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Infertility treatment in modern medicine allows so many individuals and couples to realize their dreams of parenthood. Like most medical fields, fertility treatment has its own language, often complicated or highly technical. Acronyms are also a favorite in today's infertility medical lingo. To help decipher the terminology of 21st-century infertility medicine, we've compiled an "old school" favorite: A glossary of common terms and acronyms.

Glossary of Infertility Terms and Acronyms

We've listed the items here in alphabetical order. Acronyms appear in their commonly used form, followed by the full term the set of letters represents.

Agglutination

Describes an event in which sperm clump together, making it difficult for them to swim easily. Sperm agglutination is a possible indication of immunological infertility, which makes it an important factor to consider in forming an infertility diagnosis.

AI (Artificial Insemination)

A procedure that deposits sperm near the cervix in the vagina or directly into the uterus using a catheter.

Amenorrhea

The complete absence of menstrual periods.

Anovulation

A complete absence of ovulation.

ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies)

ARTs are various procedures used to combat infertility in which conception occurs without sexual intercourse.

ART Cycle

A process that includes an ART procedure, stimulation of the ovaries, or frozen embryos that are thawed for transfer into a woman. This process starts when a woman begins fertility medications or monitors her ovaries for follicle production.

BBT (Basal Body Temperature)

A temperature reading taken every day that can be used to chart ovulation.

Beta HCG Test

This blood test detects very early pregnancies and can help evaluate embryonic development.

Cryopreservation

This freezing process preserves embryos, sperm, and other tissues at very low temperatures. When embryos are not utilized in an ART cycle, they can be cryopreserved for potential use in the future.

DEIVF (Donor Egg In Vitro Fertilization)

An in vitro fertilization procedure in which the egg used is procured from a donor.

Donor Egg

Also known as egg donation, this term describes the donation of an egg from one woman to another. The goal is to become pregnant by in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Donor Embryo

Describes an embryo donated by a couple who previously had ART treatment that resulted in the creation of extra embryos. When donated, all parental rights of the donor couple are relinquished.

Embryologists

Professionals who specialize in advanced laboratory techniques to prepare and provide the conditions necessary for the fertilization of eggs. These specialists facilitate the development, growth, maturation, and preservation of embryos.

Fertility Specialist

A physician who specializes in treating fertility problems. These physicians receive certification in a subspecialty for OB-GYNs from the American Board of Obstetrics after obtaining extra training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

Gestation

This term refers to the period of development the fetus undergoes in the uterus from conception to birth, usually 40 weeks' duration.

Gestational Surrogate / Gestational Carrier / Gestational Surrogacy

Arrangement in which a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy on behalf of another individual or couple (the intended parents). In Gestational Surrogacy, embryos are created using the egg of the intended parent (or an egg donor) and the sperm of an intended parent (or a sperm donor). Gestational Carriers (surrogates) do not have any biological relation to the resulting baby.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

A hormone produced in early pregnancy that's released from the placenta after implantation. It can be employed via injection to trigger ovulation after certain types of fertility treatments. In men, it can stimulate testosterone production.

‍ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

This procedure retrieved eggs and sperm from both partners. In a laboratory, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg, and the fertilized egg is then implanted into the woman's uterus.

Idiopathic Infertility

A term applied when the cause of infertility remains unexplained.

Implantation

This occurs when a fertilized egg embeds itself in the uterus lining.

Infertility

Inability to conceive following a year of unprotected intercourse, or six months in women over age 35.

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

Less frequently, it can stand for intra-uterine injection or intra-uterine infection. Intra-uterine insemination is a procedure for treating infertility. The sperm is washed, then concentrated before being placed directly in the uterus when the ovary releases one or more eggs.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)

A complex procedure for treating infertility in which mature eggs are retrieved from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab.

Microinsemination

In this laboratory procedure, sperm is injected next to an egg cell surface in a laboratory dish. This is done to increase the chances of fertilization.

PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing)

A screening technique used to evaluate the chromosomal makeup of an IVF embryo and whether the embryo contains genetic abnormalities.

Postcoital Test

In this standard fertility test, a sample of cervical mucus is taken from the woman after intercourse to determine the number and behavior of sperm. Cervical mucus is an accurate reflection of the ovarian cycle, the PC test is an invaluable indicator of the endocrine preparation of the female reproductive system.         

