Glossary

Adhesion:
The scar tissue that forms around reproductive organs following a previous injury, infection or surgery.
Amenorrhea:
The absence of menstruation.
Androgen:
Primarily a male sex hormone, found in the ovaries.
Anovulation:
The total absence of ovulation.
Artificial Insemination (AI):
The depositing of sperm in the vagina near the cervix or directly into the uterus, with the use of a catheter instead of by sexual intercourse. This technique is used to overcome sexual performance problems, to avoid sperm-mucus interaction problems, to maximize the potential of poor semen and for using donor sperm.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):
ART includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled. In general, ART procedures involve surgically removing eggs from a woman’s ovaries, combining them with sperm in the laboratory, and returning them to the woman’s body or donating them to another woman. They do not include treatments in which only sperm are handled (e.g., intrauterine—or artificial—insemination) or procedures in which a woman takes medicine only to stimulate egg production without the intention of having eggs retrieved.

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Basal Body Temperature (BBT) test:
The temperature of a woman taken every morning during a cycle. It is done to help determine if ovulation has taken place.
Baseline Ultrasound:
An examination conducted before starting therapy to determine the general position and condition of the ovaries and the uterus.
Blastocyst Transfer:
Embryos develop for 4 or 5 days (until they reach blastocyst stage), rather than the usual 2 or 3 days in in vitro fertilization.

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Cervical Mucus:
Mucus produced by the cervix that permits passage of sperm during ovulation, and prevents infection.
Cervix:
Lower section of the uterus that protrudes into the vagina, through which the sperm pass to reach the uterus.
Chemical Pregnancy:
The false appearance of pregnancy due to changes in hormonal levels. A chemical pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg does not implant into the uterine wall. If a pregnancy test is taken just at the right time it will be positive, however, when a repeat test is taken several days later it will be negative. This results in an early miscarriage.
Conception:
Fertilization; when the sperm meets and penetrates the egg.
Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation:
Stimulation of the ovaries with various hormonal medications in order to develop as many follicles as possible, as well as to control the timing of ovulation.
Corpus Luteum:
A structure that forms at the site of an ovarian follicle after it releases an egg. The corpus luteum releases estrogen and progesterone, two hormones necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum functions for five or six months. If pregnancy does not occur, it stops functioning.
Cryopreservation:
Storage of organs or tissues at very low temperatures. Embryos that are not used in an ART cycle can be cryopreserved for future use (e.g. “egg freezing” or “embryo freezing”).

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Dysmenorrhea:
Cramping and pain around the time of menstruation.
Dysmucorrhea:
Poor quality or inadequate cervical mucus that can prohibit sperm passage.

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Ectopic Pregnancy:
Implantation of an embryo in a place other than the uterus.
Egg Retrieval:
A procedure used to obtain eggs from ovarian follicles for use in in vitro fertilization. The procedure may be performed during laparoscopy or through the vagina by using a needle and ultrasound to locate the follicle in the ovary.
Ejaculate:
As a noun, it refers to the mixture of sperm and seminal fluid that comes out of a man's penis during sexual stimulation. As a verb, it refers to the passing of this material.
Embryo:
Term used to describe the early stages of fetal growth, from conception to the eighth week of pregnancy.
Embryo Transfer:
Placing an egg fertilized outside the womb into a woman's uterus.
Endometrial Biopsy:
The removal of a sample of the lining of the uterus for examination.
Endometriosis:
A disease whereby cells lining the uterus (or endometrium) get outside of the uterus and stick to other organs, causing pain. This is one of the most common causes of infertility and is treatable.
Endometrium:
The lining of the uterus.
Epididymis:
The organ in a man where sperm are stored, nourished and mature after production.
Estradiol:
The most potent naturally occurring estrogen in humans, which is released from the ovary.
Estrogen:
Hormone that stimulates secondary female sexual characteristics and controls the course of the menstrual cycle. Also produced in low quantities in males.
Estrone:
One of the relatively weak estrogens, which is produced in large amounts in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients.

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Fallopian Tubes:
Ducts through which eggs travel to the uterus once released from the follicle, which is located in the ovarian follicle. Sperm normally meet the egg in the fallopian tube, the site at which fertilization usually occurs.
Fertility Specialist:
A physician specializing in the practice of fertility. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology certifies a subspecialty for OB-GYNs who receive extra training in reproductive endocrinology (the study of hormones) and infertility.
Fertility Treatment:
Any method or procedure used to enhance fertility or increase the likelihood of pregnancy, such as Ovulation Induction (OI) treatment, varicocele repair (repair of varicose veins in the scrotal sac), controlled ovarian stimulation, and microsurgery to repair damaged fallopian tubes. The goal of fertility treatment is to help couples have a child.
Fertilization:
The combining of the genetic material carried by sperm and egg to create an embryo. Normally occurs inside the fallopian tube (in vivo) but may also occur in a Petri dish (in vitro). (See also In Vitro Fertilization.)
Fibroid:
Benign (not malignant or life-threatening) tumor of fibrous tissue that can occur in the uterine wall. Fibroids may be totally without symptoms or may cause abnormal menstrual patterns and infertility.
Fimbria:
The finger-like extensions on the fallopian tubes that sweep the egg into the fallopian tube.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH):
A pituitary hormone that stimulates follicular development and spermatogenesis (sperm development). In a woman, FSH stimulates the growth of the ovarian follicle. In a man, FSH stimulates the Sertoli cells in the testicles and supports sperm production. Elevated FSH levels are associated with gonadal failure in both men and women.
Follicles:
Fluid-filled sacs in the ovary, which contain the eggs released at ovulation. Each month an egg develops inside the ovary in a follicle.

