Let's start with the basics: what does "assisted reproductive treatment" mean?
Assisted reproductive treatments are a set of medical procedures that help achieve a pregnancy when there are difficulties conceiving naturally. These techniques support individuals looking to form a family, regardless of their relationship status, sex, age, or fertility diagnosis (WHO, 2023).¹
At Fertilidad Integral, we believe that information is also a form of support. We know that starting fertility treatment can bring many emotions... and also many new terms you might have never heard before. That's why we created this glossary, to help you understand every part of the process, from evaluation to obtained results, with the aim of providing clarity, peace of mind, and confidence.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Fertility
The biological capacity to achieve a pregnancy without medical assistance. If it doesn't occur within the expected time frame, there are treatments that can help you achieve it.
Infertility
We define infertility as the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse (or 6 months if you are over 35 years old). It can be:
- Primary: When a pregnancy has never occurred.
- Secondary: When there is difficulty becoming pregnant again.
- Male or Female: Depending on the origin of the diagnosis.
- Unexplained: When studies do not show a clear cause.
Ovarian Reserve
Indicates how many eggs are available in the ovaries. It is one of the factors considered when planning a treatment.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
Measured with a blood test, it helps estimate ovarian reserve. It is a key tool for understanding a person's reproductive prognosis.
Spermiogram (Semen Analysis)
A study that analyzes semen to evaluate the quantity, motility (movement), and morphology (shape) of spermatozoa. It is a fundamental part of the diagnosis in couple's treatments.
Endometriosis
A condition in which endometrial tissue, which is the inner lining of the uterus, grows outside of it. It can cause pain and affect fertility.
Ovulation
The release of a mature egg from the ovary, which is ready to be fertilized.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
A hormonal and metabolic disorder that interferes with ovulation and can lead to menstrual irregularity and difficulty conceiving.
Gamete
A sex cell: the egg (ovum) in females and the sperm (spermatozoon) in males. These are the cells involved in fertilization.
Laparoscopy
A minimally invasive surgery that allows internal organs, such as the uterus and ovaries, to be viewed using a camera.
Follicle
A small, fluid-filled sac within the ovary that contains a developing oocyte (egg).
Treatments and Procedures
Ovarian Stimulation
Hormonal treatment that aims for the ovaries to develop more than one egg in a single cycle, in order to increase the chances of pregnancy.
Mature Egg (Ovum)
An egg that has reached the necessary development to be successfully fertilized.
Timed Intercourse
A technique that combines medication and monitoring to indicate the best time for sexual intercourse. It is frequently used as a first step in assisted reproductive treatments.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
A procedure in which a prepared sperm sample is placed directly into the uterus during the fertile window, as an assisted reproductive treatment.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
A technique in which the egg and sperm are combined in the laboratory. Once the embryo is formed, it is transferred to the uterus.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
A specialized IVF technique in which a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to facilitate fertilization.
Gamete Donation (Eggs, Sperm)
A medical resource where a person donates their reproductive cells to help others form a family.
Cryopreservation
Consists of freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos to preserve them over time, without compromising their quality.
Egg Vitrification
A type of ultra-rapid cryopreservation that allows eggs to be frozen without damage, maintaining their quality.
Embryo Vitrification
A process by which embryos are frozen to be transferred at a later time, without affecting their viability.
Embryo Transfer
A procedure in which an embryo is placed into the uterus to attempt implantation.
Embryo Culture
The process of maintaining and observing embryos in the laboratory for five days before transferring them.
Endometrial Preparation
A set of steps (natural or hormonal) to ensure the uterus is ready and receptive to receive the embryo.
ROPA Method (Reception of Oocytes from the Partner)
A technique designed for female couples, in which one partner provides the egg and the other carries the pregnancy. It allows both to actively participate in the process.
Egg Donation (Ovodonation)
A treatment in which donated eggs from another person are used to achieve pregnancy.
Results and Follow-up
Blood Pregnancy Test (Beta hCG)
An analysis that detects the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone in the blood, which appears when embryo implantation has occurred. In other words, it detects the hormone that tells us if a pregnancy exists.
Embryo Implantation
The process in which the embryo adheres to the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) to begin its development.
Ongoing Pregnancy (Evolutive Pregnancy)
Refers to a pregnancy that is progressing normally, with adequate hormonal levels and positive findings on ultrasound.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
An imaging technique that allows detailed observation of the uterus and ovaries, using a special probe.
Two-Week Wait (Betaespera)
The period between embryo transfer and the pregnancy test. It usually lasts between 10 and 14 days, and although it is a short time, it can feel emotionally intense.
At Fertilidad Integral, we believe that information is a form of care. Explaining, listening, and accompanying you is also part of our work.
Whatever your story, your timing, or your decisions, we are here to walk with you.
References:
¹ World Health Organization. (2024, May 22). Infertility. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility
