) at ovulation.
A measure of a woman's remaining egg supply and quality. It's assessed through AMH blood tests, FSH levels, and antral follicle count (AFC).
The release of a mature egg from an ovarian follicle, occurring approximately once per menstrual cycle. The egg is viable for fertilization for only 12-24 hours.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome — a hormonal disorder affecting 6-12% of women, characterized by irregular periods, excess androgens, and polycystic-appearing ovaries.
A temporary organ that develops during pregnancy, connecting mother and baby through the umbilical cord. It provides oxygen, nutrients, and hormone production.
A serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in urine, typically developing after 20 weeks. Affects 5-8% of pregnancies.
A hormone produced primarily by the corpus luteum after ovulation and by the placenta during pregnancy. It prepares and maintains the uterine lining for implantation.
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland, primarily responsible for breast milk production. Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) can suppress ovulation and cause infertility.
The size and shape of sperm cells, assessed as part of a semen analysis. Normal morphology (strict Kruger criteria) is ≥4% normally shaped sperm.
The death of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy but before or during delivery. Stillbirth affects about 1 in 160 pregnancies in the United States.
One of three approximately equal periods of pregnancy. First trimester: weeks 1-12. Second trimester: weeks 13-26. Third trimester: weeks 27-40.
The approximately 14-day period between ovulation and the expected period date (or pregnancy test). Often abbreviated as TWW in fertility communities.
A medical imaging technique using sound waves to create images of the developing baby, uterus, ovaries, and other structures. Also called a sonogram.
Non-cancerous growths of the uterine muscle that develop during reproductive years. Up to 80% of women develop fibroids by age 50, though many have no symptoms.
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