- Hemizona assay
HZA - A laboratory test of the ability of sperm to penetrate into a human egg; first the egg is split in half, then one half is tested against the husband's sperm and the other half against sperm from a fertile man
- Hepatitis
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Inflammation of the liver. There are many types of hepatitis. Causes include viruses, toxic chemicals, alcohol consumption, parasites and bacteria, and certain drugs. Symptoms of hepatitis are nausea, fever, weakness, loss of appetite, sudden distaste for tobacco smoking, and jaundice.
- Hepatitis B
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Also called serum hepatitis. It is spread by the exchange of body fluids or blood transfusions and from mother to baby at birth. Some infected individuals, particularly children, become chronic carriers of the virus. Hepatitis B can progress to chronic liver disease and is associated with an increased risk of developing liver cancer. A vaccine, available since 1981, is recommended for all infants and others at risk for the virus.
- Hepatitis C
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Formerly called non-A, non-B hepatitis, is also transmitted by contaminated blood transfusions and by sharing of needles among drug abusers, although in many cases no source can be identified. Many of those infected have no symptoms but become carriers, and the virus may eventually cause liver damage. Blood banks routinely screen for hepatitis C.
- Hirsutism
Excessive hair growth
- HIV
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A retrovirus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is transmitted by the exchange of body fluids or blood transfusions.
- hMG
Human menopausal gonadotropin
Hormone that can be extracted from the urine of menopausal women and injected to stimulate ovaries and testes. See Pergonal
- Hormonal assay
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Also known as hormone tests. These include: FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), DHEA-S (dehydroepiandresterone), prolactin and progesterone. A hormone is a chemical substance that is produced in the body by an organ or cells of an organ which has a specific regulatory effect on the activity of another organ.
- Hormone
a substance, produced by an endocrine gland, that travels through the bloodstream to a specific organ, where it exerts its effect
- Host uterus procedure
a woman carries to term a pregnancy produced by an infertile couple through in vitro fertilization
- Hostile mucus
cervical mucus that impedes the natural progress of sperm through the cervical canal
- HSG
Hysterosalpingogram
An x-ray study of the female reproductive tract in which dye is injected into the uterus while x rays are taken showing the outline of the uterus and the degree of openness of the fallopian tubes.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin
hCG - A hormone secreted by the embryo that maintains the corpus luteum to produce progesterone when pregnancy occurs. This hormone can be extracted from the urine of pregnant women and can be injected to stimulate ovulation and progesterone production.
- Human menopausal gonadotropin
Hormone that can be extracted from the urine of menopausal women and injected to stimulate ovaries and testes. See Pergonal
- Hydrotubation
injection of fluid, often into the fallopian tubes to determine if they are open
- Hyperandrogenism
excessive production of androgens in women, frequently a cause of hirsutism and also associated with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD)
- Hyperprolactinemia
Excessive prolactin in the blood. The overproduction of the pituitary hormone prolactin, which can contribute to infertility. The causes of this condition are diverse and poorly understood. It can be treated with bromocriptine.
- Hyperstimulation
excessive stimulation of the ovaries that can cause them to become enlarged
- Hypothalamus
A structure at the base of the brain that controls (among other things) the action of the pituitary gland. By secreting and releasing hormones, the hypothalamus orchestrates the body's reproductive function in both men and women. The endocrine gland at the center of the brain that produces gonadotropin releasing hormone and controls pituitary function
- Hypothyroidism
Underactivity of the thyroid gland
- Hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus
- Hysterosalpingogram
HSG - An x-ray study of the female reproductive tract in which dye is injected into the uterus while x rays are taken showing the outline of the uterus and the degree of openness of the fallopian tubes.
- Hysteroscopy
Examination of the inner cavity of the uterus through a fiber optic telescope inserted through the vagina and cervical canal.
Direct visualization of the interior of the uterus in order to evaluate any abnormalities that may be present. This is done by inserting a hysteroscope (a long, narrow, illuminated tube) through the cervix into the expanded uterus. Surgical procedures may also be performed using this method.
- HZA
Hemizona assay
A laboratory test of the ability of sperm to penetrate into a human egg; first the egg is split in half, then one half is tested against the husband's sperm and the other half against sperm from a fertile man
- Iatrogenic
Resulting from the action of physicians. The term is commonly applied to diseases or disabilities caused by medical care.
