Fertility Glossary
Every fertility term explained in simple, clear language. From treatments and tests to hormones and conditions — understand your fertility journey with confidence.
Treatments
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm outside the body in a controlled laboratory environment, and the resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy. IVF is used to help individuals or couples overcome fertility challenges such as blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, male factor infertility, or unexplained infertility, with the goal of increasing the chances of successful conception when natural methods or simpler treatments like IUI have not been effective.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a fertility treatment where washed, concentrated sperm is placed directly into the uterus through a thin catheter. This is done around the time of ovulation. It bypasses the cervix, putting sperm closer to the egg. IUI is used for mild male factor infertility, cervical mucus problems, ovulation disorders, or unexplained infertility. The aim is to increase the number of healthy sperm reaching the fallopian tubes.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
ICSI is an advanced fertility technique. A single healthy sperm is injected directly into the centre of a mature egg using a fine glass needle. The procedure is done under a high-powered microscope. ICSI is used for severe male factor infertility — very low count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology. It is also used when previous IVF cycles produced poor fertilisation results. Even with very low sperm quality, ICSI can still achieve fertilisation.
Ovulation Induction
Ovulation Induction is a fertility treatment that uses medications to stimulate the ovaries. Oral drugs like Letrozole or Clomiphene, or injectable hormones, are used. The goal is to trigger the development and release of one or more mature eggs. It is used for women with irregular or absent ovulation — including those with PCOS or hypothalamic amenorrhea. Treatment can support natural conception through timed intercourse, or be combined with IUI.
IVF with Donor Eggs
IVF with Donor Eggs is an assisted reproductive procedure in which eggs from a healthy, medically screened donor are fertilised with the partner's or donor sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the recipient's uterus to achieve pregnancy. This treatment is used when a woman cannot produce viable eggs of her own due to diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian failure, advanced maternal age, or repeated IVF failure, with the goal of achieving pregnancy using high-quality donor eggs that significantly improve success rates.
Embryo Transfer
Embryo Transfer is the final step of the IVF process. A laboratory-cultured embryo is placed into the uterus through the cervix using a thin, flexible catheter guided by ultrasound. No anaesthesia is needed. The transfer can be a fresh transfer within the same IVF cycle, or a frozen embryo transfer (FET) in a later cycle. The goal is successful implantation and pregnancy.
Tests
AMH Test (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
The AMH Test is a simple blood test that measures the level of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) in the bloodstream, a protein produced by the granulosa cells in the ovarian follicles that directly reflects a woman's ovarian reserve — the number of eggs remaining in her ovaries. The AMH test can be performed on any day of the menstrual cycle and is used to assess fertility potential, predict response to IVF stimulation, and guide treatment planning, with the goal of giving doctors and patients a reliable picture of reproductive capacity and helping determine the most appropriate fertility treatment approach.
HSG Test (Hysterosalpingography)
HSG (Hysterosalpingography) is a diagnostic X-ray procedure. A contrast dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. X-ray images show whether the tubes are open or blocked. It also reveals the shape of the uterine cavity. Doctors use HSG to identify blocked tubes, polyps, fibroids, or a septate uterus that may be preventing pregnancy.
Semen Analysis
Semen Analysis is the main test for evaluating male fertility. A semen sample is examined under a microscope. The lab checks sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), volume, and pH. It is one of the first tests done when a couple is having difficulty conceiving. Results can identify low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology. These findings guide the next steps — from lifestyle changes to IUI or ICSI.
Antral Follicle Count (AFC)
Antral Follicle Count (AFC) is a transvaginal ultrasound test. It is done early in the menstrual cycle — usually on Day 2 to 5. The doctor counts small resting follicles (2–10mm) on both ovaries. Each follicle represents a potential egg. AFC is used alongside the AMH blood test to assess ovarian reserve and predict how well the ovaries will respond to IVF stimulation.
Karyotyping
Karyotyping is a genetic test. A blood sample is taken and the chromosomes are stained, arranged, and examined under a microscope. The test looks for structural or numerical problems in a person's genetic makeup. In fertility medicine, it is used to investigate recurrent miscarriage, repeated IVF failure, or azoospermia. It can identify chromosomal disorders — such as translocations, Turner syndrome, or Klinefelter syndrome — that may be causing infertility.
