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S/B - Stillbirth (s/b, S/B) Stillbirth - the death of a fetus between the twentieth week of gestation and birth. SA - Semen Analysis Semen analysis - a test to check for sperm quantity and quality. A sperm sample collected by masturbation after 3 days of abstinence is used for the test. The test checks for sperm concentration (normal is greater than 20 million/ml), the sperm motility (normal is greater than 50% motility), sperm shape or morphology (normal is greater than 15% normal forms), volume of the sample (normal is greater than 2cc) and viscosity or thickness of the sample. The test is performed by computer analysis. A male factor (or some type of sperm abnormality) is responsible for up to 40-50% of infertility cases A laboratory test used to assess semen quality: sperm quantity, concentration, morphology (form), and motility. In addition, it measures semen (fluid) volume and whether or not white blood cells are present, indicating an infection.
Salpingectomy - surgical removal of the fallopian tubes.
Salpingitis - inflamation of one or both fallopian tubes.
Salpingitis isthmica nodosa - an abnormal condition of the fallopian tube where it attaches to the uterus, characterized by nodules. Salpingo-oophorectomy Salpingo-oophorectomy - surgical removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Salpingolysis Salpingolysis - surgery performed to remove adhesions that restrict the movement and function of reproductive organs. Salpingostomy Salpingostomy - an incision in a fallopian tube, such as to remove an ectopic pregnancy A surgical incision made in a fallopian tube, as in to repair a tube or to remove an ectopic pregnancy.
Salpingotomy - an operation to open a blocked fallopian tube.
SART - Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology.
Stimulated Cycle Oocyte Retrieval In (office) Fertilization - the woman's ovaries are stimulated with medications such as hMG or pure FSH. The eggs are removed by ultrasound aspiration from the ovaries. This procedure is done in the doctor's office. The eggs are mixed with sperm and placed in a small plastic dish and left in the incubator for 2 days. The fertilized eggs are then transferred to the uterus through a small plastic catheter. Scrotum Scrotum - the sac of skin and thin muscle, containing the testicles, epididymis, and vas deferens
Secondary Infertility - the inability of a couple to achieve a second pregnancy. This strict medical definition includes couples for whom the pregnancy did not go to term. The common vernacular, however, refers to a couple which has one biological child (or more) but is unable to conceive another.
Secondary Sex Characteristics - the physical qualities that distinguish man and woman, such as beard, large breasts, and deep voice. Formed under the stimulation of the sex hormones (testosterone or estrogen), these characteristics also identify those people who have gone through puberty (sexual maturity).
A class of compartmental prevalence models, with compartments Susceptible, Latent (Exposed), Infectious and Recovered. Takes its name from a common notation. In the notation used in the course, this would be an XHYZ model. Many permutations possible. Semen - the fluid containing sperm and secretions from the testicles, prostate, and seminal vesicles that is expelled during ejaculation. The fluid portion of the ejaculate consisting of secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and several other glands in the male reproductive tract. The semen provides nourishment and protection for the sperm and a medium in which the sperm can travel to the woman's vagina. Semen may also refer to the entire ejaculate, including the sperm. Semen Viscosity Semen Viscosity - the liquid flow or consistency of the semen. Seminal vesicles Seminal vesicles - the paired glands at the base of the bladder that produce seminal fluid and fructose. Pair of pouch like glands at the base of the bladder that produce much of the semen volume, including fructose (sugar) for nourishing the sperm and a chemical that causes the semen to coagulate on entering the vagina. Seminiferous tubules Seminiferous tubules - in the testicles, the network of tubes where sperm are formed, mature and move toward the epididymis.
Sensitivity - the ability of a test to work on people you know have the infection. More precisely TP/(TP+FN), where TP is the number of true positives and FN is the number of false negatives. Septate Uterus Septate Uterus - the presence of a thick membrane that separates the uterine cavity either partially or completely into two separate cavities. This can interfere with normal implantation and cause recurrent miscarriages. The treatment is done by hysteroscopy and involves cutting the septum under direct vision. A uterus divided into right and left halves by a wall of tissue (septum). Women with a septate uterus have an increased chance of early pregnancy loss.