Reproductive Endocrinologist

Highly trained Obstetrician-Gynecologist with advanced education, research, and skills in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. 

Secondary Infertility

Infertility lasting six months or more in a couple who previously had a successful pregnancy and birth.

Sperm Bank

A facility that specializes in the collection and freezing of sperm, preserving it to be used later by a couple or donated for use in assisting others with infertility.

Sperm Count

The number of active sperm in an ejaculate sample. Normally, the sperm count ranges from 15 million sperm to more than 200 million sperm.

Sperm Motility

The percentage of sperm in an ejaculate that moves forward.

Surrogacy

Traditional Surrogacy

Traditional surrogacy is sometimes called "straight surrogacy," "partial surrogacy," or "genetic surrogacy." It involves a legal agreement between the intended parents and the surrogate. In this scenario, the surrogate is the biological mother of the baby. The surrogate's own eggs are fertilized using a sperm donor or the intended father. Intended mothers do not have a genetic link to the baby in traditional surrogacy. IHR does not work with traditional surrogates, only gestational surrogates. 

Gestational Surrogacy

A gestational surrogate carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple. Gestational surrogate pregnancies are achieved through IVF. In this procedure, an embryo is created in a lab using the egg and sperm from the intended parents, or donor eggs and sperm may be used. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus of the gestational surrogate. Because the gestational carrier carrying the pregnancy doesn't provide an egg, there is no genetic connection between the child and the surrogate.       

TTC (Trying to Conceive)

Considered slang, this acronym is generally used as a form of shorthand in notes, in online communities, and on social media. Often seen as a hashtag: #TTC.

Ultrasound

A testing procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to view the ovaries, uterus, and the developing fetus.

Vaginal Ultrasound

This procedure is performed through a probe inserted into the vagina. It allows the viewing of the follicles, fetus, and other soft tissues by using sound waves. Imaging the structures in the pelvis with ultrasound can identify abnormalities and help diagnose conditions.

Make the Call

Are you ready to explore the possibilities for growing your family? Request a consultation with the specialists at Reproductive Gynecology & Fertility, your premiere source for comprehensive, advanced, experienced fertility care. 

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While millions of couples start families naturally, millions more face fertility issues. And although today’s infertility treatments can bring successful outcomes, it can be helpful to know how to boost your fertility. According to the literature, diet and lifestyle changes can help boost fertility by over 50%.

How can you boost your fertility?

Some ways to boost fertility include:

• Eat foods rich in antioxidants – Data shows that these powerful nutrients can deactivate the free radicals in the body, which can damage both sperm and egg cells. Antioxidants like folate and zinc may improve fertility for both men and women.
• Consume more calories at breakfast – Another study found that eating a larger breakfast may improve the hormonal effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a major cause of infertility. For women with a healthy body weight who suffer from PCOS, eating most of their calories at breakfast reduced insulin levels by 8% and decreased testosterone levels by 50%. High levels of either can contribute to infertility. Study findings also revealed the same women ovulated 30% more than those who ate less at breakfast and more during dinner, suggesting improved fertility.
• Eat healthy fats – Avoid trans fats (scan each food label carefully for partially hydrogenated oil, then put it back on the shelf. A large observational study found that a diet higher in trans fats and lower in unsaturated fats was linked to infertility. Go for healthy fats such as avocados, cheese, whole eggs, nuts, seeds, and yes, dark chocolate. Healthy fats can also be found in fish like salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines and herring.
• Change up your protein – Yet another study showed that replacing some animal proteins (such as meat, fish and eggs) with vegetable protein sources (like beans, nuts and seeds) is linked to a reduced risk of infertility. In other research, higher protein intake from meat was linked to a 32% higher chance of developing ovulatory infertility

The leaders in fertility care are in your neighborhood

If you’ve tried making nutritional and lifestyle changes, and your dream of becoming pregnant has yet to come true, know that trusted fertility care is just around the corner. At Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility, our board-certified physicians provide the highest level of full-service fertility care in Ohio. With locations in Akron, Canton, Columbus and Canfield, we strive to make your care as close to home as possible.

To learn more and to schedule an appointment, call 866-537-2461, or click here to use our online contact form.

Approximately one in ten couples struggle with infertility. In fact, infertility can affect women of any age, and from any background. If you’ve been trying to conceive for more than 12 consecutive months (6 months for women over age 35) without success, your primary care physician may refer you to a specialized fertility center for diagnostic testing and potential medication or services.

