Fertility dictionary: terms you should know in assisted reproduction

Let’s start with the basics: what does “assisted reproductive technology” mean?

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) refers to a set of medical procedures that help achieve pregnancy when there are difficulties conceiving naturally. These techniques support people looking to start a family, regardless of their relationship status, gender, age, or fertility diagnosis (WHO, 2023).¹

At Fertilidad Integral, we believe that information is a form of support. We know that starting fertility treatment can bring up many emotions... and many new terms you may have never heard before. That is why we created this glossary: to help you understand every part of the process, from the initial evaluation to the final results, providing you with clarity, peace of mind, and confidence.

Evaluation and diagnosis

Fertility
The biological capacity to achieve a pregnancy without medical assistance. If it does not happen within the expected timeframe, there are treatments available to support you in achieving it.

Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of frequent, unprotected intercourse (or 6 months if you are over 35). It can be:

• Primary: when there has never been a pregnancy.
• Secondary: when there is difficulty conceiving again.
• Male or female: depending on the origin of the diagnosis.
• Unexplained: when tests do not show a clear cause.

‍Ovarian reserve
This indicates how many eggs are available in the ovaries. It is one of the factors taken into account when planning a treatment.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)
Measured via a blood test, this allows us to estimate ovarian reserve. It is a key tool for understanding a person's reproductive prognosis.

Semen analysis
A study that analyzes semen to evaluate the quantity, movement, and shape of sperm. It is a fundamental part of the diagnosis in couple-based treatments.

Endometriosis
This is a condition in which endometrial tissue—the inner lining of the uterus—grows outside of it. It can cause pain and affect fertility.

Ovulation
This is the release of a mature egg from the ovary, which is then ready to be fertilized.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
A hormonal and metabolic disorder that interferes with ovulation and can cause irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty conceiving.

Gamete
A reproductive cell: the egg in females and the sperm in males. These are the cells that participate in fertilization.

Laparoscopy
A minimally invasive surgery that uses a camera to view internal organs, such as the uterus and ovaries.

Follicle
A small, fluid-filled sac within the ovary that contains a developing oocyte.

Treatments and procedures

Ovarian stimulation
Hormonal treatment aimed at stimulating the ovaries to develop more than one egg in a single cycle to increase the chances of pregnancy.

Mature egg
An egg that has reached the necessary stage of development to be successfully fertilized.

Timed intercourse
A technique that combines medication and monitoring to identify the optimal time for intercourse. It is frequently used as a first step in assisted reproduction treatments.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
An assisted reproduction procedure in which a prepared sperm sample is placed directly into the uterus during the fertile window. 

In vitro fertilization (IVF)
A technique in which the egg and sperm are brought together 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 in which an individual donates their reproductive cells to help others build a family.

Cryopreservation
The process 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 in which embryos are frozen for transfer 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 they are transferred.

Endometrial preparation
A series 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, where one partner provides the egg and the other carries the pregnancy. It allows both to participate actively in the process.

Egg donation
A treatment in which eggs donated by 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 an embryo implants. In other words, it detects the hormone that tells us if a pregnancy exists.

Embryo implantation
The process in which the embryo attaches to the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) to begin its development.

Ongoing pregnancy
This refers to a pregnancy that is progressing normally, with appropriate hormone levels and positive ultrasound findings.

Transvaginal ultrasound
An imaging technique that allows for a detailed view of the uterus and ovaries using a specialized probe.

Two-week wait
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 supporting you is also part of our work.

Whatever your story, your timeline, or your decisions, we are here to walk through them with you. 

¹ World Health Organization. (2024, May 22). Infertility. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility

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