The absence of a menstrual period in
a woman of reproductive age. Physiological states of amenorrhoea are seen
during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Outside the reproductive years, there is an
absence of menses during childhood and after menopause. See also premature
menopause.
A medical specialist who deals with
male health, particularly relating to the problems of the male reproductive
system and urological problems unique to men.
Procedure whereby sperm are
deposited via the vagina into the cervix or uterus using a catheter. The
technique is used to transfer donor sperm or to overcome problems with sexual
performance, the interaction between sperm and mucus, or the quality of sperm.
A procedure whereby a small hole is
drilled in the protective membrane of the embryo using a laser device or a
dilute acidic solution to assist hatching and aid implantation.
A variety of procedures used to bring
about conception without sexual intercourse, including In Vitro Fertilisation
(IVF), Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT) or Zygote Intra-Fallopian
Transfer (ZIFT), Intracyto-plasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Microsurgical
Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA) and Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE).
A disease where the body attacks its
own cells due to an overactive immune response.
A complete absence of sperm in the
semen. See also Oligospermia.
The lowest temperature attained by
the body, usually measured immediately after awakening and before any physical
activity is undertaken. A rise in body temperature of about half a degree about
14 days into an average 28-day cycle suggests ovulation has taken place.
The removal of a small portion of
body tissue for microscopic examination.
A process where chemical compounds
are made in the body from simpler compounds or smaller molecules.
The organ that collects urine
excreted by the kidneys prior to disposal by urination.
A procedure whereby an embryo is
left to develop for about 5 or 6 days to reach the ‘blastocyst stage’ before
being transferred into the uterus for implantation.
A natural lubricant produced by the
female body that aids the transportation of sperm and helps protect against
infection.
The cervix or neck of the uterus is
the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the
vagina.
A sexually-transmitted infection,
which may be asymptomatic or cause genital inflammation and discharge, pelvic
pain and fever. Untreated, chlamydia can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
(PID) and fertility problems.
Structures found in the nucleus of
cells that contain genes and carry heredity information, such as eye colour,
blood type and vulnerability to disease. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
One set of 23 chromosomes is inherited from the biological mother via her egg
and the other from the biological father, via his sperm. Each sperm cell
contains either male or female sex chromosomes. As such, it determines the
gender of the foetus. Genetic abnormalities occur when an individual is born
missing a chromosome or has more copies of a chromosomal pair.
A prescription drug used to bring on
ovulation. It comes as a tablet and is often used as an initial treatment for
women with ovulation problems. Clomiphene citrate induces ovulation in 80% of
women who have trouble ovulating on their own.
The moment of fertilization when the
sperm meets and penetrates the egg.
Physical abnormalities present at
birth.
A hormone-secreting mass within the
ovary that forms from the remains of a follicle each time an egg is released.
The hormones it produces prepare the uterus for embryo implantation. If
pregnancy does not occur, the mass is shed during menstruation.
A technique used to store human
tissue at very low temperatures. Embryos that are not used in an ART cycle may
be preserved in this way for future use. Also known as “Freezing”.
A condition usually detected at
birth or childhood whereby the testicles fail to descend. When a male foetus
develops in the uterus, his testicles normally form inside his abdomen and
descend into the scrotum shortly before birth. Undescended testicles usually
descend themselves by the sixth month of life, but are unlikely to descend
after this period of their own accord.
A condition where the pancreas fails
to produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the body can't respond normally
to the insulin that is made (type 2 diabetes). This causes glucose levels in
the blood to rise, leading to symptoms such as increased urination, extreme
thirst, and unexplained weight loss.
A pregnancy in which the embryo
implants outside the uterus and cannot be sustained.
The seminal fluid discharged upon
male orgasm, which helps transport sperm.
A procedure used to obtain eggs from
ovarian follicles for use in In Vitro Fertilization. Retrieval may be performed
during a laparoscopy procedure or via the vagina using a blunt syringe and with
the aid of an ultrasound to locate the follicle in the ovary.
The early stages of foetal growth
from conception to the eighth week of pregnancy.
The process whereby an embryo is
transferred into the uterus after the egg has been fertilized outside the body
during a laboratory procedure.
