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Adhesion
Growths, attachments.
Agglutination
Clotthing of the sperm cells, which curtails the motility of the sperm cells.
Agonist
Chemical substance that can imitate the functioning of a natural hormone and stimulate the same type of reactions as a hormone does.
Amenorrhoea
Medical term for the lack of menstruation for a period of six months or longer.
Androgens
Male sex hormones that are produced by the testes of the male and by the adrenal glands of the female.
Anovulation
Medical term for the disruption of monthly ovulation.
Anovulatory Bleeding
Bleeding which occurs during the anovulatory cycle. The bleeding is caused by fluctuations in the concentrations of oestrogen.
Antibodies
Chemical substance which is produced naturally by the immune system of the body and which assists the immune system in combating bacteria and other foreign bodies.
Antigen
Protein or carbohydrate (in toxic form or as an enzyme) that can stimulate an immuno-response.
Anti-hormone
A synthetic hormone that influences the production of your own hormones.
ART - Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Medical fertility treatments whereby the ovum and sperm cell are artificially brought together in order to heighten the chance of pregnancy. Examples of ART procedures are IUI, ICSI, and IVF.
Asthenospermia
Reduced motility of the sperm cells.
Auto-immune Syndrome
Disorder whereby the body’s immune system reacts to its own body tissue.
Azoospermia
Disorder in which there are no sperm cells present in the semen.
Baarmoederhals (cervix)
Dat deel van de baarmoeder dat overgaat in de vagina.
Basal Body Temperature
The body temperature on waking in the morning.
Beta HCG Test
Examination method whereby the amount of pregnancy hormone (beta HCG) is ascertained in order to discover, at a very early stage, if you are pregnant; or in order to track the progress of this pregnancy.
Blastocyst
Embryo in an advanced stage of development; the cells that will later give rise to the foetus.
BTC
Basal temperature curve.
Cervical Cerclage
Procedure whereby, as a result of cervical insufficiency, a small band is placed around the cervix in order to prevent it from opening and so causing a miscarriage.
Cervical Insufficiency (Incompetent Cervix)
Cervix that does not close completely during the entire pregnancy. Often results in premature births and miscarriages.
Cervical Mucous
Mucous secreted by the cervix, the composition of which changes during the cycle.
Cervix
The part of the uterus that is in the vagina.
Chocolate Cyst
A cavity in the ovary that is filled with old blood (also called endometrioma). Often occurs if the ovary is adversely affected by endometriosis.
Chromosome
Carrier of the hereditary data of a person in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
Chromosome Disorder
Disorder in the arrangement of the genes in the chromosomes, or a deviation of the number of chromosomes.
Cilia
The epithelial cilia in the oviducts. The cilia stimulate the movement of the embryo towards the uterus.
Clomid®
Trade name of the fertility medication, clomiphene citrate.
Clomiphene®
The most prescribed fertility medication. Clomiphene is taken orally in order to arouse or stimulate ovulation.
Corpus Luteum
Also called yellow body. It is the rest of the follicle which remains after ovulation. It produces progesterone (during the second half of the menstrual cycle until the early stages of pregnancy).
Crohn’s Disease
Inflammation-like disorder of the small intestine.
Cryo
Frozen in.
Cryopreservation
Method of freezing for the preservation of embryos, sperm cells and other tissue.
Curettage
Small operation whereby the gynaecologist empties the uterus through the vagina using a small tube, or cleans it out with a curette (a type of small spoon).
Cycle
The period from the start of one menstruation to the start of the next menstruation.
Cycle Analysis
Tracking the development of the follicle using ultrasound.
Cyst
A cavity (in the ovary, for example) filled with fluid.
DES (diethylstilbestrol)
Synthetic hormone which used to be prescribed to prevent miscarriages and which can cause defects in the reproductive organs of the children (especially the daughters) of some women who took DES when they were pregnant.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
Material from which chromosomes are built and which contains the genetic code.
Dominant Follicle
The follicle that matures further during the month and which releases (during ovulation) an ovum.
Ductus Deferens (vas deferens)
Small duct which connects the epididymis (where the sperm is stored) to the urinary duct.
Dysmenorrhoea
Pain during menstruation.
Dyspareunia
Pain, either in the male or the female, during sexual intercourse.
E2
Abbreviation for the hormone, oestradiol.
Early menopause
The period around the final menstruation (normally around the age of 52).
Ectopic Pregnancy (Extra-uterine Pregnancy or EUP)
Pregnancy whereby the embryo has implanted itself and developed outside of the uterus, most commonly in an oviduct.
Egg Cell
The female reproductive cell. Also called an ovum or oocyte.