Conditions
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder where the ovaries produce too many male hormones (androgens). This leads to irregular or absent periods, multiple small cysts on the ovaries, and symptoms like acne, weight gain, and excess hair. PCOS affects about 1 in 5 women of reproductive age in India. It is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility — where no egg is released. However, it is highly treatable through lifestyle changes, ovulation-inducing medications, IUI, or IVF.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition. Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It most commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining. This tissue responds to hormonal changes, causes inflammation, and forms scar tissue. Endometriosis can damage egg quality, block the fallopian tubes, and make embryo implantation difficult. Treatment includes laparoscopic surgery to remove the abnormal tissue. IVF may be needed to improve the chances of pregnancy.
Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained Infertility is diagnosed when a couple cannot conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. All standard fertility tests come back normal. This includes semen analysis, ovulation assessment, HSG, and hormonal panels. No identifiable cause is found. It accounts for about 25–30% of all infertility cases. Treatment follows a stepwise approach: ovulation induction and timed intercourse first, then IUI, then IVF if needed.
Low Ovarian Reserve (Diminished Ovarian Reserve)
Low Ovarian Reserve means a woman has fewer eggs than expected for her age. It is measured by low AMH levels and a low Antral Follicle Count on ultrasound. It is most common in women over 35, but can also affect younger women due to genetic factors, autoimmune conditions, or prior ovarian surgery. Low reserve reduces the number of eggs available for IVF — but does not always affect egg quality in younger patients. Treatment includes modified IVF protocols or donor egg IVF.
Azoospermia
Azoospermia means there is no sperm in the ejaculate. It affects about 1% of all men and 10–15% of men with infertility. There are two types. In obstructive azoospermia, sperm is produced normally but a blockage stops it from coming out. In non-obstructive azoospermia, the testes do not produce enough sperm. Both types can be treated. Surgical sperm retrieval (TESA or MESA) is used to collect sperm. This is then combined with ICSI to achieve pregnancy.
Premature Ovarian Failure (POI)
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is when the ovaries stop working normally before the age of 40. This causes irregular or absent periods, high FSH levels, very low AMH, and reduced oestrogen. POI affects about 1% of women. Causes include genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, or chemotherapy. Natural conception is rare but not impossible. The most effective fertility treatment is IVF with donor eggs, supported by hormone replacement therapy.
Recurrent Miscarriage
Recurrent Miscarriage means two or more pregnancy losses before 20 weeks. It affects about 1–2% of couples. Causes include chromosomal problems in the embryo, uterine structural issues (fibroids, polyps, or a septum), hormonal disorders, blood clotting disorders, and autoimmune conditions. A full diagnostic workup finds a treatable cause in 50–60% of cases. This workup includes karyotyping, hysteroscopy, hormonal tests, and thrombophilia screening. Treating the underlying cause significantly improves the chances of a future successful pregnancy.
Procedures
Egg Retrieval (Oocyte Pick-Up)
Egg Retrieval (also called Oocyte Pick-Up or OPU) is a minor surgical procedure performed during IVF. Mature eggs are collected from the ovarian follicles using a thin needle guided by transvaginal ultrasound. The patient is under light sedation or anaesthesia throughout. The procedure takes about 20–30 minutes. It typically yields 8–15 eggs depending on the woman's age, ovarian reserve, and stimulation response. Retrieved eggs are then fertilised in the laboratory.
Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation)
Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation) is a laboratory procedure in which high-quality embryos produced during an IVF cycle are preserved at -196°C using a rapid freezing technique called vitrification, which prevents ice crystal formation and achieves post-thaw survival rates above 95%. Embryo freezing is used when surplus embryos are available after a fresh transfer, when a fresh transfer is not medically advisable, or when embryos are being stored for future family planning, with the goal of preserving viable embryos for later use in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles without the need for repeated ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.
Laparoscopy (Keyhole Surgery)
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery, also called keyhole surgery. A thin camera (laparoscope) and small instruments are inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon can directly view and treat the pelvic organs. It is used for endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, pelvic adhesions, and blocked fallopian tubes. Laparoscopy is both a diagnostic tool and a treatment. The goal is to improve natural conception rates or prepare the body for IVF.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the uterus. A thin, lighted camera called a hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix. The doctor views the uterine cavity on a monitor. Abnormalities such as polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or a uterine septum can be found and treated in the same session. Hysteroscopy is common in women with unexplained infertility or recurrent miscarriage. It is also done before IVF to ensure the uterine environment is ready for embryo implantation.