A specialist involved in the various
aspects of assisted reproduction laboratory procedures related to sperm,
oocytes and embryos.
A medical specialist concerned with
the study of hormones and infertility, having first trained as an
obstetrician/gynaecologist.
The removal of a sample of the
lining of the uterus for examination.
A condition whereby cells that
normally line the uterine cavity grow outside the womb, for example in the
fallopian tubes, ovaries, or even the bladder or intestines. The cause is
largely unknown. Scarring from endometriosis may cause conception difficulties.
The lining of the uterus, which is
shed during the menstrual cycle. If conception takes place, the embryo implants
itself into the rich vascular membrane, which nourishes the developing foetus.
A tightly coiled tube located above
the testicles or testes, where sperm mature for fertilization.
A funnel-shaped passage through
which sperm are guided towards the egg, and fertilized eggs are conveyed to the
uterine cavity.
The moment of conception when the
genetic material contained in the sperm and egg combine to create an embryo.
Fertilization usually occurs inside the fallopian tube. It may also occur in
vitro during a clinical process. See also In Vitro Fertilization.
Any procedure used to enhance
fertility or to help couples achieve pregnancy.
A health specialist with professional
qualifications in psychology and counselling relating to fertility issues.
A benign (that is, not malignant or
life-threatening) tumour made up of fibrous tissue that may form in the uterine
wall. Fibroid tumours may be present without any symptoms, or may cause
abnormal menstrual patterns or infertility.
A fluid-filled sac in the ovary,
which contains the egg released during ovulation. Each month a new egg matures
and travels to the fallopian tube.
A hormone released by the pituitary
gland in both sexes. In women, FSH stimulates the growth of the ovarian
follicle necessary for egg production. In men, FSH stimulates and supports
sperm production. Elevated FSH levels are associated with gonadotrophin failure
in both men and women.
(See Cryopreservation)
A reproductive cell: sperm (male) or
egg (female).
A sexually transmitted disease
caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 or type 2, resulting in genital
ulcers.
Benign growths on the genitalia,
externally or internally, which are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
A hormone secreted from the brain,
which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to produce hormones involved in
the fertility cycle, mainly Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating
Hormone (FSH).
Hormones secreted by the pituitary
gland that control reproductive function, such as Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
Drugs that temporarily block the
natural release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) or Follicle Stimulating Hormone
(FSH) to allow the hormonal cycle to be controlled clinically. By suppressing
these hormones, doctors can precisely control ovarian stimulation and prevent
spontaneous ovulation before egg retrieval takes place.
A disease characterised by
inflammation of the liver arising from various causes including a range of
viruses (i.e. A, B, C, E).
A disease of the human immune system
caused by the HIV virus, which can be contracted through sexual contact.
An abnormal hormonal balance, which
may arise for example, from a deficiency or excess of oestrogen or
progesterone.
Chemical messengers produced by the
body that transmit instructions from one organ to another.
A hormone released by the placenta
after implantation that keeps the corpus luteum producing estradiol and
progesterone, and thus preventing menstruation. The hormone is also given via
injection to trigger ovulation after some fertility treatments. In men, it is
used to stimulate testosterone production.
Natural compounds found in the urine
of postmenopausal women. Once extracted and sterilised, hMG is given to women
to stimulate ovulation.
A visual examination of the uterus
via the vagina using a telescopic instrument, to identify any malformations in
the uterus lining, the presence of myomas, fibroid growths or damage to the
fallopian tubes. If necessary, minor surgery may be performed at the same time
without the need for a large incision.
Impaired activity of the
hypothalamus or pituitary glands resulting in below-average function of the
ovaries or testicles and low in low production of the hormones Luteinizing
Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Oestrogen, Progesterone
and Testosterone, which are necessary for reproduction.
The gland at the base of the brain
that controls the release of hormones from the pituitary glands.
Unexplained infertility.
The inability of a couple to achieve
conception after a year of unprotected intercourse – six months if the woman is
over 35 – or the inability to carry a pregnancy to live birth. Also see
Subfertility.
