Understanding fertility terms can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re just beginning your journey. At ConceptionIVF, we want you to feel informed, confident, and empowered every step of the way.
Use this glossary as your go-to reference for the most common fertility and reproductive health terms you’ll hear throughout testing and treatment.
Scar tissue that forms abnormally between internal organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, or nearby structures. Adhesions can restrict normal movement, cause pain, and sometimes lead to infertility.
A major professional organization of physicians, researchers, and patients dedicated to advancing reproductive care and education. ASRM leads efforts in research, ethics, and advocacy to improve fertility treatments worldwide.
A diagnostic test usually performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. Using ultrasound guidance, a small sample of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is drawn with a thin needle to detect potential genetic or developmental conditions.
A procedure that removes fluid or cells using gentle suction through a fine needle. In fertility care, aspiration is commonly used during IVF egg retrieval to collect mature eggs from the ovaries.
A laboratory technique in which embryologists create a tiny opening in the outer shell (zona pellucida) surrounding an embryo. This helps the embryo “hatch” and attach to the uterine lining during implantation.
A group of advanced fertility treatments that involve handling eggs and sperm in a lab to achieve pregnancy. Common ART procedures include IVF, ICSI, egg donation, assisted hatching, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
Your resting body temperature, usually measured in the morning before getting out of bed. Charting your BBT over time can help identify ovulation patterns. Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) are often used alongside BBT tracking for more accuracy.
A blood test that measures levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) — a hormone produced shortly after conception. Rising hCG levels indicate early pregnancy and healthy embryo development.
A natural process sperm undergo after ejaculation that enables them to fertilize an egg successfully. This transformation happens inside the female reproductive tract or in the lab during fertility treatment.
Infertility caused by problems with the cervix — such as thick or hostile cervical mucus, hormonal imbalance, or structural abnormalities. These issues can prevent sperm from reaching or fertilizing the egg.
Fluid produced by the cervix that changes in texture and volume throughout your cycle. Fertile cervical mucus helps sperm travel and survive on their way to the egg.
The lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The cervix acts as both a protective barrier and a gateway — allowing sperm to enter during ovulation and keeping the uterus sealed during pregnancy.
A very early pregnancy where hCG is detected by a blood test, but the embryo doesn’t progress far enough to be seen on an ultrasound. Chemical pregnancies are more common than most people realize and often go unnoticed.
The early stage of cell division in a fertilized egg as it begins forming an embryo. During IVF, embryologists monitor cleavage to assess embryo growth and quality.
A pregnancy confirmed by both rising hCG levels and ultrasound evidence of a gestational sac or fetal heartbeat.
An oral medication that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. It’s often used to treat irregular ovulation or to support egg development before IVF.
A structural difference or defect present at birth. These can range from minor irregularities, like a small toe overlap, to more serious issues such as a heart defect.
A temporary gland formed from the follicle after ovulation. It produces progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for implantation and supports early pregnancy until the placenta takes over.
A protective cluster of cells surrounding the egg (oocyte) that provides nourishment and support during its development.
The process of freezing and storing eggs, sperm, or embryos for future use. This method is essential for preserving fertility before medical treatments or for those planning family building later in life.
A fluid-filled sac that can appear in various parts of the body. In fertility care, ovarian cysts are common and may form naturally or as part of a treatment cycle.
A fertility treatment using eggs donated by another person. The donor’s eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab, and resulting embryos are transferred into the intended parent’s uterus.
A procedure where embryos created by another couple (who chose to donate their remaining embryos) are transferred to a recipient. The donor may be known or anonymous.
The introduction of sperm from a donor into the uterus, cervix, or vagina to achieve pregnancy. This may be done for single women, LGBTQ+ couples, or those with male infertility.
The tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra for ejaculation. Damage or blockage in this duct can lead to infertility, but procedures like sperm retrieval can help.
A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube. Early diagnosis through hCG testing and ultrasound is critical, as untreated ectopic pregnancies can pose serious health risks.
A short, minimally invasive procedure performed during an IVF cycle to collect mature eggs from the ovaries. It’s done under light sedation and typically takes about 30 minutes.
This refers to transferring only one embryo into the uterus during an IVF cycle. eSET reduces the chance of multiple pregnancies and is now a standard approach in fertility care.
An embryo represents the earliest stage of human development—technically from the second to the ninth week of pregnancy, though the term is often used right after fertilization.