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Gamete:
A reproductive cell: sperm in men, the egg in women.
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT):
After egg retrieval, the eggs are mixed with sperm and then placed—using laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure—into a woman's fallopian tubes for in vivo fertilization.
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH):
A substance secreted every 90 minutes or so by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. This hormone enables the pituitary to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulate the gonads.
Gonadotropins:
Hormones secreted by the pituitary gland that control reproductive function, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
Gonads:
Glands that make the gametes (testicles and ovaries).

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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG):
The hormone produced in early pregnancy, released by the placenta after implantation, which keeps the corpus luteum producing estradiol and progesterone and thus prevents menstruation. Also used via injection to trigger ovulation after some fertility treatments, and used in men to stimulate testosterone production.
Hydrosalpinx:
Blocked, dilated, fluid-filled fallopian tube.
Hypogonadism:
Inadequate ovarian or testicular function as shown by low sperm production or lack of follicle production, as well as low or absent levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism/Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadal (HH):
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is a rare condition in which impaired activity of the hypothalamus or pituitary results in below-normal function of the gonads and in abnormally low luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) serum levels and consequential negligible estrogen levels. (The gonads are the ovaries and testes. The hormones they normally produce include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.)
Hypothalamus:
The gland at the base of the brain that controls the release of hormones from the pituitary glands.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG):
An X-ray procedure in which a liquid dye (contrast) is injected through the cervix into the uterine cavity to illustrate the inner shape of the uterus and degree of openness of the fallopian tubes. If the tubes are open, the liquid will spill out the ends of the tubes. If the tubes are blocked, the liquid is trapped.
Hysteroscopy:
A visual examination of the uterus using an instrument called a hysteroscope, which enables the doctor to see into the organ without making a large incision.

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Idiopathic Infertility:
The term used to explain when the cause of infertility cannot be explained.
Implantation (Embryo):
The embedding of the embryo into tissue so it can establish contact with the mother's blood supply for nourishment. Implantation usually occurs in the lining of the uterus; however, in an ectopic pregnancy it may occur elsewhere in the body.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
Retrieving eggs produced by administering fertility drugs and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are transferred by catheter to the uterus.
Infertility:
The inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse (six months if a woman is over age 35).
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI):
A micromanipulation procedure that occurs under a microscope in which a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to enable fertilization with very low sperm counts or with non-motile sperm (sperm that don't swim effectively toward the egg). The embryo is then transferred to the uterus.
Intramuscular (IM) Needle:
A needle designed to administer medication deep into the muscle. Injections of this type are usually given in the thigh or upper buttock area.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):
A procedure in which a doctor places sperm directly into the uterus through the cervix using a catheter.

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Laparoscopy:
Examination of the pelvic region by using a small telescope called a laparoscope.
Luteal Phase:
Days of the menstrual cycle after ovulation when progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
A pituitary hormone that stimulates the gonads. In a man, LH is necessary for spermatogenesis and for the production of testosterone. In a woman, LH is necessary for the production of estrogen.
Luteinizing Hormone Surge (LH SURGE):
The release of luteinizing hormone (LH) that causes release of a mature egg from the follicle.

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Menopause:
A natural biologic event, which represents the permanent cessation of menses resulting from loss of ovarian follicular function.
Menstruation:
Shedding of the uterine lining by bleeding, which (in the absence of pregnancy) normally occurs about once a month in the mature female.
Micromanipulation:
A variety of techniques that can be performed in a laboratory under a microscope. An embryologist manipulates egg and sperm to improve the chances of pregnancy. (See also Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, ICSI.)
Miscarriage:
Spontaneous loss of a viable embryo or fetus in the womb.
Morphology:
The physical structure and configuration of sperm cells.
Motility:
The ability of sperm to swim. Poor motility means the sperm have a difficult time swimming toward the egg.
Myomectomy:
A procedure in which uterine fibroids are surgically removed from the uterus.