A single sperm is injected directly
into an egg cell with microscopic guidance. If fusion takes place, the embryo
is transferred into the uterus for implantation. This clinical procedure is
often used in conjunction with In Vitro Fertilisation if the male partner has a
very low sperm count, low sperm motility or poor-quality sperm.
(IUD): A contraceptive device
consisting of a small piece of bent plastic, which prevents pregnancy by
changing the environment of the uterus.
A procedure whereby sperm are
deposited directly into the uterus via the cervix using a catheter.
Menstrual cycles that vary more than
a few days in length from month to month are considered irregular. Most
menstrual cycles occur about every four weeks, with the normal range lasting
between 24 and 35 days.
A process that occurs inside the
body.
Eggs produced with the assistance of
fertility drugs are retrieved from the woman’s body and fertilized by sperm in
a laboratory environment. The resulting embryos are transferred via catheter to
the uterus.
On rare occasions, an impaired
immune system may regard the egg or sperm as a ‘foreign body,’ and attack it as
an ‘intruder.’
The process whereby the embryo
embeds itself into the lining of the uterus. The cells from the embryo
eventually connect with the mother’s blood vessels to form the placenta. See
also ectopic pregnancy.
Examination of the pelvic region by
using a small telescope called a laparoscope.
The days of the menstrual cycle
following ovulation when progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum in
preparation for embryo implantation.
A pituitary hormone that stimulates
the gonads. In a man, LH is necessary for the production of sperm and
testosterone. In a woman, LH is necessary for the production of oestrogen.
The detection of increased
luteinizing hormone (LH) levels indicates impending ovulation, i.e. a mature
egg is about to be released from a follicle.
A physical examination for any
genital abnormalities or any other physical signs that might be associated with
conception difficulties.
A benign tumour in the uterus
consisting of muscle tissue. Myomas are often the cause of persistent
infertility or miscarriage.
A variety of techniques performed in
a laboratory with microscopic guidance, such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm
Injection (ICSI).
Typically diagnosed 12 months after
a woman’s last menstrual cycle. Natural menopause occurs when the ovaries begin
decreasing their production of the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone and
marks the end of a woman’s fertility. See premature menopause.
Shedding of the uterine lining by
bleeding. In the absence of pregnancy, this normally occurs about once every 28
days.
Spontaneous loss of a viable embryo
or foetus from the uterus.
The ability of sperm to swim or
move. Poor motility means sperm have less chance reaching and fertilizing the
egg.
A pregnancy with two or more
foetuses.
A viral disease of the parotid
(salivary) glands. Contraction of the virus after puberty may damage
sperm-producing cells in the testicles. In most cases, only one testicle is
affected. Some men could suffer permanent sterility.
A doctor who delivers babies and
specialises in the treatment of female reproductive organs.
A hormone that stimulates secondary
female sexual characteristics and controls the course of the menstrual cycle.
Oestrogen is also produced in low quantities in males.
A condition when a sperm sample
contains less than 20 million spermatozoa per ejaculate. Many medical
conditions reduce sperm concentration. The effects may be temporary or
permanent. See also Azoospermia.
A Person undergoing a clinical
procedure that does not require admission to hospital.
The failure of the ovary to respond
to hormonal stimulation from the pituitary gland because of damage to or
malformation of the ovary, or a chronic disease such as autoimmune disease or
ageing process.
The structure in which eggs are
nurtured to maturation. Although in general only one egg is released at a time,
somewhere between 10 and 20 follicles begin the process of maturation monthly.
The excess ovarian follicles are reabsorbed before ovulation occurs.
The release of the matured egg or
ovum from the ovarian follicle.
A matured egg.
Medical treatment carried out to
initiate ovulation.
A condition characterised by
enlargement of the ovaries, fluid-retention and weight gain. May occur when the
ovaries are over-stimulated during assisted reproduction.
Almond-sized organ(s) located on
either side of the uterus, which produce and release mature egg cells and the
hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
A generic term for inflammation of
the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or the ovaries, which may lead to scarring or
adhesions to nearby tissues. PID can refer to viral, fungal, parasitic or
bacterial infections and is often associated with sexually transmitted
infections.