A key step in IVF where one or more embryos are placed into the uterus (or a gestational carrier’s uterus). The embryos can be fresh or previously frozen.
The medical study of hormones, the glands that produce them, and how they influence body functions—including fertility and reproduction.
A simple procedure in which a small sample of tissue from the uterine lining is collected and examined under a microscope to assess fertility health.
The inner space of the uterus formed by the endometrial lining. This is where a fertilized embryo implants and grows during pregnancy.
A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or abdominal area—causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes infertility.
The lining of the uterus that thickens and sheds during each menstrual cycle. When properly prepared, it becomes the implantation site for an embryo.
A coiled structure attached to the testis where sperm mature and gain the ability to swim. It connects to the vas deferens, which carries sperm onward.
A primary estrogen hormone made by growing ovarian follicles. Estradiol levels are often monitored during fertility treatments to track follicle development.
The tube that connects the ovaries to the uterus. It’s where the egg meets the sperm and fertilization naturally occurs.
The process when a sperm successfully penetrates an egg, forming a single cell that develops into an embryo.
Noncancerous growths of muscle tissue in the uterus that can interfere with implantation or cause symptoms like heavy bleeding or pain. Depending on their type and size, they may need removal for successful conception.
The finger-like ends of the fallopian tubes that help capture and guide the egg released from the ovary during ovulation.
A small fluid-filled sac within the ovary that houses and nourishes a developing egg. Each follicle contains one oocyte.
A hormone made by the pituitary gland that promotes the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles. Blood levels of FSH help evaluate ovarian reserve.
The first half of the menstrual cycle—starting from menstruation and ending with ovulation. During this time, follicles grow and estrogen levels rise.
The period of time from conception to birth during which a baby develops in the uterus—typically around 38 to 42 weeks.
A hormone from the brain’s hypothalamus that triggers the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland, both essential for ovulation and reproduction.
A synthetic form of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) used in fertility treatments to stimulate egg production in women and sperm development in men.
hCG is a hormone your body produces in early pregnancy, and it’s often what home pregnancy tests detect. In fertility treatment, hCG injections are also used to trigger the final maturation and release of the egg during an IVF or ovulation induction cycle.
HMG is a fertility medication that combines two important hormones—LH and FSH—which naturally stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. It’s given by injection to help develop multiple eggs during an IVF cycle.
This small but powerful part of the brain acts like the body’s hormonal control center. It sends signals to the pituitary gland to release the hormones that regulate ovulation and other reproductive functions.
An HSG is a special X-ray test used to check if your fallopian tubes are open and your uterus is normal. During the procedure, a contrast dye is gently injected through the cervix, and X-ray images show whether the dye can move freely through the tubes—helping your doctor identify any blockages.
A hysteroscopy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that allows your doctor to look directly inside your uterus using a thin camera. It’s often used to diagnose or remove small growths like fibroids or polyps that can affect fertility or cause irregular bleeding
Implantation happens when a fertilized embryo attaches to the lining of the uterus and begins to grow. This marks the very start of pregnancy and is supported by healthy uterine tissue and balanced hormone levels.
Insemination involves placing prepared sperm directly inside the uterus using a soft, thin catheter. This simple, in-office procedure helps sperm get closer to the egg, increasing the chance of fertilization.
ICSI is a specialized IVF technique where a single healthy sperm is carefully injected into a mature egg under a microscope. It’s often used when sperm count, movement, or shape is an issue—or when previous IVF cycles didn’t result in fertilization.
IUI is a common fertility treatment that places washed and concentrated sperm directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation. This helps more sperm reach the fallopian tubes, where fertilization naturally occurs. It’s especially helpful for mild male factor infertility or unexplained fertility challenges.
IVF is one of the most effective fertility treatments available. It involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving those eggs, and fertilizing them with sperm in the lab. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus to begin pregnancy. IVF is often used when other treatments haven’t worked or when advanced reproductive support is needed.
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that lets your doctor view the pelvic organs using a small camera inserted through a tiny incision near the belly button. It’s often used to diagnose or treat conditions like endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes—and recovery time is usually quick.
Lupron is a medication that temporarily suppresses hormone production from the ovaries. In fertility treatments, it’s used to help control ovulation timing or prevent premature ovulation during an IVF cycle.
The luteal phase is the second half of the menstrual cycle—the time between ovulation and your next period. During this phase, the body produces progesterone, which helps prepare the uterine lining for embryo implantation and supports early pregnancy.
