Fertility Glossary
Glossary of Fertility Terms
- Basal Body Temperature Testsearch for term
- Indirect evidence of ovulation can be obtained with the basal body temperature chart. The temperature can be taken orally with a special thermometer immediately upon awakening and before any activity. This is recorded on a special graph that enables you to visualize the different temperature shifts. The temperature will drop to its lowest point, 1-2 days prior to ovulation, and then rises and remains elevated until a couple of days before impending menstruation. If the individual is pregnant the temperature will remain elevated. This elevation is not considered a fever because it will never exceed 38ºC (100ºF). This test is unfortunately not very reliable in every woman, and is therefore not used universally. Synonyms: BBT
- Biphasicsearch for term
- A two-level BBT record, which shows a rise in temperature and is suggestive of ovulation.
- Blastocystsearch for term
- An embryo that has undergone multiple cellular divisions with the formation of a cavity within it. A fertilized egg reaches the blastocyst stage usually 4 to 5 days after fertilization.
- Bromocriptinesearch for term
- Used to treat abnormally high prolactin (pituitary hormone responsible for breast milk production) levels that may result in infertility and amenorrhea. Prolactin may be overproduced due to pituitary brain tumors, as a side effect of various medications, chest wall trauma, and breast implants.
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