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility (RGI) offers every available fertility treatment with unsurpassed expertise—to give you the child of your dreams. Our treatment plans are individualized to your specific needs to ensure you’re getting the exact treatment or procedure you need.

Fertility services at RGI

When you choose RGI, you’re maximizing your chances of having a child with leading-edge fertility capabilities, such as:

• Evaluation & Diagnosis
  Our thorough fertility testing capabilities examines everything from ovulation cycles and uterine health to body weight and possible infections. We also provide on-site male fertility testing for maximum convenience and peace of mind. Once we have a diagnosis, we’ll help you determine the next best step in your fertility journey.
• Fertility Surgery
  For many women, surgery is one of the most effective methods of improving fertility. The skilled RGI fertility specialists and surgical gynecologists can perform any leading edge, minimally invasive procedure you need.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
  We use IVF to help with the trickiest aspects of pregnancy (fertilization and implantation) and to optimize your chance of success. We also combine IVF treatment with advanced techniques, like pre-implantation genetic screening & diagnosis, to improve your chance of having a healthy baby.

Get started on your fertility journey with RGI

We have outstanding IVF success rates for both fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles. However, we’re proud to offer the first IVF 100% Success Guaranteed Plan in Northeast and Central Ohio. It’s our goal to help you have a baby—or we’ll refund every penny.

Contact Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility for leading-edge fertility services in Columbus, Akron, Canton and Youngstown, Ohio, and maximize your chance of having a child.

Infertile families who choose IVF and achieve a healthy pregnancy may have additional embryos once they’ve finished growing their family. Many of these couples choose to donate their unused embryos to another person or couple for implantation. This helps other infertile families grow and supports the life of the embryo.

Today, there are an estimated one million frozen embryos in the United States and approximately 6.1 million infertile American women.

Embryo donation success rates

The average pregnancy success rate using embryo donation is high. The embryo donation success rate for pregnancy is slightly higher than standard IVF implantation success rates. This is likely because the donated or adopted embryos have undergone preimplantation genetic testing. Preimplantation genetic testing is a procedure used prior to implantation to help identify genetic defects within the embryo.

Five reasons to choose embryo donation

The skilled doctors at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility want to ensure you understand all aspects of embryo donation and how it can help you grow your family. Here are our top five reasons to choose embryo donation:

• Most agencies and fertility clinics have embryos readily available.
• It allows the intended mother to enjoy the experience of pregnancy and childbirth.
• It can be less expensive than egg donation.
• The embryo is already created, reducing a step in the IVF process.
• Embryo donation maintains neutrality regarding the genetic connection to the child, which is important to some couples.

If you are a women aged 25-40 and have gone through unsuccessful IVF treatment, you are not alone. The skilled physicians at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility want to help you achieve your dream of growing a family with help from embryo donation—the success rates speak for themselves. Call us at 866-537-2461.

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility in Cleveland helps you maximize your chances of having a child with leading-edge fertility services. We’ll provide you with the exact fertility treatment and preservation technique you need to optimize your fertility.

Whether you want to preserve your fertility before starting cancer treatments, delay starting a family until your career is on track or you’ve found your life partner, we can help.

Five fertility treatments and services that can change your life

Here are five ways Cleveland reproductive medicine can change your life forever:

1. In vitro fertilization (IVF)
   Imagine your home full of joy and love only a child can bring. IVF is a treatment in which a woman’s egg is fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. It can help your dreams of having a baby come true.
2. Fertility surgery
   Fertility surgery can help you overcome many sources of infertility like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, PCOS or blocked fallopian tubes. The board-certified physicians at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility are highly skilled in minimally invasive surgical techniques that may, in some cases, allow you to conceive naturally.
3. Egg donor program
   Whether you’re interested in becoming an egg donor or exploring fertility treatments using donor eggs, our skilled physicians are dedicated to safe, effective fertility care you can trust.
4. Embryo donation
   if you’ve gone through the IVF process and have additional embryos, you may choose to freeze them for later use or donate them to help another couple conceive.
5. Egg Cryopreservation
   There are many reasons women choose to store their eggs. Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility is proud to have achieved successes where others have not. We provide individual infertility solutions with the utmost compassion, convenience and commitment.