Septum - a dividing wall within a body cavity, such as a wall dividing the uterus in half.
Serology - the study of antigen-antibody reactions. More generally, the use of serotype data to infer an individual's history of infection.
Serophene® - medication also known under generic name Clomiphene citrate. It is a synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen hormone that is commonly used for ovulation induction. It comes in 50 mg tablets that are taken by mouth once a day for 5 days in the early part of the menstrual cycle. It works by stimulating the release of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) from the pituitary gland. Due to its antiestrogenic actions, some of its effects include abnormal cervical mucus and endometrial lining. The former can interfere with normal passage of sperm through the cervix to reach the egg, and the latter with implantation. Some women may complain of hot flashes (10%), nausea and/or breast discomfort (2-5%). Visual symptoms (blurring) occur rarely (less than 1.5%) but are an indication to discontinue therapy. Seropositive Seropositive - an individual whose serotype suggests that they have experienced infection in the past.
Seroprevalence - the proportion of a population who are seropositive. The range of antibodies which an individual possesses, usually based on sampling from blood serum or saliva. Different strains of a pathogen can sometimes be distinguished by the different antibodies they induce in a host, or with which they can be made to react in vitro; thus the word serotype has also come to be applied to a particular strain (the virulent serotype). This is the more common clinical usage. The range of antibodies used to define a serotype obviously depends on those available to the researcher. Sometimes, as for measles, the presence of a known antibody within the serum of an individual correlates extremely well with the clinical observation that that individual is protected against any further infections. But sometimes, as for malaria, there is as yet no definite relationship between a given serotype and the presence of a functional immunity, which may make the use of the word serotype unhelpful when trying to distinguish between different parasites for the purposes of understanding transmission.
Sertoli cells - the cells in the testicles that provide nourshment to the early sperm cells.
Sertoli (Nurse) Cells - testicular cells responsible for providing nurishment to the spermatids (immature sperm). Secretes inhibin, a feedback hormone, which regulates FSH production by the pituitary gland. When stimulated by FSH, the Sertoli cell initiates spermatogenesis. Sexually transmitted disease - any infection that can be sexually transmitted,
such as Sheehan's Syndrome Sheehan's Syndrome - a condition caused by profuse hemorrhage at the time of delivery. The severe blood loss shocks the pituitary gland, which dies and becomes nonfunctional.
Sonohysterogram - an ultrasound/sonogram in which saline is injected into the uterus. It is used to check for abnormalities. It has some similarity to a hysterosalpingogram in purpose, but does not require iodine dye injection or radiation. Short Luteal Phase (SLP) Short Luteal Phase - inadequate function of the corpus luteum which results in insufficient levels of progesterone. This may prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus or may lead to early pregnancy loss Luteinized Unruptured. SIS - Saline Injection Sonogram. SLE - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - an inflammatory connective tissue disease of unknown cause that occurs chiefly in women is characterized by fever, skin rash, and arthritis, often by acute anemia, by small hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membrane, by inflammation of the pericardium, and in serious cases by involvement of the kidneys and central nervous system. If needed for arthritic symptoms or by women with the lupus anticoagulant, daily doses of aspirin and the steroid prednisone seem to reduce overall risk of pregnancy complications. Pregnancy complications in women with lupus can include blood clotting problems and a high risk of preterm delivery.
Slow Responder - a woman who takes longer than average (10 days) to produce mature follicles on injectable fertility medications.
Short Luteal Phase - inadequate function of the corpus luteum which results in insufficient levels of progesterone. This may prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus or may lead to early pregnancy loss Luteinized Unruptured.
Somatic mutations - gene changes that arise within individual cells and accumulate throughout a person's lifetime; also called acquired mutations.
Sonogram - use of high-frequency sound waves for creating an image of internal body parts. Used to detect and count follicle growth (and disappearance) in many fertility treatments. Also used to detect and monitor pregnancy. Sonohysterogram (SHG) Sonohysterogram - an ultrasound/sonogram in which saline is injected into the uterus. It is used to check for abnormalities. It has some similarity to a hysterosalpingogram in purpose, but does not require iodine dye injection or radiation.
