- Asthenozoospermia
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Very weak mobility of spermatozoa or none at all in the seminal fluid.
- Asymptomatic
Without any symptoms.
- Autoantibodies
Antibodies formed against one's own tissues.
- Autoimmunity
An immune reaction against one's own tissues.
- Azoospermia
Condition in which there are no sperm in the seminal fluid. This may be due to a blockage of transport of sperm or to an impairment of sperm production.
The absence of spermatozoa in the seminal fluid (secretory or excretory), either due to a hypothalamus-pituitary insufficiency or to congenital (chromosome anomalies or ectopic testicle) or acquired (mumps, chemotherapy) factors.
- Basal body temperature
A woman's resting temperature upon awakening in the morning before any activity; the temperature rises slightly when ovulation occurs and remains at the higher level until the next menstruation. Recording and charting BBT is one of the oldest and most popular methods for predicting ovulation.
- BBT
A woman's resting temperature upon awakening in the morning before any activity; the temperature rises slightly when ovulation occurs and remains at the higher level until the next menstruation. Recording and charting BBT is one of the oldest and most popular methods for predicting ovulation.
- Beta hCG test
(BhCG) - A blood test by which the level of the hormone BhCG is evaluated to determine pregnancy.
- BhCG
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Beta hCG test (BhCG) - A blood test by which the level of the hormone BhCG is evaluated to determine pregnancy.
- Biochemical pregnancy
A positive hCG level in the blood that fails to continue to rise and does not lead to a clinical pregnancy.
- Biopsy
A fragment of tissue removed for study under the microscope.
- Blastocyst
A fluid-filled sphere of cells developed from a zygote. The embryo develops from a small cluster of cells in the center of the sphere, and the outer wall of the sphere becomes the placenta. The blastocyst, also called a preimplantation embryo, begins to implant into the lining of the uterus 6 to 7 days after fertilization.
- Blighted ovum
A general term used to mean a fertilized egg that fails to survive after implantation in the uterus.
- Blood-testis barrier
The barrier that separates sperm from the bloodstream.
- Bromocriptin
A synthetic compound that interferes with the pituitary gland's ability to secrete prolactin. Bromocriptine is often prescribed for hyperprolactinemia.
- Cancelled cycle
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Discontinuation of the cycle due to one of the following: poor response, no oocyte recovery, or failed fertilization.
- Cannula
A hollow tube used, for example, to inseminate sperm artificially.
- Capacitation
The process by which sperm become capable of fertilizing an egg.
- Catheter
A flexible tube used for aspirating or injecting fluids.
- Cauterize
To destroy tissue with heat, cold, or caustic substances usually to seal off blood vessels or ducts.
- CBC
-
Complete Blood Count - A routine preoperative blood test that gives information regarding infection and anaemia.
- Centrifuge
High-speed spinning device used during the processing and washing of sperm for artificial insemination or ART procedures. Separates sperm from the semen using centrifugal force.
- Cervical mucus
Mucus produced by the cervix that undergoes complex changes in its physical properties in response to changing hormone levels during the reproductive cycle. These changes assist the survival and transport of sperm.
- Cervicitis
Inflammation of the cervix.
- Cervix
The lower portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
