Glossary of Fertility Terms

An embryo that has developed for approximately five days after fertilization. At this point the embryo has two different cell types and a central cavity. The surface cells (trophectoderm) will become the placenta, and the inner cell mass will become the fetus.

A technique which uses extremely low temperature to preserve live tissue in storage for long periods of time. Cells are partially dehydrated and rapidly brought to a temperature at which all cellular metabolic reactions cease. Upon thawing, cells are rehydrated and brought back to body temperature.

A procedure used to obtain eggs directly from ovarian follicles for use in IVF (In vitro fertilization). With the patient sedated and comfortable, the eggs are retrieved through the vagina under ultrasound guidance.

A procedure used to obtain eggs directly from ovarian follicles for use in IVF (In vitro fertilization). With the patient sedated and comfortable, the eggs are retrieved through the vagina under ultrasound guidance.

A cause of infertility, in which the lining of the uterus migrates to other regions of the body, usually in the pelvic region, causing scarring and sometimes damaging the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Procedure by which the embryo (usually aged 3 to 5 days) is placed into the uterus.

An x-ray that allows the physician to view the size and shape of the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It is also known as the tubal dye test.

A procedure by endoscopy with access through the cervix that permits a physician to view the uterine cavity. It allows for the diagnosis of intrauterine pathology and serves as a method for surgical intervention.

A micromanipulation procedure whereby a single sperm is captured in a thin glass needle and injected directly into the egg. This procedure allows fertilization to be possible even with just one sperm.

A type of artificial insemination in which washed semen is injected into the uterus using a catheter.

In Vitro Fertilization is a process by which eggs are harvested from the ovaries and mixed with sperm outside of the body and allowed to fertilize. Fertilized eggs, or embryos, can be cultured for up to 6 days in the laboratory. At that point, embryos or blastocysts are transferred to the uterus.

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure performed under a general anesthetic in the abdomen or pelvis through small incisions (usually 0.5–1.5 cm) with the aid of a camera. It can be used to inspect and diagnose a condition or to perform surgery.

Refers to genetic profiling of embryos prior to implantation (as a form of embryo profiling). PGT can be used to detect abnormalities of both chromosome number and/or specific gene content.

A laboratory test used to assess semen quality: sperm quantity, concentration, morphology (form), and motility