- Embryologist
A specialist in embryo development
- Embryology
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A specialty focusing on embryo development.
- Endocrine gland
An organ that produces hormones
- Endometrial biopsy
The microscopic examination of a sample of cells, obtained from the lining of the uterus between days 22 and 25 of a normal 28 day menstrual cycle, in order to evaluate ovulatory function.
- Endometrioma
A special type of ovarian cyst that is chocolate in color and contains endometrial cells that grow and bleed during menstruation
- Endometriosis
The presence of endometrial tissue (the normal uterine lining) in locations outside the uterus such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the peritoneal cavity. Endometriosis can interfere with nearly every phase of the reproductive cycle and is a leading contributor to infertility in women. The causes and development of endometriosis are incompletely understood.
- Endometrium
The inner tissue lining the uterus.
- Epididymis
A coiled tubular structure in the male that receives sperm moving from the testis to the vas deferens. Sperm are stored and matured for a period of several weeks in the epididymis. Sperm acquire motility within the epididymis.
- Epididymitis
Infection of the epididymis, usually from an STD, such as gonorrhea, that can impair fertility during the course of the infection, as well as causing scarring that can partially or completely block sperm transport.
- Estradiol
The principal estrogen produced by the ovary
- Estradiol level
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Estradiol level (E2 level) - A form of oestrogen measured to determine follicular maturation prior to ovulation.
- Estrogen
A class of steroid hormones, produced mainly by the ovaries from puberty to menopause.
- Estrogens
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A class of female hormones responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Oestrogen is produced mainly by the ovaries from the onset of puberty until menopause.
- Fallopian tube
Either of a pair of tubes that pick up the egg from the ovary and conducts it to the uterus. Fertilization normally occurs within this structure. Blocked or scarred fallopian tubes are a leading source of infertility in women.
- Fecundability
the ability to become pregnant
- Fertility drugs
Compounds used to treat ovulatory dysfunction. These include clomiphene citrate, human gonadotropins, bromocriptine, glucocorticoids, and progesterone.
- Fertilization
The penetration of an oocyte by a sperm and subsequent combining (fusion) of maternal and paternal DNA.
- Fetus
The embryo becomes a fetus after approximately 9 weeks in the uterus. This stage of development lasts from 9 weeks until birth and is marked by the growth and specialization of organ function.
- Fibroid
- A benign tumor of the uterine muscle and connective tissue.
- Fimbria
The finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube nearest the ovary that capture the egg and deliver it into the tube
- Fimbrioplasty
A surgical procedure to correct a damaged or blocked fallopian tube.
- Foetal reduction
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A medical procedure to decrease the number of foetuses in a multiple gestation.
- Foetus
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The developing human organism after the embryo stage, from the ninth week of pregnancy to the moment of birth.
- Follicle
The structure on the ovary surface that nurtures a ripening oocyte. At ovulation the follicle ruptures and the oocyte is released. The follicle produces estrogen until the oocyte is released, after which it becomes a yellowish protrusion on the ovary called the corpus luteum.
- Follicle stimulating hormone
The pituitary hormone that stimulates follicle growth in women and sperm formation in men
