A
Artificial Insemination (AI)
A procedure in which semen is introduced directly into the uterus or cervix to increase the chances of fertilization.
Andrology
A branch of medicine concerned with male health, particularly related to reproductive and urological issues.
B
Biopsy
A medical procedure involving the removal of a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope. In the context of fertility, a testicular biopsy may be performed to retrieve sperm directly from the testes.
Blastocyst
An advanced stage of the embryo, usually reached 5-6 days after fertilization, at which the embryo has about 100-200 cells and is ready for implantation in the uterus.
C
Cryopreservation
The process of freezing and storing reproductive cells (eggs, sperm, embryos) at very low temperatures for future use.
E
Embryo Transfer
A procedure in which one or more embryos are placed in the uterus in the hope of achieving a pregnancy.
Embryo
An early stage of development of an organism, from the fertilization of the egg until the first weeks of gestation.
Egg Donation
A process by which a woman donates her eggs for use in other women’s fertility treatments.
F
Fallopian Tubes
Tubular structures that connect the ovaries to the uterus, where natural fertilization of the egg by sperm takes place.
Follicle
A structure in the ovaries that contains an immature egg and develops during the menstrual cycle.
G
Gonadotropins
Hormones used in fertility treatments to stimulate egg production in the ovaries.
Gametes
Reproductive cells (eggs in women and sperm in men) that unite during fertilization to form an embryo.
GnRH Antagonist
Medication used in fertility treatments to prevent premature ovulation during ovarian stimulation.
H
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
An X-ray of the uterus and Fallopian tubes after a contrast dye is injected. It is used to detect blockages or abnormalities in the Fallopian tubes that may affect fertility.
Hysteroscopy
A medical procedure that allows the doctor to examine the inside of the uterus using an endoscope.
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
A hormone used to trigger the final maturation of eggs and ovulation in fertility treatments.
I
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
An assisted reproduction technique in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to achieve fertilization.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
An assisted reproduction technique in which eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body, in a laboratory, and the resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus.
K
Karyotype
An analysis that examines the number and structure of a person’s chromosomes to identify genetic abnormalities that may affect fertility.
L
Laparoscopy
A minimally invasive surgical technique that allows the doctor to view and operate within the abdomen through small incisions.
M
Menstrual Cycle
A series of natural changes in hormones and reproductive organs in women that prepares the body for pregnancy.
O
Ovulation
The process by which an ovary releases a mature egg, ready to be fertilized.
Ovarian Stimulation
The use of medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a single menstrual cycle.
P
Progesterone
A hormone that prepares the uterine lining for embryo implantation and supports early pregnancy.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
A common hormonal disorder in women that can affect ovulation and cause infertility.
S
Semen Analysis
A test to evaluate the quality and quantity of sperm as well as the overall health of the seminal fluid.
Semen
The fluid containing sperm that is expelled during ejaculation, essential for natural fertilization.
Sperm Donor Qualification Methods
A process that includes medical and genetic testing, semen analysis, and psychological evaluations to ensure donors meet health and quality criteria.
Sperm Donation
A process in which a man donates his semen to be used in the fertility treatments of others.
Semen Analysis
A test to evaluate the quantity, motility (movement), and morphology (shape) of sperm in a semen sample.
V
Vitrification
An advanced cryopreservation method that rapidly freezes reproductive cells to prevent ice crystal formation and better preserve cell viability.