Sonohysterography - a safer alternative to hysterography.
Sperm Penetration Assay - a test of the ability of a man's sperm to penetrate a hamster egg stripped of its outer membrane, the zona pellucida. Also called the Hamster test.
Specificity - the ability of a test to fail on people you know don't have the infection. More precisely TN/(TN+FP), where TN is the number of true negatives and FP is the number of false positives
Sperm - male gamete or reproductive cell. The microscopic cell that carries the male's genetic information to the female's egg. The male reproductive cell, the male gamete. Sperm Agglutination - sperm clumping caused by antibody reactions or by infection. Sperm bank Sperm bank - a place where sperm are kept frozen in liquid nitrogen for later use in artificial insemination. Sperm count Sperm count - the number of sperm in the ejaculate (when given as the number of sperm per milliliter it is more accurately known as the sperm concentration or sperm density).
Follicle Aspiration, Sperm Injection and Assisted Rupture (FASIAR) - a procedure involving the use of ultrasound for guidance to remove eggs from their follicles. Sperm and eggs are mixed inside the syringe and then injected back into the patient. If the woman develops too many eggs, the physician can remove some and reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy.
Sperm Maturation - a process during which the sperm grow and gain their ability to swim. Sperm take about ninety days to reach maturity.
Sperm Morphology - a semen analysis factor that indicates the number or percentage of sperm in the sample that appear to have been formed normally. Abnormal morphology includes sperm with kinked, doubled, or coiled tails. The higher the percentage of misshapen sperm, the less likely fertilization can take place.
Sperm Motility - the ability of sperm to swim. Poor motility means the sperm have a difficult time swimming toward their goal - the egg. Sperm Penetration Sperm Penetration - the ability of the sperm to penetrate the egg so it can deposit the genetic material during fertilization.
Sperm Washing - a laboratory technique for separating sperm from semen, and separating motile sperm from non-motile sperm, for use in assisted reproduction. The washing technique for near normal specimens is mixing the ejaculate after liquefaction with the appropriate washing medium followed by centrifugation. The supernatant is discarded and the sediment (sperm rich fraction) is re-suspended in more washing medium. This process is repeated 2-3 times maximum. In the final wash, the sediment is re-suspended in 0.5 cc of medium, loaded into a syringe and deposited in the uterus. "Sperm Rise" or "Swim-up" technique: Two to five cc of medium are carefully layered on top of 0.2-0.5 cc of semen. Motile sperm cells "swim-up" into the culture medium. After some time (30-90 minutes) the medium (containing motile sperm cells) is carefully harvested and centrifuged. If necessary, fresh medium is layered on top of the seminal fluid again to harvest more sperm cells. Discontinuous gradient centrifugation: This technique utilizes a dense liquid phase to separate sperm cells from seminal fluid and debris. Different compounds commercially available can be utilized. Semen is deposited on top of this fluid and subjected to centrifugation. Motile sperm cells migrate to the bottom of the tube, which are used for IUI after further washing.
Spermatic Cord - the cord suspending the testes. It is composed of veins, arteries, lymphatics, nerves and the vas deferens. Spermatogenesis Spermatogenesis - sperm production in the seminiferous tubules.
Spermicide - an agent that kills sperm. Spinnbarkeit Spinnbarkeit - the stretchability of cervical mucus. The stringy quality that occurs at midcycle under the influence of estrogen. Split Ejaculate Split Ejaculate - a method used to concentrate the sperm for insemination; separating the semen into two portions: the first portion of the ejaculate, which is rich in sperm, and the second portion, which contains mostly seminal fluid. Spontaneous Abortion Spontaneous Abortion - an unplanned end to a pregnancy during the first 20 weeks.
Spontaneous Miscarriage - an unplanned end to a pregnancy during the first 20 weeks.
SQ - abbreviation for subcutaneous, used to describe injections given under the skin.