TESA / MESA (Surgical Sperm Retrieval)
TESA and MESA are surgical procedures used to retrieve sperm directly from the male reproductive tract. They are used when no sperm is present in the ejaculate. In TESA, a fine needle is inserted into the testis to extract sperm-containing tissue. In MESA, sperm is taken from the epididymis under a microscope — giving a higher yield and better quality. Both procedures are used for men with azoospermia, ejaculatory dysfunction, or failed vasectomy reversal. Retrieved sperm is used with ICSI to achieve fertilisation.
Hormones
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland. In women, it stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles — each containing an egg. In men, it drives sperm production. Doctors measure FSH through a blood test on Day 2–3 of the menstrual cycle. High FSH suggests diminished ovarian reserve. Very low FSH may point to a hypothalamic or pituitary problem. FSH is a key part of any fertility hormone workup.
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
LH (Luteinizing Hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland. It triggers ovulation — the release of a mature egg from the ovary. This happens through a rapid surge in LH levels, about 24–36 hours before the egg is released. LH can be measured by a blood test or detected at home with an ovulation predictor kit. Doctors use LH to time intercourse or IUI, diagnose ovulation disorders, and identify hormonal imbalances like PCOS — where LH is often chronically elevated.
Estrogen (Estradiol)
Estrogen (specifically Estradiol or E2) is the primary female reproductive hormone. It is produced by the developing ovarian follicles. Estrogen stimulates the growth of the uterine lining and supports follicle maturation. During IVF, estradiol levels are monitored through blood tests to track how the ovaries are responding to stimulation. Rising levels signal that follicles are growing. Doctors use this to time the trigger injection and egg retrieval at the right moment.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone produced by the corpus luteum — the structure left in the ovary after ovulation. It prepares and maintains the uterine lining for embryo implantation. It also helps sustain early pregnancy. In IVF, progesterone supplementation is given during the luteal phase and early weeks of pregnancy. It can be taken as vaginal pessaries, oral tablets, or injections. The goal is to keep the uterine lining thick and receptive so the embryo can implant successfully.
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a protein hormone produced by small follicles in the ovaries. It is a direct measure of a woman's ovarian reserve — how many eggs she has remaining. Unlike FSH and LH, AMH levels stay stable throughout the menstrual cycle. This means the test can be done on any day. Fertility specialists use AMH to assess reproductive potential, predict IVF response, and diagnose conditions such as PCOS (where AMH is often elevated).
Male Fertility
Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)
Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia) means fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. This reduces the chance of a sperm reaching and fertilising the egg. Causes include varicocele, hormonal imbalances, infections, genetic factors, heat exposure, smoking, alcohol, or obesity. Diagnosis is made with a semen analysis. Mild cases may respond to lifestyle changes and supplements. Moderate to severe cases are treated with IUI or ICSI.
Varicocele
Varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum — similar to varicose veins in the legs. These enlarged veins raise the temperature inside the testicles. Higher temperature impairs sperm production, quality, and DNA integrity. Varicoceles affect about 15% of all men and up to 40% of infertile men. Diagnosis is done by physical examination and scrotal Doppler ultrasound. Surgical repair (varicocelectomy) improves sperm parameters in 60–70% of cases.
Sperm DNA Fragmentation
Sperm DNA Fragmentation means the DNA inside sperm cells has breaks or damage. Standard semen analysis does not detect this. High fragmentation is linked to lower natural conception rates and poorer IVF and ICSI outcomes. It is also linked to impaired embryo development and higher miscarriage risk. This can happen even when count, motility, and morphology appear normal. Testing is recommended for unexplained infertility, recurrent IVF failure, or recurrent miscarriage. Treatment includes antioxidant therapy, lifestyle changes, and advanced sperm selection during ICSI.
Erectile Dysfunction & Fertility
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) means a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for intercourse. ED does not directly damage sperm quality. But it prevents natural conception by making vaginal intercourse difficult or impossible. Causes include vascular problems, neurological conditions, hormonal imbalances, medications, or lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity. Treatment options include oral medications (such as sildenafil), lifestyle changes, and counselling. IUI is also an option — it allows conception without intercourse by using a collected semen sample.
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