Appendix 3: Glossary of Terms

Hormone produced by the pituitary gland which stimulates the production of follicles by the ovary. Used in assisted conception to stimulate the production of more than one follicle (ovulation induction).

A technique commonly used during treatment where there is a problem with the male partner sperm, but also utilised with frozen eggs to overcome the hardening of the zona pellucia.

A relatively simple form of assisted reproduction in which a sample of prepared sperm, either that of a woman’s partner or of a sperm donor, is inserted into the cervix or uterus of the woman.

The medical process whereby fertilisation takes place outside of the body, in the laboratory. Following ovarian stimulation, egg collection is completed; viable eggs are then fertilised using a prepared sample of sperm and are left to develop into embryos; the resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus of a woman.

A medical treatment which involves the administration of fertility drugs which are designed to stimulate the ovary to produce one or more eggs.

The result of an overstimulation of the ovaries. Can occur when a large number of eggs mature, causing the ovaries to swell and resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, vomiting and fainting.

Ovarian reserve tests seek to assess the quantity of a woman’s remaining egg supply in an attempt to predict reproductive potential. Ovarian reserve assessments are undertaken through blood tests to measure the presence and amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). An antral follicle count can also be undertaken using transvaginal ultrasonography to identify the number of visible ovarian follicles, alongside a full patient history.

Condition where many small cysts form on the ovary and hormonal imbalances result which can cause infertility. Treatment is in the form of drugs or surgery.

In conjunction with IVF, where a clinician removes one or two cells from an embryo, for those cells to be tested for specific genetic disorders/characteristics before embryo transfer takes place.

In conjunction with IVF, where a clinician removes one or two cells from an embryo, for those cells to be tested to ensure they contain the correct number of chromosomes (known as euploidy) and not more or less than usual (known as aneuploidy). Normal embryos (euploidy) will be selected before embryo transfer takes place.

The transparent membrane or shell surrounding the egg which can harden during the freezing process. This means that the egg can often only be successfully fertilised through the use of ICSI.