Sexually transmitted disease - any infection that can be sexually transmitted,
such as
Stein-Leventhal Disease - another name for Polycystic Ovaries. Polycystic ovarian syndrome - a condition characterized by multiple ovarian cysts, increased androgen production, and anovulation. A condition found in women who don't ovulate, characterized by excessive production of androgens (male sex hormones) and the presence of cysts in the ovaries. Though PCO can be without symptoms, some include excessive weight gain, acne and excessive hair growth. Sterility - an irreversible condition that prevents conception.
A surgical procedure (such as tubal ligation or vasectomy) designed to produce infertility.
A surgical procedure used to undo a previous sterilization operation and restore fertility.
Stillbirth - the death of a fetus between the twentieth week of gestation and birth.
Stimulated Cycle Oocyte Retrieval In (office) Fertilization - the woman's ovaries are stimulated with medications such as hMG or pure FSH. The eggs are removed by ultrasound aspiration from the ovaries. This procedure is done in the doctor's office. The eggs are mixed with sperm and placed in a small plastic dish and left in the incubator for 2 days. The fertilized eggs are then transferred to the uterus through a small plastic catheter. Stochastic model Stochastic model - mathematical model which takes into consideration
the presence of some randomness in one or more of its parameters or variables.
The predictions of We might distinguish demographic stochasticity which arises from the discreteness of individuals and individual events such as birth, and environmental stochasticity arising from more-or-less unpredictable interactions with the outside world.
An infection in which symptoms are sufficiently mild or inapparent to escape diagnosis other than by positive confirmation of the ability to transmit the infection or serologically. Subzonal Insertion - a predecessor to ICSI where the zona pellucida is punctured and sperm inserted into the area between the zona and the egg. Having more than one sperm enter the egg is a potential problem with this procedure. Superovulation Superovulation - using fertility medications to stimulate the growth of multiple follicles for ovulation. Also known as Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH). Surrogate gestational mother Surrogate gestational mother - also called a Host Uterus. A couple's embryo is transferred to another woman who carries the pregnancy to term and returns the baby to the genetic parents immediately after birth.
Susceptible - an individual accessible to or liable to infection by a pathogen. Superovulation - stimulation of multiple ovulation with fertility drugs; also known as controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Surrogacy Surrogacy - a pregnancy for someone else. The host is not the biological mother of the baby being carried. Surrogate Surrogate - a women who accepts to bear (or be pregnant with) the child of another woman who is incapable of becoming pregnant. Women who need surrogates include those who do not have a uterus (for instance because of surgery), have an abnormal uterine cavity, have had several recurrent miscarriages, or have had recurrent failed IVF cycles.
Surrogate Mother - woman who is artificially inseminated or undergoes an IVF procedure and carries to term a baby that will be adopted and raised by its genetic father and his partner. The term is usually used for a woman who is the biological mother of the baby she is carrying, while a gestational host carries a fetus that is not genetically hers.
Symptom - a condition of the body reported by an individual when suffering from a disease; here used more loosely to include signs: any evidence used in diagnosis or identification of infected individuals.
Synarel - synthetic hormone used to treat endometriosis or for regulation before or during a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycle.
Synthetic - made through artificial means. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - an inflammatory connective tissue disease of unknown cause that occurs chiefly in women, is characterized by fever, skin rash, and arthritis, often by acute anemia, by small hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membrane, by inflammation of the pericardium, and in serious cases by involvement of the kidneys and central nervous system. If needed for arthritic symptoms or by women with the lupus anticoagulant, daily doses of aspirin and the steroid prednisone seem to reduce overall risk of pregnancy complications. Pregnancy complications in women with lupus can include blood clotting problems and a high risk of preterm delivery.
T4 - Thyroxine
T cell - white blood cell responsible for cell-mediated immunity in particular
and T4 - Thyroxine Thyroxine - along with T3, one of the main thyroid hormones; its level can be checked in blood by a simple blood test. It reflects the activity of the thyroid gland. It is important to measure this hormone especially in women with abnormal cycles, because thyroid diseases can interfere with normal ovulation. A chemical substance made by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland uses iodine to make thyroid hormones. Thyroxine (T4), one of the most important thyroid hormones, has four iodine molecules attached to its molecular structure. Thyroid hormones are essential for the function of every cell in the body. They help regulate growth and the rate of chemical reactions (metabolism) in the body.