In a fertility lab, “media” refers to the special nutrient-rich liquid that helps eggs, sperm, and embryos grow safely outside the body during IVF.
Menses, or your menstrual period, is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy hasn’t occurred. Day 1 of your cycle starts with the first day of full menstrual flow.
Micromanipulation includes advanced lab techniques that involve working directly with eggs, sperm, or embryos under a microscope. It’s used in specialized fertility procedures like ICSI or assisted hatching.
An oocyte is the scientific term for an egg cell produced by a woman’s ovaries. Once mature, it can be fertilized by a sperm cell to form an embryo.
The ovaries are small glands on each side of the uterus that release eggs and produce key reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
An ovum (plural: ova) is a mature egg that’s ready for fertilization during ovulation.
A Pap smear is a quick screening test that checks for abnormal or precancerous cells on the cervix. It’s a routine part of women’s healthcare to help prevent cervical cancer.
Pergonal is a medication containing both LH and FSH that helps stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles. It’s often used in fertility treatment cycles to encourage egg development.
The pituitary gland is a tiny but powerful organ at the base of the brain that controls hormone release throughout the body. It regulates fertility hormones like LH and FSH that support ovulation and sperm production.
PCOS is a common hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods, difficulty ovulating, excess hair growth, acne, and weight changes. It’s also one of the leading causes of infertility in women, but it can be effectively managed with the right care.
A uterine polyp is a small, usually benign growth on the lining of the uterus. Polyps can interfere with implantation and are often removed through a simple hysteroscopic procedure
A post-coital test checks whether sperm survive and move properly through cervical mucus after intercourse. Although less common today, it can still provide helpful information about sperm function in some cases.
The microscopic analysis of a sample of vaginal and cervical secretions that has been collected after sexual intercourse. This test allows your physician to see if sperm survive in your reproductive tract. It has largely been superseded by the semen analysis, but there are still some clinical indications for the PCT.
PGT is an advanced test that screens embryos for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities before they’re transferred in an IVF cycle. It helps identify healthy embryos, reduce the risk of miscarriage, and improve the chance of a successful pregnancy.
Progesterone is a hormone made by the ovaries after ovulation. It prepares the uterus for implantation and supports early pregnancy. Many fertility treatments include progesterone supplements to boost implantation success.
A semen analysis examines a sperm sample to measure count, movement (motility), and shape (morphology). It’s one of the first and most important tests when evaluating male fertility.
This test looks for antibodies in semen, blood, or vaginal fluids that mistakenly attack sperm cells. High levels of these antibodies can reduce fertility, but treatments are available to help.
Also known as the hamster egg test, SPA measures how well sperm can penetrate an egg in a lab setting. While not used as often today, it can offer insight into sperm function in certain infertility cases.
SART is a U.S. organization that sets the highest standards for fertility clinics. It publishes verified IVF success rates and helps patients make informed choices about their care and treatment options.
TESA is a minor surgical procedure that retrieves sperm directly from the testicle or epididymis. It’s used when no sperm are found in the ejaculate, such as after a vasectomy or due to a blockage. These sperm are then used for ICSI during IVF.
A transvaginal ultrasound is a simple, painless imaging test that provides a clear view of the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs. It’s commonly used to monitor follicles, check uterine health, or confirm early pregnancy.
Tubal patency means the fallopian tubes are open and not blocked—allowing eggs and sperm to meet naturally.
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to safely visualize internal organs without radiation. In fertility care, it’s used to monitor ovulation, check the uterus and ovaries, and track pregnancy progress.
Sometimes, even after thorough testing, the cause of infertility can’t be clearly identified. This is called unexplained infertility—and while it can be frustrating, many couples still achieve pregnancy through personalized treatment options like IUI or IVF.
The uterus, or womb, is the hollow organ where a baby grows during pregnancy. It has three main parts—the cervix, endometrium (lining), and the muscular body that supports fetal development.
A varicocele is an enlarged vein around the testicle, similar to a varicose vein. It can reduce sperm count or quality, but in many cases, surgical repair improves fertility outcomes.
A zygote is the very first stage of human life—a fertilized egg created when sperm and egg unite. This single cell contains all the genetic material needed to form a baby and begins dividing soon after fertilization.
At ConceptionIVF, our compassionate team of reproductive specialists is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re starting fertility treatment or exploring family-building options, we’re committed to helping you reach your dreams with personalized care and proven results.
You’ll find everything you need here: a full spectrum of services, our award-winning laboratory, and heartfelt support for your mind and body.
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