Egg Cell Donation
Donation of an egg cell to another woman, whereby this ova is fertilised through IVF and replaced into the other woman in the hope that she will fall pregnant.
Ejaculation
Release of sperm and semen.
Embryo
Unborn foetus in the early stages of the pregnancy, meaning from fertilisation to the third month of pregnancy.
Embryo Transfer
Replacing an embryo into the female’s uterus during an IVF procedure.
Embryologist
Specialist in embryology.
Endometrial Biopsy
Removal of a fragment of tissue from the lining of the uterus for microscopic examination.
Endometriosis
Uterus lining (endometrium) that occurs elsewhere than on the inside of the uterus.
Endometritis
Inflammation of the uterus lining (endometrium).
Endometrium
Mucous membrane that lines the inside of the uterus.
Epididymitis
Inflammation of the epididymis. Sometimes causes infertility in males.
ET Embryo Transfer
The replacing of the embryo in the uterus.
Extra-Uterine Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy, often abbreviated to EUP.
Fertilisation
Successful fusing together of the sperm cell and ovum.
Fertility
The ability of a male and female to achieve a pregnancy.
Fimbriae
Finger-like protuberances at the extremities of the oviducts where they meet the ovaries. The fimbriae catch the ovum after ovulation and transport it to the uterus.
Fleshy Growth
Myoma.
Foetus
The developed embryo from the third month of pregnancy until it is born.
Follicle
A small cavity filled with fluid in the ovary, in which an ovum is found.
Follicular Phase
First phase of the cycle, between menstruation and ovulation. This phase normally lasts between 12 and 14 days.
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
Pituitary hormone that stimulates the maturation of the follicle in women and the creation of sperm cells in males.
Gamete
Reproductive cell (the sperm cell of the male or the egg-cell, the ovum, of the female).
Genes
The building blocks of the chromosomes in the DNA.
GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer)
The fusing of ova and sperm cells outside of the body (in vitro) for fertilisation, after which they are immediately returned to the oviducts in anticipation of fertilisation and pregnancy.
GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone - LHRH Hormone that is produced by the hypothalamus and regulates the production and issue of gonadotropins by the pituitary.
Gonadotropins
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) are gonadotropins. In females these hormones stimulate the ovaries, in males the functioning of the testes.
Gonads
The organs that produce the sex cells and hormones. In males these are the testes, in females the ovaries.
Habitual Abortion
Recurring spontaneous abortion, generally two or more times consecutively.
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
The pregnancy hormone that is produced during pregnancy. HCG can also be used as medicine to stimulate ovulation.
Hirsutism
Excessive hair growth.
Hirsutisme
Overmatige haargroei.
HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Hormone)
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin causes the ovum to mature. The luteinizing hormone (LH) and the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the urine of post-menopausal woman. Is used in some fertility treatments.
Hormone
Material produced by a gland which, via the blood stream, reaches a specifically targeted organ and has a stimulating effect upon it.
Hostile Mucous
Mucous in the cervix that hinders the natural movement of the sperm cells through the cervical canal.
HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)
X-ray examination of the uterus and oviducts, using a contrast fluid.
Hydrosalpinx
Blocked oviduct in which fluid has collected.
Hyperstimulation
The stimulating of the ovaries, through the use of medicines, to produce multiple ova.
Hysteroscopy
An examination whereby the gynaecologist can examine the interior of the uterus using a thin tube, which is introduced through the vagina and the cervix.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Procedure whereby a sperm cell is introduced into an ovum.
IM (Intramuscular)
In the muscle tissue.
Implanting
We speak of implanting the moment that the fertilised ovum (embryo) has attached itself to the wall of the uterus. Implanting can occur between five and ten days after ovulation or when the embryo is replaced (during IVF treatment).
Incomplete Abortion (Abortus Incompletus)
An incomplete miscarriage, whereby the pregnancy is not wholly rejected from the body.
Infertility
Barrenness, the inability to reproduce.
IUI (Intra-Uterine Insemination)
Artificial insemination of sperm cells into the uterine cavity.
IV (Intravenous)
In the vein.
IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation)
Assisted reproduction technique whereby ova are removed from the ovaries and introduced to the sperm cells in a laboratory. A fertilised ovum gives rise to (or becomes) an embryo. The embryo is subsequently placed back in the uterus in the hope that pregnancy will follow.
Klinefelter’s Syndrome
Male hereditary disorder that can, amongst other things, cause infertility. Having two X-chromosomes (one too many) and one Y-chromosome is characteristic of this disorder.
Laparoscopy
An operation whereby the gynaecologist examines the abdominal cavity through keyhole surgery.