TEBG - Testosterone-Estradiol Binding Globulin (Testosterone-estradiol-binding Globulin). TED - Testicular Enzyme Defect (TED) Testicular Enzyme Defect - a congenital enzyme defect that prevents the testes from responding to hormonal stimulation. Will result in oligospermia or azozoospermia.
Teratogen - any substance capable of causing malformations in a developing embryo.
Termination - the ending of a pregnancy by choice by induced labor (resulting in a live birth or stillbirth) or abortion.
Testicular Sperm Aspiration - a needle biopsy of the testicle used to obtain small amounts of sperm. A small incision is made in the scrotal skin and a spring loaded needle is fired through the testicle. Usually does not result in enough sperm to freeze for later use.
Testicular Sperm Extraction - an open biopsy where a small piece of testicular tissue is removed through a skin incision. The tissue is placed in culture media and separated into tiny pieces. Sperm are released from within the seminiferous tubules where they are produced and are then extracted from the surrounding testicular tissue. This procedure can be done using local anesthetic of IV sedation. It is possible to get enough sperm to freeze for future use.
Testes - the two male sexual glands contained in the scrotum. They produce the male hormone testosterone and the male reproductive cells (sperm).
Testicle - the male gonad; produces sperm and male sex hormones. Testicular biopsy - the removal of a fragment of a testicle for examination under the microscope. A minor surgical procedure used to take a small sample of testicular tissue for microscopic examination; a test used to diagnose male fertility problems when no other means is available (this is because the biopsy procedure itself may cause testicular damage).
Testicular Enzyme Defect - a congenital enzyme defect that prevents the testes from responding to hormonal stimulation. Will result in oligospermia or azozoospermia.
Testicular Failure - a congenital, developmental, or genetic error resulting in a testicular malformation that prevents sperm production. Acquired testicular damage, for example, from drugs, prolonged exposure to toxic substances, or a varicocoele. Testicular Feminization Testicular Feminization - an enzymatic defect that prevents a man from responding to the male hormone testosterone. The man will look like a woman, but karyotyping will reveal a normal XY male chromosome pattern, and testosterone levels will be in the normal male range. Testicular Stress Pattern - a semen analysis result showing depressed sperm production, poor sperm motility, and poor sperm morphology. The pattern is consistent with secondary testicular failure or illness. Testicular Torsion Testicular Torsion - when testicle twists on itself, cutting off its own blood supply. Causes extreme pain, and requires immediate surgical repair to reduce damage to the testicle
Testosterone - the male hormone responsible for the formation of secondary sex characteristics and for supporting the sex drive. Testosterone is also necessary for spermatogenesis. Tubal Embryo Transfer - a laparoscopic procedure where an embryo is placed directly into the fallopian tube several days following egg retrieval. The placement of an embryo inside the fallopian tube after in vitro fertilization. The process is meant to mimic the natural process of a fertilized embryo traveling down the tube and implanting in the uterus.
Total fertility rate - the number of children an average women would have assuming that she lives her full reproductive lifetime. Therapeutic Abortion Therapeutic Abortion - a termination of a pregnancy due to severe abnormalities in the fetus or where the mother's health is at risk. Threatened Miscarriage Threatened Miscarriage - an incident in which certain symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or severe cramping, occur during the first half of pregnancy. The symptoms may stop or may progress to a miscarriage. Thyroid gland - the endocrine gland in the front of the neck that produces thyroid hormones, which regulate the body's metabolism
Thyroid Releasing Hormone - peptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and passed through the hypophyseal portal venous system. In the anterior pituitary, TRH stimulates synthesis and release of Thyrotropin (TSH). Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Thyroid Stimulating Hormone - also called thyrotropin. A hormone produced by the pituitary gland (at the base of the brain) that promotes the growth of the thyroid gland (in the neck) and stimulates it.
