Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation.
Semen analysis: A study of fresh ejaculate under the microscope to count the number of million sperm per milliliter or cubic centimeter, to examine the size and shape of sperm, and to observe their ability to move (motility).
Anovulation: Total absence of ovulation. Note: This is not necessarily the same as "amenorrhea." Menstruation may occur if there is anovulation.
Conception: Fertilization of the ovum (egg) of a woman by the sperm of a man.
Ovulatory dysfunction: Problems in the ovary in wich the egg is not released from the ovarian follicle or the development process of the ovum is abnormal.
Embryo: Term used to describe the early stages of fetal growth, from conception until eight weeks of pregnancy.
Endometrium: Inner lining of the uterus.
Sperm/Spematazoa: male reproductive cells that have important features such as:
- Density: Refers to the number of sperm present.
- Motility: Refers to the percentage of spermatozoa showing any kind of forward movement.
- Morphology: Refers to the shape or appearance of sperm.
- Feasibility: This refers to whether the sperm is alive.
Estrogen: Class of female hormones, produced mainly by the ovaries from the onset of puberty to menopause, which are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics like breasts.
Follicular phase: The first half of the menstrual cycle when the ovarian follicle development takes place and the egg matures.
Luteal phase: Days of menstrual cycle after ovulation and ending with menses during which progesterone is produced.
Fertilization: Penetration of the ovum by the sperm and the union of genetic material to ensure the development of an embryo.
Follicle: Structure in the ovary that nurtures the developing egg as well as releases it.
Gametes: Male and female reproductive cells, sperm or egg.
Gonads: Glands that produce the gametes (the testicles in men and ovaries in women.
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): Hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the ovary in women to develop a follicle for ovulation, and stimulates the production of sperm in the testicles of men.
Implementation: Embedding of the fertilized egg in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
Unexplained infertility: Term used when it is not a reason to explain the cause of infertility in couples.
Secondary Infertility: Inability to conceive or achieve pregnancy after having successfully conceived and achieved one or more pregnancies.
Oligozoospermia: Semen secretion deficient in spermatozoa.
Oocyte: Ovum - Egg
Ovaries: The female sex glands that produce hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and in which the ova are developed. There are two ovaries, one on each side of the pelvis.
Ovulation: Expulsion of a mature egg, often in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone: A hormone secreted by the body or yellow luteal ovary after ovulation has occurred. It is responsible for preparing the uterus for pregnancy. It also maintains the placenta during early pregnancy to prevent abortion.
Testosterone: The most potent male sex hormone, which is produced in the testicles.
Uterus: hollow muscular organ in women holds and nourishes the fetus until birth.
Vagina: Opening muscle in women which extends from the vulva to the cervix.
Viscosity: Consistency of semen.
|