Laparotomy
Operation involving an incision in the abdominal wall.
Late Miscarriage
Losing a pregnancy after the fourth month, but prior to its life being viable.
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
Hormone that is issued by the pituitary gland prior to ovulation.
LH-Peak (“Surge”)
Release of the luteinizing hormone just before ovulation. LH brings about final maturation, through which the mature ovum is freed from the follicle wall.
Luteal Phase Defect (LPD)
The uterus lining does not develop correctly and, as a result, is rendered unsuitable for implantation.
Male Subfertility
Reduced fertility of the male.
Masturbation
Causing oneself to reach orgasm.
Menopause
The period after the final menstruation (normally around the age of 52).
Menstruation
Monthly blood-loss from the vagina.
Morphology
Term that describes the form and shape. A sperm cell with an incorrect morphology is malformed and is often incapable of fertilising an ovum.
Motility
A word to describe the mobility of the sperm cells.
MRI
Abbreviation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, an examination that makes use of magnetic fields in order to create an image. If the prolactine level is too high, an MRI scan is sometimes performed on the brain in order to check if there is a benign tumour present on the pituitary.
Mucous
Slime (released by the cervix).
Myoma
Benign muscular tissue that protrudes from the wall of the uterus.
Myomectomy
Surgical procedure whereby a myoma is removed.
Nidation
Implanting of a fertilised ovum.
Occlusion
Blockage or break in a connection.
Oestradiol
Female hormone produced by the ovary.
Oestrogen
Most important female sex hormone that is produced in the ovary during the phase when the woman is fertile.
OFE
Orienting Fertilisation Examination.
OHSS
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Serious complication as a result of some fertility treatments (such as IVF), whereby fertility medicines produce an over-stimulation of the ovaries.
Oligomenorrhea
Cycle that lasts longer than six weeks.
Oligozoospermia
The semen only contains a small number of sperm cells.
Oocyte
Ovum or egg cell.
Ovary
Sex gland that produces the female ova and the female hormone.
Overstimulation
Complication resulting from fertility medicines, when the ovaries overreact and, amongst other things, become enlarged, thereby producing too many ova.
Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes)
Tube-like structures that originate from either side of the uterus, the funnel-shaped ends of which collect the ovum from the ovary after ovulation and transport them. Properly functioning oviducts are essential for natural fertilisation.
Ovulation
The discharge of ova from the ovary.
Ovulation Induction
Medical treatment to stimulate ovulation through medicines.
PCO Syndrome (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
Also called Stein-Leventhal Syndrome. Possible cause of reduced fertility in a female whereby a disrupted hormonal balance leads to specific characteristics, often including the absence of ovulation. PCO syndrome can also occur in the absence of visible symptoms.
PCT
Post Coital Test.
PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis)
Examination of hereditary disorders in an embryo with four or eight cells prior to the embryo being replaced in the uterus. PGD is useful for tracking down hereditary disorders and for transferring a normal embryo to the uterus.
Pituitary Gland
Gland at the base of the brain which regulates, amongst other things, the functioning of the sex organs.
Polyp
A swelling that grows in the uterine cavity; it is nearly always benign.
Portio Vaginalis
The mouth of the uterus, the lowest part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
Post Coital Test (PCT)
Test carried out during fertility examination that can be used to investigate the interaction between sperm cells and cervical mucous after intercourse.
Progesterone
Hormone that is produced after ovulation, during the second half (the luteal phase) of the menstrual cycle. Promotes the thickening of the uterus lining in preparation for the implanting of a fertilised ovum.
Prolactine
Hormone that stimulates milk-production in lactating mothers (mothers who are breast-feeding).
Puncture
Extraction of tissue by vacuum, in procedures such as egg retrieval during an IVF treatment or cyst-puncture from an ovary.
Retrograde Ejaculation
Seminal fluid flows back into the bladder and is thus not propelled into the urinary duct. A cause of infertility in males.
Salpingectomy
Surgical removal of the oviducts.
Salpingitis
Inflammation or infection of one or both oviducts.
Salpingolysis
Surgical removal of adhesions around the oviducts.
Salpingostomy
Surgical incision in the oviducts in order to remove an ectopic pregnancy or to re-open a blocked oviduct.
Scrotum
Sac of skin and thin muscle tissue in which the testes are enclosed.
Secondary Infertility
Infertility of a male or female who has already had a child.
Semen (Sperm)
The fluid that is released and produced by the testes, the seminal vesicle and the prostate during ejaculation.
Seminal Fluid (Ejaculate)
The fluid which is ejected during an orgasm and which contains the sperm cells.
Seminal Vesicle
The two glands under the bladder that produce seminal fluid.
