Infertility Speaks towards Fertility

INFERTILITY SPEAK

Those who do venture into the world of fertility specialists often find themselves lost in a labyrinth of acronyms and medical jargon. Familiarizing yourself with these terms may help you better navigate:

• FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH)

Measuring this hormone on the third day of your cycle tests the ovary's ability to produce eggs. High FSH readings signal diminished ovarian reserve and mean you may have difficulty getting pregnant.

• HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAM (HSG)

X-Ray test in which special dye is injected into the uterus through the cervix. Reveals blocked or dilated fallopian tubes fibroids or adhesions within the uterine cavity, or an abnormally shaped uterus. Usually performed on day seven to ten of the menstrual cycle.

• INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION (IUI)

The placement of washed sperm (partner's or donor's) directly into the uterine cavity via a small catheter. Done to increase the number sperm that reaches the fallopian tubes.

• INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION (ICSI)

The injection of a single sperm directly into the mature egg, which is then implanted in the uterus. Increases the likelihood of fertilization when there are abnormalities in the number, quality of function of the sperm.

• IN VITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF)

Eggs and sperm (donor, own or a combination) are mixed together in a laboratory dish, where fertilization occurs. Two to five days later, the resulting embryos are transferred back to the woman's uterus for natural development.

• LAPAROSCOPY

An investigative procedure performed under general anesthesia. Involves inserting a small telescope-like instrument through an incision in the navel to examine a woman's reproductive organs for endometriosis or scarring.

• REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST (RE)

A gynecologist who has received advance training in the treatment of fertility, recurrent miscarriages and hormonal disorder in women.

• SUPEROVULATION or CONTROLLED OVARIAN HYPERSTIMULATION

Stimulation of multiple eggs in one cycle using medication. Most women inject themselves to reduce the number of clinic visits. Frequently performed in advance of IUI, IVF or ICSI.