Thyroxine - along with T3, one of the main thyroid hormones; its level can be checked in blood by a simple blood test. It reflects the activity of the thyroid gland. It is important to measure this hormone especially in women with abnormal cycles, because thyroid diseases can interfere with normal ovulation. A chemical substance made by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland uses iodine to make thyroid hormones. Thyroxine (T4), one of the most important thyroid hormones, has four iodine molecules attached to its molecular structure. Thyroid hormones are essential for the function of every cell in the body. They help regulate growth and the rate of chemical reactions (metabolism) in the body. Tipped Uterus Tipped Uterus - when the uterus is tipped toward a woman's back instead of tilting forward as is more common. This alone should not be considered a cause of infertility. TL TL - Tubal Ligation.
Tumor Necrosis Factor - a monokine produced in various parts of the Tocolytic - a drug that relaxes smooth muscles and therefore interferes with uterine contractions; frequently used to stop premature labor.
TORCH - Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus & Herpes test. TORCH Organisms TORCH Organisms - toxoplasmosis, syphillis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and other diseases which may harm the embryo/fetus. Torsion Torsion - the twisting of the testis inside the scrotum. Besides causing extreme pain and swelling, the rotation twists off the blood supply and causes severe damage to the testicle. Torsion of the ovary may also occur in a woman suffering from hyperstimulation, a complication of ovulation induction treatment.
Total effective sperm count - an estimate of the number of sperm in an ejaculate capable of fertilization; total sperm count X percent motility X percent forward progressive motility, X percent normal morphology. Total fertility rate (TFR) Total fertility rate - the number of children an average women would have assuming that she lives her full reproductive lifetime. Toxin Toxin - a poison produced by a living organism (plant or animal), such as by some bacteria.
TR - Tubal Reversal.
Transmission - the process by which a pathogen passes from a source of infection to a new host. There are two major types: horizontal and vertical transmission. The majority of transmission processes operate horizontally.
Transmission breakpoint - a critical average worm burden below which the mating frequency is too low to maintain a dioecious parasite species. Transmission threshold Transmission threshold - occurs for a parasite when the basic reproductive rate Ro is equal to 1. Below this threshold level the disease is unable to maintain itself within the host population. Transuterine Fallopian Transfer (TUFT) Transuterine Fallopian Transfer - the placement of an embryo inside the fallopian tube after in vitro fertilization. The transfer is made by threading a tube through the cervical canal and uterus and depositing the embryo into the fallopian tube. The process is meant to mimic the natural process of a fertilized embryo traveling down the tube and implanting in the uterus.
Transvaginal - through the vagina or across its wall as in a surgical procedure.
Transvaginal Ultrasound - an ultrasound examination performed by means of inserting a probe into the vagina. This type of ultrasound is common for viewing follicle growth This can produce better images in early pregnancy that could be obtained with conventional abdominal sonograms.
Thyroid Releasing Hormone - peptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and passed through the hypophyseal portal venous system. In the anterior pituitary, TRH stimulates synthesis and release of Thyrotropin (TSH). Triphasic Triphasic - having three phases. Used to describe a basal body temperature chart that shows three levels of temperatures: low temperatures before ovulation, a shift up of at least .4 degrees Fahrenheit after ovulation, and then another shift upward that may coincide with the implantation of an embryo.
Trophoblastic Disease - the fertilization of an egg without a nucleus. A baby (usually anomalous) may or may not be present, and the placenta develops into a nonmalignant tumor called a hydatidiform mole. The layer of cells that line the gestational sac and normally give rise to the chorionic villi convert into a mass of clear, tapioca-like vesicles instead of into a healthy placenta. The fertilized egg then deteriorates. Probably caused by a chromosomal abnormality in the fertilized egg. A continuous or intermittent brownish discharge is the prime symptom. Treated by a D&C and sometimes methotrexate.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone - also called thyrotropin. A hormone produced by the pituitary gland (at the base of the brain) that promotes the growth of the thyroid gland (in the neck) and stimulates it.