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Oligo-ovulation:
Infrequent ovulation.
Oligomenorrhea:
Irregular menstrual periods.
Oligospermia:
Low number of sperm in the ejaculate of the male.
Oocyte:
The egg.
Ovarian Failure:
The failure of the ovary to respond to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation from the pituitary because of damage to or malformation of the ovary, or a chronic disease such as autoimmune disease. Diagnosed by elevated FSH in the blood.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS):
Sudden ovarian enlargement accompanied by fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. This may occur with or without pain, and with or without accumulation of fluid in the lungs. OHSS is caused when the ovaries become over stimulated by the various hormones that cause follicular development.
Ovaries:
The two sexual glands of the female where the eggs are stored. The ovaries also produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Ovulation:
The release of the egg (ovum) from the ovarian follicle.
Ovulation Induction (OI):
Medical treatment performed to initiate ovulation.
Ovulatory Dysfunction:
A problem with the ovary where the egg is not matured or released properly.
Ovum:
The egg.

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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):
Inflammatory disease of the pelvis (usually caused by infection) that can lead to scarring and infertility.
Pituitary Gland:
The gland located at the base of the brain that secretes a number of important hormones that regulate fertility, as well as normal growth and development of the body.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):
The formation of cysts in the ovaries that occurs when the follicle stops developing. This is due to a hormonal imbalance in the ovary.
Post-Coital Test (PCT):
A test to determine whether the sperm can move properly through the cervical mucus.
Progesterone:
The hormone produced by the corpus luteum during the second half of a woman's cycle. It thickens the lining of the uterus to prepare it to accept implantation of a fertilized egg.
Prostate:
The gland in the male that supplies some of the seminal fluid, and prepares the urethra for the passage of sperm.

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Recombinant Human DNA (r-hDNA) Technology:
DNA that has been modified so that it contains genes from two different sources. Recombinant technology is often used to produce medications with a higher degree of purity and higher quality control.
Reproductive Endocrinologist:
A highly trained and qualified physician who treats reproductive disorders that affect women, children and men.

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Scrotum:
The pouch at the base of the penis that contains the testicles.
Seminal Vesicles:
The pair of pouch-like glands around the prostate that produce the milky fluid that mixes with the sperm prior to ejaculation.
Sexually Transmitted Disease:
An infection or disease passed from person to person through sexual contact.
Sperm (spermatozoa):
The microscopic cell that carries the male's genetic information to the female's egg. The male reproductive cell. The male gamete.
Sperm Count:
The number of sperm in an ejaculate. Also called sperm concentration and given as the number of sperm per milliliter.
Spermatogenesis:
The production of sperm.
Sterility:
A condition that prevents conception.
Subcutaneous (SC) Injection:
Administration of medication with a fine small needle just below the surface of the skin, into fatty tissue.
Subcutaneous (SC) Needle:
A needle designed to administer medication just below the surface of the skin, into the fatty tissue.

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Testes:
The two male sexual glands that produce sperm as well as the male hormone testosterone.
Testosterone:
The male hormone responsible for the formation of secondary sex characteristics and for supporting the sex drive. Testosterone is also necessary for spermatogenesis (sperm development).
Thromboembolism:
Obstruction of a blood vessel with material carried by the blood stream from the site of origin to plug another vessel.
Tubal Pregnancy:
The development and attachment of a fertilized egg in a fallopian tube.

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Ultrasound:
A test used instead of X-rays to visualize the reproductive organs; for example, to monitor follicular development.
Uterus:
Hollow muscular organ where the fetus grows until birth.

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Vagina:
Muscular opening in a woman extending from the vulva to the cervix of the uterus.
Varicocele:
Varicose veins in the testicle that can cause sperm abnormalities.
Vas Deferens:
The pair of tubes in the male that lead from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct in the prostate.

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Important Considerations:
Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) is indicated for the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the oligo-anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure. Gonal-f® RFF Pen is also indicated for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program. Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) should only be prescribed by physicians specializing in fertility or reproductive health. Gonal-f® is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing mild to severe adverse reactions, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women with or without pulmonary or vascular complications, and multiple births. Gonal-f® is contraindicated in women who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to FSH preparations, primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction and pregnancy. Nursing women should not use Gonal-f®. Common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, enlarged abdomen, and injection site disorders. For complete product details, see full prescribing information.

Important Considerations:
Women: Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) is indicated for the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure. Gonal-f® is also indicated for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program.
Men: Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) is indicated for the induction of spermatogenesis in men with primary and secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in whom the cause of infertility is not due to primary testicular failure. Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) should only be prescribed by physicians who are thoroughly familiar with infertility problems and their management. Gonal-f® is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women with or without pulmonary or vascular complications. Gonal-f® is contraindicated in women and men who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to recombinant FSH preparations or one of their excipients, high levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract and accessory organs, and an organic intracranial lesion such as a pituitary tumor; and in women who exhibit abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin, ovarian cyst or enlargement of undetermined origin and pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Gonal-f®. The most common side effects in patients using Gonal-f® include headache, ovarian cysts, nausea and upper respiratory infections in women and in men, acne, breast pain and growth, and fatigue. Injection site reactions were also reported. Reports of multiple births have been associated with Gonal-f® treatment. For complete product details, see the full prescribing information.

For complete product details, please read the Prescribing Information offered below.


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