Are there any other key fertility terms?

Antral Follicles:

Small follicles that appear as small fluid-filled sacs that may develop further due to FSH stimulation.

AOA:

Oocyte (egg) activation occurs when a sperm meets an egg, beginning the process of fertilisation and embryo development. The process is triggered by factors within the sperm that lead to an increase in calcium in the oocyte. If the sperm lacks these factors or oocytes don’t respond properly, then artificial oocyte activation is needed. In AOA a substance called calcium ionophore is used to help activate the egg and improve fertilisation.

Blastocyst:

The stage an embryo reaches after five days in culture following egg retrieval. In the first three days of development the embryos start dividing into separate cells called cleavage embryos. After day three and to day 5, the blastocyst forms. It is a more complex structure, with the number of cells present having increased to over 100 including two different types of cells that help develop the placenta. After reaching five days of development the blastocyst is transferred into the uterus.

Blood flow:

The blood flow to your uterus, ovaries and follicles can give you an idea of how good your ovarian reserve is. A cell in the body that has good blood flow will most likely be a healthy cell, as it’s received a healthy supply of oxygen and nutrients. By examining your blood flow, we can see which eggs might be of better quality.

Chemical Pregnancy:

This occurs when a fertilised egg does not attach itself to the uterine wall. It’s also known as an early miscarriage.

Chlamydia:

A sexually transmitted infection that if left untreated can cause tubal damage in women and affect the quality of sperm in men. You will need to be tested and if found to have it, will need to be treated for it before you can begin fertility treatment.

Clomid:

A drug given to women to help stimulate ovulation.

Day 6 4BB Embryo/Blastocyst:

How old your embryo/blastocyst is alongside its development (ranging from 1-6 with 5 being the most developed), inner cell mass and trophectoderm score (ranging from A-C with A being best.)

Ectopic Pregnancy:

This is when a pregnancy occurs anywhere other than the uterus usually in the fallopian tubes, ovaries or abdominal cavity.

Embryoscope:

is an incubator with the right conditions for a healthy embryo to develop in the laboratory. It has a special time-lapse system with a camera that continuously captures images and records them as the embryo develops, which can be combined with our unique Caremaps algorithm analysis to significantly increase success rates.

Fertilisation:

The process whereby an egg is penetrated by sperm. Foetus: The halfway point of development between an embryo and a baby.

Gametes:

This refers to the ova and sperm-the female and male reproductive cells.

Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH): Is produced in the brain, stimulating the pituitary gland to produce luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.

Gonads:

Sex glands such as the ovaries in women and testes in men that make sex cells.

hCG:

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is a hormone produced in the placenta after implantation. Used by pregnancy tests to determine pregnancy. Also an injectable hormone that helps your eggs go through the final maturation so they are ready for collection.

Hormones:

In men, particular hormones can indicate how much sperm you’re able to produce. If you’re suffering from unexplained fertility problems, we may suggest hormone screening, as this will help us better understand your needs. We will examine the levels of FSH and luteinising hormone in your blood to know how much sperm you may be producing; we will also check your testosterone levels.