A comprehensive glossary of terms related to fertility, conception, and reproductive health, explained in simple language.
Did you know that 1 in 8 couples experience challenges when trying to conceive? When I first started researching fertility treatments and at-home insemination methods, I felt overwhelmed by the medical terminology and acronyms. Every article seemed to assume I already knew what AMH, IUI, and BBT meant!
Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey, exploring at-home insemination options, or diving into assisted reproductive technologies, understanding the terminology is your first step toward feeling empowered and informed.
I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help demystify the language of fertility and conception. No more frantically Googling terms during doctor’s appointments or feeling lost in fertility forums!
Let’s break down these terms together.
Artificial Insemination (AI): The process of introducing sperm into the reproductive tract without sexual intercourse, often performed at home or in a medical setting.
Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual periods for three or more consecutive months in women who previously had regular periods.
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): A hormone produced by ovarian follicles that helps indicate ovarian reserve.
Androgen: A group of hormones that play a role in male traits and reproductive activity.
Anovulation: Absence of ovulation during a menstrual cycle.
Artificial Cervical Insemination (ACI): Placement of sperm at the cervical opening.
Anonymous Donor: A sperm donor whose identity is not disclosed to recipients.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Your body’s temperature when at complete rest, used to track ovulation.
Beta hCG: A blood test that measures the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to confirm pregnancy.
Bilateral Tubal Blockage: Blockage in both fallopian tubes that can prevent natural conception.
Birth Order: Legal document establishing parental rights in cases involving donor sperm or assisted reproduction.
Cervical Mucus: Fluid secreted by the cervix that changes in consistency throughout the menstrual cycle.
Cervical Position: The location and firmness of the cervix, which changes throughout the cycle.
Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate): A medication used to stimulate ovulation.
Conception: The moment when a sperm fertilises an egg.
Conception Cup: A soft cup used to hold sperm close to the cervix during at-home insemination.
Chemical Pregnancy: A very early pregnancy loss that occurs shortly after implantation.
Cryopreservation: The process of freezing sperm, eggs, or embryos for future use.
Donor Agreement: Legal contract between sperm donor and recipient outlining rights and responsibilities.
Donor Registry: Database maintaining records of sperm donors and their genetic information.
Donor Sperm: Sperm from a donor used in artificial insemination or IVF procedures.
Due Date: The estimated date of delivery, typically calculated as 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period.
Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus that thickens monthly in preparation for possible pregnancy.
Estrogen: A female sex hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy.
Elevated Position: Position maintained after insemination to help prevent leakage and aid sperm transport.
Fallopian Tubes: The tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus where fertilisation typically occurs.
Fertility Awareness Method (FAM): Tracking various fertility signs to identify fertile days.
Fertility Window: The days in a cycle when pregnancy is possible, typically the days leading up to and including ovulation.
Follicle: A fluid-filled sac in the ovary containing a developing egg.
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): A hormone that stimulates follicle growth in the ovaries.
Fresh Sperm: Sperm used for insemination within an hour of collection, as opposed to frozen sperm.
Gestation: The period of pregnancy from conception to birth, typically lasting 40 weeks.
Genetic Screening: Testing of donor sperm for hereditary conditions and genetic disorders.
hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): The pregnancy hormone detected by pregnancy tests.
Home Insemination: The process of performing artificial insemination at home using specialised tools like insemination syringes.
HSG (Hysterosalpingogram): An X-ray test to check if fallopian tubes are open and the shape of the uterus.
Implantation: When a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine wall.
Implantation Bleeding: Light spotting that may occur when a fertilised egg implants in the uterus.
Insemination Kit: A collection of tools and supplies needed for at-home insemination.
Insemination Syringe: A specially designed syringe with a rounded tip used for at-home insemination.
Intracervical Insemination (ICI): Method of placing sperm directly at the cervix using a syringe.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): A medical procedure where sperm is placed directly into the uterus.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): A process where eggs are fertilised outside the body and transferred to the uterus.
Known Donor: A sperm donor whose identity is known to the recipient(s).
Leakage: Common occurrence after insemination where some fluid flows back out, typically normal and not concerning.
Letrozole: Medication used to induce ovulation, often prescribed as an alternative to Clomid.
LH (Luteinising Hormone): The hormone that triggers ovulation.
Luteal Phase: The post-ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle.
LGBTQ+ Family Building: Fertility and family-building options specific to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
Menstrual Cycle: The monthly series of changes a woman’s body goes through in preparation for pregnancy.
Miscarriage: The loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks.
Monitored Cycle: A cycle where hormone levels and follicle development are tracked by healthcare providers.
Non-Anonymous Donor: A sperm donor who agrees to be contacted by offspring after they turn 18.
Ovarian Reserve: The quantity and quality of eggs remaining in the ovaries.
Ovulation: The release of a mature egg from an ovary.
Ovulation Pain: Also called mittelschmerz, pain sometimes felt during ovulation.
Ovulation Predictor Kit (OPK): Tests that detect the LH surge indicating approaching ovulation.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): A hormonal disorder that can affect fertility.
Post-Insemination Care: Steps taken after insemination to optimise chances of success.
Post-Ovulation: The time period after an egg has been released from the ovary.
Pre-Seed: A fertility-friendly lubricant that doesn’t harm sperm.
Progesterone: A hormone crucial for maintaining pregnancy.
Pregnancy Test: A test that detects hCG in urine or blood to confirm pregnancy.
Reproductive Endocrinologist: A doctor specialising in fertility treatment.
Retention Cup: Device used after insemination to prevent leakage and keep sperm near the cervix.
Secondary Infertility: Difficulty conceiving after previously having one or more children.
Specimen Cup: A sterile container used to collect and transport sperm samples.
Sperm Motility: The ability of sperm to move properly towards an egg.
Sperm Washing: Laboratory process that separates sperm from seminal fluid before IUI.
Surge: The rapid increase in LH that triggers ovulation.
Symptothermal Method: Tracking both basal body temperature and cervical mucus to identify fertile days.
Timed Insemination: Performing insemination during the optimal fertility window.
Trigger Shot: An injection that triggers ovulation in medical fertility treatments.
Two-Week Wait (TWW): The period between ovulation/insemination and when a pregnancy test may be accurate.
Uterus: The organ where a fertilised egg implants and a fetus develops during pregnancy.
Vaginal Insemination: Placement of sperm in the vagina using an insemination syringe or other method.
Viability: The potential for a pregnancy to develop normally and result in a live birth.
Viscosity: The thickness of cervical mucus, which changes throughout the cycle.
Remember: This glossary is meant as an educational resource. Always consult with healthcare providers for medical advice specific to your situation.
