Scar tissue from infection, endometriosis, surgery or bleeding which can distort or cause dysfunction of organs.
The removal of a small amount of fluid from the fetal sac to check for fetal abnormalities at 15-16 weeks gestation. This is performed using a small needle under local anaesthetic and ultrasound guidance.
Gentle suction used to remove an egg from a follicle.
Elevated hormone levels indicate a pregnancy, but implantation and continuing development of the embryo does not occur.
A fertilised egg which does not continue to grow after implantation occurs.
A ring of muscle at the base of the uterus, extending into the vagina with a channel connecting the vagina to the uterine cavity.
The removal of a small amount of tissue from the placenta (the structure which joins the mother to the fetus) to check for fetal abnormalities.
One of the drugs used to stimulate development of multiple follicles.
Preservation by freezing and storage of sperm and embryos.
Implantation of the embryo other than in the uterus (usually in the fallopian tube).
The female cell developed in the ovary which forms an embryo when fertilised by a sperm; also called ovum (plural ova) or oocyte.
The fertilised egg which has begun cell division.
Placing the embryo, developed in vitro, into the uterus using a catheter threaded through the cervix.
A condition where endometrial tissue is located outside the uterus in the pelvic or abdominal cavity.
The lining of the uterine wall in which the embryo implants.
The narrow tubes extending from the top of the uterus towards the ovaries.
Penetration of the egg cell by the sperm cell, which results in cell division.
Finger-like structures at the outer end of the Fallopian tube, which guide the egg, released by the ovary, into the tube.
Refilling a follicle with a special fluid to ensure aspiration of the egg.
Small bubble-like cysts on the ovary in which the egg cells grow until released and which produce oestrogen.
The first segment of the menstrual cycle from the start of the period to ovulation.
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which controls growth of the ovarian follicle and maturation of egg cells in a woman and sperm production in a man.
A reproductive cell (sperm and eggs). GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer) Sperm and eggs are deposited into the fallopian tubes, either through a catheter placed into the cervix or via a laparoscope into the abdominal cavity.
Sperm and eggs are deposited into the fallopian tubes, either through a catheter placed into the cervix or via a laparoscope into the abdominal cavity.
A hormone produced by developing embryo and later by the placenta. It is also administered during IVF, GIFT, TEST, PROST, IUI and Ovulation Induction to induce ovulation at a precise time.
One of the drugs used to stimulate development of multiple follicles.
An exaggerated response of the ovaries to the drugs given, resulting in bloating of the lower abdomen, pain discomfort and enlarged ovaries and associated discomfort.
The embedding of a fertilised egg in the endometrium of the uterus.
The inability to become pregnant after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.
The combining of a selected sample of mature sperm with mature eggs in a petri dish or test tube for fertilisation.
A surgical procedure in which a laparoscope with an attached light is inserted into the abdomen, under a general anaesthetic in hospital, so the surgeon can inspect the internal organs through an eye-piece which are magnified and displayed on a video screen.
A hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland which controls the release of a mature egg from a follicle in the female, and male hormone production (testosterone) in men.
A drug which suppresses the production of FSH and LH in the pituitary gland (after initial stimulation) to allow for better-controlled ovarian response.
A segment of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation but before menstruation.
Recurring changes in a woman’s body, during which hormonal activity causes regular development of follicles and eggs, as well as changes in the lining of the uterus. Sloughing of uterine cells is manifested as bleeding from the vagina at the end of a cycle in which pregnancy has not occurred.
The ability of sperm to move with the capacity to fertilise an egg.
Small organs located in the pelvic cavity, on either side of the uterus, which produce eggs.
The release of a mature egg cell from the ovary.
A hormone producing gland located at the base of the brain.
The fluid discharged by the male on ejaculation, which contains sperm and other glandular secretions.
Male organs located in the scrotum, which produce sperm cells (into the semen) and the male hormone testosterone (into the bloodstream).
A small pear shaped organ in which the embryo implants and the fetus grows until delivery.
Dilatation of the cord which carries the sperm forming a soft, elastic, often uncomfortable swelling.
A distensible tube shaped organ leading from the cervix, which can contain the penis during intercourse and allows sperm access to the uterus and fallopian tubes and through which a baby is born.
Fertilised egg.