Fertility Glossary
Glossary of Fertility Terms
- Hamster Testsearch for term
- A test of the ability of sperm to penetrate a hamster egg, which has been stripped of the Zona Pellucida (outer membrane). Synonyms: SPA, Sperm Penetration Assays
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropinssearch for term
- The major hormone secreted by the placenta. In the early stages of pregnancy continued survival of the Corpus Luteum (the follicle that released the egg) is totally dependent on HCG, and in turn, the survival of the pregnancy is dependent upon hormones secreted by the Corpus Luteum. Synonyms: hCG
- Human Menopausal Gonadott-Opinsearch for term
- FSH and LH hormones extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women and then injected to stimulate ovulation to occur. Synonyms: hMG
- Hypergonadismsearch for term
- Inadequate ovarian or testicular function.
- Hyperstimulationsearch for term
- A potentially life-threatening side effect of ovulation induction with injectable fertility medications such as hMG and urofollitropins. A woman's ovaries become enlarged and produce an overabundance of eggs. Blood hormone levels rise, fluid may collect in the lungs or abdominal cavity, and ovarian cyst may rupture, causing internal bleeding. Bloodclots sometimes develop. Symptoms include sudden weight gain and abdominal pain. Cycles stimulated with these drugs must be carefully monitored with ultrasound scans. OHSS may be prevented by withholding the hCG injection when ultrasound monitoring indicates that too many follicles have matured Synonyms: OHSS, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
- Hyperthyroidismsearch for term
- Overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. The resulting increased metabolism "burns up" estrogen too rapidly and interferes with ovulation.
- Hypospadiasearch for term
- A structural abnormality of the penile shaft resulting in an opening on the underside.
- Hypothalamussearch for term
- The gland at the base of the brain that has a major role in regulating the hormones involved in fertility and the menstrual cycle.
- Hypothyroidismsearch for term
- A condition in which the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone. The resulting lowered metabolism interferes with the normal breakdown of "old" hormones and causes lethargy. Men will suffer from a lower sex drive and elevated prolactin, and women will suffer from elevated prolactin and estrogen, both of which will interfere with fertility
- Hysterosalpingographysearch for term
- An x-ray dye test used to visualize the uterus and tubes. It involves the injection of a radio-opaque dye through the cervix and into the uterus and tubes. A series of x-rays is taken and the contour and patency of the uterus and tubes are assessed. Synonyms: hSG
- Hysteroscopysearch for term
- This is a procedure that involves the introduction of a thin telescope-like instrument through the cervix into the uterine cavity. It enables the direct visualization of the uterine cavity and its lining, thereby providing an opportunity to diagnose abnormalities such as polyps, fibroids or adhesions.
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