If you are dealing with the stress of trying to conceive after being diagnosed with infertility, it might help to understand some of the most frequently used terms that are used for infertility itself and fertility treatments.
Here are some more of the most common terms used when talking about fertility treatments and issues:
Donor Embryo: This refers to an embryo that has been donated by a couple who have undergone an Assisted Reproductive Technology treatment and had extra embryos, and are willing to share. All parental rights are relinquished by the couple whop donates the embryos.
Ectopic Pregnancy: This is a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants itself in a location outside of the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube, the ovary, or sometimes the abdominal cavity.
Egg: An egg is a female reproductive cell, which may also be called an oocyte or ovum.
Egg Retrieval: This procedure may also be called oocyte retrieval, and refers to a procedure that is done to collect the eggs contained in the ovarian follicles.
Egg Transfer: May also be referred to as oocyte transfer, it is a procedure that transfers retrieved eggs into a woman’s fallopian tubes through laparoscopy, and is used only in GIFT.
Embryo: An embryo is a fertilized egg that has undergone or more divisions.
Embryo Transfer: This is the procedure that involves placing an embryo into a woman’s uterus. The embryo is placed into the uterus via the cervix, and the procedure takes place after in vitro fertilization. During the process of Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer, or ZIFT, the embryos are placed in a woman’s fallopian tube.
Endometriosis: This term refers to a medical condition that involves the presence of tissue similar to the uterine lining found outside the uterus. Endometriosis can affect fertilization of the egg, as well as embryo implantation.
Fertilization: Fertilization is what occurs when the sperm penetrates the egg, and the genetic materials of both are combined to develop into an embryo.
Having a better understanding of the medical terms you will hear when dealing with issues of infertility may help to reduce a little of your stress.
Infertility Lingo: Terms That You Should Know Part 4
Infertility Lingo: Terms That You Should Know Part 3
Infertility Lingo: Terms That You Should Know Part 1
Infertility Lingo: Terms That You Should Know Part 5
Comments on this entry are closed.