Septum (Partition)
The deviant tissue that divides the uterus in two.
Sertoli Cells
The cells in the testes that stimulate the production of sperm cells.
SPA (Sperm Penetration Assay)
Method whereby human sperm cells are introduced to the ova of hamsters in order to assess the fertility of the sperm cells.
Speculum
Instrument for examining the vagina and the cervix.
Sperm ‘Washing’
Technique used to separate the sperm from the seminal fluid.
Sperm Analysis
Examination of the quality of the sperm.
Sperm Antibodies
Chemical substances that create a ‘hostile’ environment in the cervical mucous. The sperm cells cannot propel themselves forward in this environment and are consequentially unable to fertilise an ovum.
Sperm Bank
Sperm is collected and frozen here for later use by a couple, or for donations for ART’s.
Sperm Cell
Male reproductive cell or gamete.
Sperm Cell Morphology
Shape of the single sperm cell.
Sperm Cell Vitality
Indicates whether a sperm cell is alive or not.
Sperm Concentration
Number of sperm cells per millilitre or cubic centimetre. The motility (or mobility), morphology, the number and the vitality of sperm cells can be ascertained.
Spermatocyte
A sperm cell that is not yet matured.
Spermatogenesis
Production of sperm in the tubuli seminiferi.
Spermatozoa
Male reproductive cell or gamete. Simply called a sperm cell.
SPM Test
Lab test of sperm and cervical mucous.
Spontaneous Abortion
Miscarriage.
Stein-Leventhal Syndrome
Cause of infertility as a result of a surplus of androgens, small cysts on the ovaries and the absence of ovulation. Symptoms include obesity or weight-gain, acne, hirsutism and amenorrhoea. Stein-Leventhal syndrome can also occur without producing any visible symptoms.
Subfertiliteit
Onvermogen van een man en vrouw om een zwangerschap bij de vrouw te bereiken, na één jaar gemeenschap zonder voorbehoedmiddel.
Sub-fertility
Inability of a male and female to achieve a pregnancy in the same female after a year of intercourse without prophylactics.
Surrogacy
IVF created pregnancy whereby a woman carries a pregnancy through to completion for another person or couple.
Surrogate Mother
Woman who opts to become pregnant and to carry a child for another couple. The sperm of the male and the ovum of either the female or the surrogate mother may be used, although the donor sperm or donor ova of a third party may sometimes also be used.
Teratospermia
Deformed sperm cells.
Testicles
Gonads of the male that produce sperm and male sex hormones.
Testicular Biopsy
Surgical removal of testicular tissue to assess whether the cells are capable of producing normal sperm or to track down possible tumours.
Testicular Torsion
Disorder whereby the testes are twisted so that the blood supply is locally cut off.
Testosterone
Male hormone.
TET (Tubal Embryo Transfer)
Form of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) whereby the embryo is introduced into the oviduct.
Threatening Miscarriage
Blood loss during early pregnancy.
Tubal Ligature
Procedure for the surgical tying or blocking of the oviducts in order to sterilise a female.
Tuboplasty
Operation to redress a disorder of the oviducts that is causing infertility.
Tubuli Seminiferi
Ducts in the testes that produce sperm.
Tumour
Benign or malignant tissue growth.
Turner Syndrome
Hereditary disorder in women whereby the ovaries fail to function as a result of an absent chromosome.
Ultrasound
Imaging examination in order to render internal organs visible through the use of high-frequency sound waves.
In fertility treatments, ultrasound is used to check whether the follicles have matured and to track down problems such as cysts. This procedure is also called echography.
Urethra (Urinary Tract)
The tube that discharges urine from the bladder.
Urethra (urinebuis)
De buis die urine afkomstig uit de blaas uitdrijft.
Uterus
Reproductive organ of the female that protects the unborn child and in which it develops and is fed until the time of birth. Also called the womb.
Uterus Bicornis (Double-Horned Uterus)
Medical term for a uterus disorder whereby the uterus is divided into two halves.
Uterus Septus Duplex (Uterus Bilocularis)
Disorder of the uterus whereby it is divided into two halves by a partition (septum).
Uterus Unicornis
Disorder whereby only half of the uterus develops and is smaller than normal.
Vagina
Birth canal of the female that connects the external and internal sex organs.
Vaginal
Via the vagina.
Vasectomy
Surgical sterilisation of the male through tying up or fusing the ductus deferens.
Vasogram
X-ray examination of the ductus deferens.
ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer)
Type of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) whereby the fertilised ovum is introduced into the oviduct.
Zona Pellucida (Embryo Shell)
Protective casing of the ovum.
Zygote
Fertilised ovum.