If you’re looking for the best in Cleveland reproductive medicine, look no further than the experienced, compassionate professionals at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility. Take the next step in your fertility journey by giving us a call at 866-537-2461 to schedule an initial consultation.

At Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility we offer advanced fertility services like embryo adoption. Some parents have healthy, viable embryos remaining after in vitro fertilization. While many choose to cryopreserve their eggs for future use, some opt to donate their embryos to give them a chance for life. This provides other women the opportunity to experience the joys and challenges of pregnancy, labor and delivery.

Advantages of embryo adoption

If you are unable to conceive naturally and have experienced fertility issues using your own eggs, it may be time to explore embryo adoption. Here are a few unique advantages of embryo adoption:

1. Embryo adoption allows women to experience pregnancy and childbirth
   For some, the ability to experience the joys and challenges of pregnancy, labor and delivery are important steps toward becoming a mother.
2. Embryo adoption allows parents to begin bonding with their child immediately
   The opportunity to begin the bonding process in utero can be a precious gift for adopting couples.
3. Embryo adoption gives parents the ability to control the prenatal experience

This option allows the intended parents to choose a doctor to oversee the pregnancy and prenatal care. It will also ensure their baby is receiving a healthy diet and lifestyle.

4. Embryo adoption is less expensive and faster than other types of adoption
   The cost of adopting an embryo is about 50 percent less than adopting an infant. In fact, it is often less expensive than one IVF cycle.
5. Embryo adoption gives embryos a chance to have a life

Is embryo adoption right for me?

If you’ve experienced one or more unsuccessful IVF treatments and your doctor does not believe additional fresh cycles will be successful, embryo adoption might be right for you. Embryo adoption may also be right if you (or your partner) carry a genetic disease you do not want to pass on to your child.

If you’d like to learn more about embryo adoption, IVF or other leading-edge fertility treatments call the skilled physicians at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility at 866-537-2461.

April is National Infertility Awareness Month, and the fertility specialists at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility (RGI) wanted to share what happens when we get to meet the babies we help create.

Thrilled. Happy. Joyful.

These are just some of the words that come to mind when a baby conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) comes back to RGI for a visit. While we’ve known this little person since it was an impossibly tiny embryo, our eyes soften as we marvel at their tiny fingers and toes. It’s a special moment filled with heartfelt congratulations and well wishes. It’s also a very welcome reminder of why we do what we do.

“It brings me so much joy to reconnect with patients after they give birth. The RGI IVF process itself is highly personalized and gives me the opportunity to really get to know people, learn intimate details about their fertility struggles and help grow the family of their dreams. Meeting the baby is incredibly rewarding. I love to watch couples transform from disheartened to joyful—and so in love with their new little boy or girl.”

Is IVF right for me?

Unfortunately, infertility is very common, occurring in approximately 1 in 8 couples. The fertility specialists at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility understand the emotional and physical toll fertility issues can take on people—and relationships. If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 consecutive months, you might want to consider treatments like IVF. IVF is a safe and effective process of fertilization in which an egg is combined with a sperm outside of the body.

How much does IVF cost?

If you and your partner meet all of the IVF qualifications, each fresh embryo cycle can cost approximately $25,000. We understand a financial burden can make an already stressful situation worse. That’s why we created the IVF 100% Success Guaranteed Plan; we wanted to eliminate the stress of success. RGI is the first and only practice in Northeast and Central Ohio to offer a plan that shares the financial risk with IVF patients.

Our IVF 100% Success Guaranteed Plan means that we guarantee you’ll take home a baby or we’ll refund every penny.

“Scientific evidence confirms that stress and fertility go hand in hand. We want to help manage the emotional stress as well as the fertility of our patients. With the IVF 100% Success Guaranteed Plan, we can help ease the financial burden so our patients can focus on their mental and physical wellness during their fertility journey.”

How can I afford IVF?

There are many insurance plans that can help lower your costs—and financial risk. However, we are proud have an exclusive partnership with Samantha’s Gift of Hope, a quarterly monetary award intended for those who are already a part of RGI’s IVF 100% Success Guaranteed Plan in the Northeast Ohio office locations.

If you’d like to learn more about RGI, our IVF 100% Success Guaranteed Plan or applying for a Samantha’s Gift of Hope grant, please call 866-537-2461. We can’t wait to help grow your happily ever after… and marvel at your new baby girl or boy. There is hope, and we can help.