The male organ that delivers semen,
containing sperm, into the vagina on ejaculation. During sexual stimulation,
the penis becomes erect as its spongy tissue fills with blood.
The pituitary gland controls the
function of other endocrine glands and is located at the base of the brain. It
produces hormones including Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating
Hormone (FSH), which stimulate the ovaries and testicles.
A temporary organ through which the
mother nourishes the developing foetus, transfers oxygen and receives carbon
dioxide waste from the foetus. After birth, the placenta detaches from the
uterine wall and is expelled from the body as afterbirth.
Menopause that occurs at or before
the age of 40, resulting from genetics, autoimmune disorders, medical
procedures or treatments.
A hormonal imbalance that leads to
the formation of ovarian cysts and disrupts ovulation. Without progesterone, a
woman's menstrual cycle is irregular or absent.
A hormone secreted by the corpus
luteum to prepare the body for pregnancy and, if pregnancy occurs, for
maintaining it until birth via the placenta. If implantation does not occur,
hormone levels drop, the endometrium breaks down and menstruation occurs.
A hormone produced in the brain,
which stimulates lactation - the flow of breast milk.
In men, a chestnut-sized gland below
the bladder, which produces 60% of the seminal fluid used to transport sperm.
The stage of adolescence marked by
the development of secondary sex characteristics, including menstruation in
females. In girls, puberty occurs between the ages of about 11 and 14, and
between 13 and 16 in boys.
Drugs made using recombinant DNA
techniques. These techniques involve modifying DNA to contain genes from two
different sources. Recombinant technology is often used to produce extremely
pure therapeutic drugs.
The pouch of skin below the penis,
which holds the testicles or testes.
The fluid released by the penis
during orgasm, which helps transport sperm manufactured in the testicles.
Two pouches located behind the male
bladder, which produce part of the seminal fluid used to transport and nourish
sperm.
The gamete or reproductive cell that
that carries the male’s genetic information to the female‘s egg.
The number of sperm contained in an
ejaculate. Also called sperm concentration and given as the number of sperm per
millilitre. Also see Azoospermia and Oligospermia.
The percentage of all moving sperm
in a semen sample.
An irreversible condition that
prevents conception.
A condition affecting couples who
have already conceived, or have had an abortion, or have produced a first child
but are now experiencing difficulty in adding to their family. Also see
infertility or primary infertility.
The male sex glands, which are
located in a sac below the penis called the scrotum. Their main functions are
to produce sperm and to release the male sex hormone testosterone. In order to
produce and nurture sperm, the temperature within the testicles remains around
1°C cooler than normal body temperature.
A malignant tumour that develops in
the testicle may destroy testicular tissue. If not detected early enough it may
also spread to other parts of the body.
The extraction of sperm directly
from the testicles (TESE) or from the epididymis (MESA) if sperm is not found
in the ejaculate. A minor surgical procedure is carried out to remove tissue
samples that may contain sperm. The sperm is then used in Intracytoplasmic
Sperm Injection (ICSI) treatment.
The male hormone responsible for
forming secondary sex characteristics, such as facial hair, and supporting the
sex drive. Testosterone is also necessary for sperm development.
The development and attachment of an
embryo in a fallopian tube. See also ectopic pregnancy.
A medical specialist dealing with
the treatment of the urinary tract and urogenital system.
A pear-shaped organ also known as
the womb that supports the developing foetus throughout pregnancy. The uterus
consists of: the cervical opening, the cervix and the uterine cavity. The two
fallopian tubes open into the uterus.
A medical imaging technique used
instead of X-rays to view the reproductive organs and monitor the development
of follicles.
The muscular opening through which
sperm travels in order to reach an egg. The vagina also serves as a passage for
menstrual flow and secretions, which may assist or obstruct sperm in their
journey to fertilizing an egg.
The presence of varicose veins
around the testicles caused by poor circulation. The increase in blood leads to
a rise in the temperature in the testicles. This causes abnormal testosterone
levels, which hinder the production of sperm.
A long curving tube that forms part
of the sperm storage and transport system.
The single cell formed when a sperm
fertilizes an egg.
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