Navigating the world of infertility treatments can be overwhelming. What makes it easier is taking care of yourself, the support of your loved ones, and knowing what to expect. Talking to your doctor and asking the right questions is equally important and can go a long way in relieving the stress of infertility treatments. Be it the best IVF doctor in Delhi or online consultation with a specialist, ensure that you resolve all your doubts before committing to treatment.
When stepping into infertility treatment in Delhi, it is helpful to arm yourself with all the information. To get you started, here are some of the basic terms you may come across during infertility tests and treatments that you should know.
Also, Read: Yoga – For a Move From Infertility Towards Pregnancy
Basic Infertility Treatment Terms
- Amenorrhea: This is when a person is missing their periods. An absence of monthly menstrual periods can be a sign of an underlying condition.
- Artificial Insemination: Also known as intrauterine insemination, or IUI, artificial insemination is the procedure performed to introduce cleaned sperm directly into the uterus, hoping to increase the chances of fertilisation.
- Assisted Hatching: Assisted Hatching is a process that involves creating a small perforation in the outer shell (zona pellucida) of the embryo to enhance the chances of implantation. It is performed during IVF.
- ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology): The various types of treatments used to help people deal with infertility or reproductive health issues are covered under the umbrella of ART or assisted reproductive technology.
- Basal Body Temperature: This is the temperature of the body when it is resting, which is usually lower. A slight increase in the basal body temperature may indicate ovulation. It is monitored right after waking up.
- Cervical Mucus: Cervical mucus is the secretion in the cervix. It will differ in the various phases of the cycle.
- COH (Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation): In COH, which is usually within IVF, the female patient is given medicines to stimulate the ovaries and facilitate the production of multiple oocytes (eggs).
- Cryopreservation: The term refers to freezing. Cryopreservation is the process of storing eggs, embryos, or even sperm for future use.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy where the embryo implants outside the uterus rather than inside. This usually happens in the fallopian tube, ovaries, or even the abdominal cavity. Ectopic pregnancies may require surgical interventions.
- Egg Retrieval: Usually a part of the IVF treatment, egg retrieval is when oocytes are collected from the ovaries. This is commonly done with ultrasound imaging.
- Embryo Transfer: When the fertilisation and initial development of the embryo occurs outside the body, the embryo is transferred back into the uterus, which should lead to pregnancy.
- Endometrial Biopsy: It involves collecting and testing a sample of the uterine lining. It is usually done to confirm ovulation
- Endometriosis: The uterus grows a lining on its inner walls that it sheds during menstruation every month. Endometriosis is a condition where this tissue lining starts growing outside the uterus. Depending on the location and intensity of this growth, a person could experience pain, fertility issues, and other health problems.
- Estrogen: Also spelt oestrogen, it is a group of hormones produced mainly in the ovaries. They play an important role in the development of secondary female characteristics, as well as in maintaining the female reproductive system.
- Fallopian Tube: These are the tubes that extend out of the uterus in either direction, towards the ovaries. They are also the location for natural fertilisation.
- Follicles: Eggs, or oocytes, in the female body are contained with fluid-filled sacs. These sacs are known as follicles. Multiple follicles are present in the ovaries, which release a single egg every month.
- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): This is a hormone that plays a role in the male and female reproductive systems. In men, it is associated with the production of sperm, whereas in women it helps with the development of eggs.
- Gonadotropins: These are hormones stimulating the sex glands. As a part of infertility treatment, these may be injected into a patient to stimulate fertility functions.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): Also known as uterosalpingography, this is an X-ray used to determine any blockages in the uterus and fallopian tubes. A dye is injected into the uterus through the vagina. It is expected to drain out of the fallopian tubes unless there is a blockage.
- Hysteroscopy: To view the inside of the uterus, a small tube with a telescope-like device is inserted through the cervix.
- Implantation: For an embryo to develop into a child, it needs to attach itself to the inside of a uterus. It is how it gains nourishment and growth. This embedding of the embryo to the uterus is known as implantation.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A carefully selected sperm is deliberately injected into an egg to increase the chances of fertilisation. It is considered viable in case of poor sperm health.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): In vitro is a Latin term that translates to ‘within the glass.’ IVF is the fertilisation process promoted outside the body, in a laboratory, rather than within the body as with natural fertilisation. Depending on the case, additional steps may be required. The best IVF doctor in Delhi, or your region, should be able to diagnose and guide patients better.
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): IUI is a type of artificial insemination where sperm is introduced directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilisation.
- Motility: This is a term usually used with sperm. It refers to the movement of sperm.
- Multiple Gestation: This refers to multiple pregnancies in a woman, in a single term. These may or may not result in live births.
- Ovulation Induction: As a part of infertility treatments, hormones and medications may be used to stimulate the development and release of eggs from the ovaries.
- Retrograde Ejaculation: This is a condition where the semen enters the bladder during ejaculation, instead of being released from the penis.
- Secondary Infertility: A condition where a woman has previously conceived one or more pregnancies but is now unable to do so.
- Unexplained Infertility: In some cases, no specific cause or reason for infertility can be determined.
Also, Read: Fertility Testing & Diagnosis for Men
Whether you are seeking your infertility treatments in Delhi, Cuttack, a smaller village, these are common terms that you would come across. It is advisable to find the best IVF doctor in Delhi, or other such regions, to get access to the best treatments. If you find yourself wondering about any step of your course, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or fertility specialist.
