Fertility Glossary of Terms

Definitions to fertility terms

Acupuncture A form of complementary or alternative medicine that consists of inserting small needles into the skin in order to relieve pain and other symptoms.
Chinese Medicine A variety of ancient and modern therapeutic methods, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, heat therapy, and nutritional and lifestyle counseling-that treats a broad range of chronic and acute illnesses.
Clinical Social Worker Provides counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, families, or groups and provides information and referral services as needed.
Estradiol The main hormone estrogen, produced by the ovaries.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Hormone released by the pituitary gland responsible for stimulating the follicular cells of the ovary to start to mature an egg and to manufacture estrogen.
Follicles A fluid-filled cyst located just below the surface of the ovary, containing an egg (Oocyte).
Genetic Counselors Trained healthcare providers who help people as they consider genetic testing, as they adjust to the test results and as they consider whatever screening and preventive measures are best for them.
HCG A hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy that is often used with ovarian stimulating medications to induce ovulation. It is very similar in chemical structure and function to luteinizing hormone.
Health Coach objective of assisting you to achieve your personal wellness goals. Health Coaching utilizes effective behavioral psychology principles to assist people to make lifestyle changes.
LH surge The surge of large amounts of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary gland, causing the follicles to release mature oocytes.
Lutenizing Hormone The hormone produced by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation and instructs the corpus luteum to secrete progesterone.
Maternal-fetal Medicine Specialist Ob/Gyn doctors with special training in treating pregnant women who are at risk for delivering early or having other problems associated with pregnancy.
Mind-body Medicine Addresses the connection between physical and mental health and can involve psychological, social and spiritual approaches to wellness.
Naturopathic Medicine A complementary and alternative medicine that focuses on supporting the body's intrinsic ability to heal and maintain itself. Naturopathic therapies include: nutrition, herbal medicine, and physical medicine, which is the manipulation of muscles, bones, and the spine.
Nurse-midwives Nurses who have undergone special training and received certification on birthing (labor and delivery) and ob-gyn care. Nurse-midwifes can perform most of the same tasks as physicians and have emergency physician backup when they deliver a baby.
Oocyte Female gamete or female egg.
Ovulate To expel the mature egg/eggs from its follicle.
Perinatal Care Coordinator Coordinates the care of our patients with complex pregnancy concerns.
Perinatal Radiologists A doctor with special training in obstetric ultrasound.
Perinatologists Ob/Gyn doctors with special training in treating pregnant women who are at risk for delivering early or having other problems associated with pregnancy.
Perinatology Fellows Ob/Gyn doctors who are completing special training in treating pregnant women who are at risk for delivering early or having other problems associated with pregnancy.
Pituitary Gland A small gland at the base of the brain below the hypothalamus that secrets follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.
Prostaglandins A group of acids in semen that stimulate the smooth muscles of the uterus to contract.
Speculum An instrument used to hold open the vaginal canal. Allowing for the cervix to be visualized.
Sperm Washing Process where seminal plasma, prostaglandins, and other cellular materials are separated from the sperm. They are separated because these materials can cause severe uterine contractions.
Timed intercourse Intercourse timed with positive ovulation predictor kit or with HCG injection.
Urogynecologists Doctors with special training in evaluation and caring for women with pelvic floor disorders such as incontinence and prolapse.
Urogynecology Fellows Doctors who are now completing additional training in evaluation and caring for women with pelvic floor disorders such as incontinence and prolapse.
Women's Health Psychiatrist Psychiatrist with special training in women's mental health.
Women's Physical Therapist Physical therapist trained to help women with such conditions as pregnancy-related pain, breast cancer rehabilitation, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor pain and more.
Women's Urology Doctor A doctors who provides evaluation and treatment of for urinary disorders in women.