| Habitual Abortion |
A condition whereby three or more pregnancies
have been lost to miscarriage |
| Incomplete Abortion |
An abortion after which some fetal tissues
remain in-utero. Often requires a D&C for cleansing
|
| Spontaneous Abortion |
A loss of pregnancy during the first trimester
|
| Therapeutic Abortion |
A selective termination of pregnancy |
| Threatened Abortion |
Indicator for potential spontaneous abortion,
spotting or bleeding during pregnancy |
| Adhesions |
A type of scar tissue often found in pelvic
cavity that can obstruct or impair implantation of embryo
in uterus |
| Adrenal Androgens |
'Male' hormones produced by the adrenal
gland that may cause fertility problems when present
in excessive amounts. Often found in patients with PCOD
(Poly-Cystic Ovarian Disorder) |
| Agglutination |
Act of sperm clumping together, often in
response to anti-sperm antibodies |
| Alpha-fetoprotein |
A blood test that analyses the developing
fetus |
| A.I.D. |
Artificial Insemination Donor - see also
T.D.I. - insemination via donor sperm sample |
| A.I.H. |
Artificial Insemination Homologous- artificial
insemination with husband's sperm. |
| Amenorrhea |
Lack of menstruation for 6 months or more.
|
| Amniocentesis |
The aspiration of amniotic fluid from the
uterus, usually performed at three to three and one-half
months of pregnancy, to test the fetus for genetic abnormalities
|
| Androgens |
Male sex hormones |
| Andrologist |
A specialist who treats sperm problems |
| Anovulation |
The absence of ovulation |
| Antibody |
a protective agent produced by the body's
immune system in response to a foreign substance |
| Antigen |
Any substance that induces the formation
of an antibody |
| Antisperm antibodies |
Antibodies that can attach to sperm and
inhibit movement of sperm or fertilization |
| Artificial Insemination |
Deposition of sperm in vagina near cervix,
often used in combination with ovulatory therapy to
improve timing and conditions for gamete interactions.
|
| Asherman's Syndrome |
Uterine abnormality often associated with
uterine inflammation. |
| A.R.T. |
Advanced Reproductive Technology: a generic
term encompassing IVF, GIFT, ZIFT, ICSI, and many other
technologies inherent to reproductive care. |
| Aspiration |
suctioning of fluid, as from a follicle
|
| Asymptomatic |
Without any symptoms |
| Autoimmunity |
An immune reaction against one's own tissues |
| Azoospermia |
Complete lack of sperm production in semen,
may be due to reproductive tract blockage. |
