Understanding fertility terms is important for individuals and couples navigating fertility challenges. Here are some key terms related to infertility:
- Infertility:
- The inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse (or six months for women over 35) or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term.
- Subfertility:
- Reduced fertility, implying a longer time to achieve conception than the average, but not a complete inability to conceive.
- Semen Analysis:
- A test that evaluates various parameters of semen, including sperm count, motility, and morphology, to assess male fertility.
- Ovulation:
- The release of a mature egg from the ovary, typically occurring midway through the menstrual cycle.
- Ovulatory Disorders:
- Conditions that affect the normal process of ovulation and can contribute to female infertility.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):
- Medical procedures or treatments that assist with the conception process, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and others.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):
- A fertility treatment where sperm is directly placed into the uterus using a catheter during the woman's fertile window.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
- A procedure where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI):
- A specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG):
- An X-ray procedure that examines the uterus and fallopian tubes to identify blockages or abnormalities.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
- A common hormonal disorder in women, often associated with irregular ovulation and fertility challenges.
- Endometriosis:
- A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, potentially causing fertility issues.
- Male Factor Infertility:
- Fertility issues attributed to male factors, including low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.
- Varicocele:
- Swelling of the veins within the scrotum, which can negatively impact sperm production and quality.
- Unexplained Infertility:
- Cases where fertility issues cannot be attributed to a specific cause despite thorough medical evaluation.
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL):
- Multiple consecutive pregnancy losses before 20 weeks of gestation.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT):
- Genetic testing performed on embryos before implantation during IVF to identify chromosomal abnormalities.
It's important for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges to work closely with healthcare providers or fertility specialists. Understanding these terms can facilitate communication with medical professionals and contribute to informed decision-making on the journey to parenthood.
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