Testicular Stress Pattern - a semen analysis result showing depressed sperm production, poor sperm motility, and poor sperm morphology. The pattern is consistent with secondary testicular failure or illness. Tubal Embryo Transfer - a laparoscopic procedure where an embryo is placed directly into the fallopian tube several days following egg retrieval. The placement of an embryo inside the fallopian tube after in vitro fertilization. The process is meant to mimic the natural process of a fertilized embryo traveling down the tube and implanting in the uterus.
Tubal Ligation - surgical sterilization of a woman by obstructing or
tying
Transuterine Fallopian Transfer - the placement of an embryo inside the fallopian tube after in vitro fertilization. The transfer is made by threading a tube through the cervical canal and uterus and depositing the embryo into the fallopian tube. The process is meant to mimic the natural process of a fertilized embryo traveling down the tube and implanting in the uterus.
Turner's Syndrome - the most common genetic defect contributing to female fertility problems. The ovaries fail to form and appear as slender threads of atrophic ovarian tissue, referred to as streak ovaries. Karyotyping will reveal that this woman has only one female (X) chromosome instead of two or a mosaic (46XX and 45X). TX Tx - Treatment
A mortality schedule in which all hosts are assumed to live for a fixed number of years equal to the life expectancy.
A mortality schedule in which all hosts are assumed to die at a constant rate. This constant rate is equal to the inverse of the life expectancy.
TSH - a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that controls the thyroid
gland.
Tubal Embryo Transfer - a laparoscopic procedure where an embryo is placed directly into the fallopian tube several days following egg retrieval. Tubal ligation Tubal ligation - surgical sterilization of a woman by obstructing or "tying" the fallopian tubes. Tubal Patency Tubal Patency - open and unobstructed fallopian tubes.
Tubal pregnancy - a normal pregnancy results when the embryo implants inside the uterus. When implantation occurs outside the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy occurs. Such an abnormal pregnancy can be located in the tubes, the ovaries, and the cervix or inside the abdomen. In 1987, roughly 2 of every 100 women who were known to conceive were hospitalized for ectopic pregnancy. This incidence is slightly higher with in vitro fertilization. The most common symptoms are abnormal bleeding and lower abdominal pain. Women who have tubule damage (such as scarring from infection) are at an increased risk for an ectopic pregnancy. The incidence is also higher in women who have had children, especially those who have been pregnant three or more times. Tubocornual Anastomosis - surgery performed to remove a blocked portion of the fallopian tube and to reconnect the tube to the uterus. Tubouterine implantation may also be performed to remove fallopian tube blockage near the uterus and reimplant the tube in the uterus. Tuboplasty Tuboplasty - plastic or reconstructive surgery on the fallopian tubes to correct abnormalities that cause infertility. Tubotubal Anastomosis Tubotubal Anastomosis - surgery performed to remove a diseased portion of the fallopian tube and reconnect the two ends; sterilization reversal. Tumor Tumor - an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant (cancerous). Tumor Necrosis Factor - a monokine produced in various parts of the body. It is important in stimulating leukocytosis, fever and necrosis (death of some tissues surrounded by healthy tissue). This might be described as the body's natural form of chemotherapy. Type I mortality Type I mortality - a mortality schedule in which all hosts are assumed to live for a fixed number of years equal to the life expectancy.
Type II mortality - a mortality schedule in which all hosts are assumed to die at a constant rate. This constant rate is equal to the inverse of the life expectancy.
TZD - Thiazolidinediones
Ultrasound - use of high-frequency sound waves for creating an image of internal body parts. Used to detect and count follicle growth (and disappearance) in many fertility treatments. Also used to detect and monitor pregnancy.
Ultrasound examination - one of the most common imaging techniques a woman undergoes during infertility treatment. Almost all ultrasound examinations for this purpose are currently done through the vagina using a vaginal transducer. An ultrasound transducer emits acoustic sound waves that bounce back when they hit different types of tissues in the body along its path. These waves are then recaptured by the transducer and sent to the ultrasound computer. The ultrasound transforms these waves into gray scale pictures that are seen on a monitor screen. The texture of the particular tissue that the ultrasound wave traverses or hits determines the way it will look on the monitor. For instance, clear fluids such as water or urine will appear black, while bony structures will appear white. The vaginal transducer is about 15 inches long of which only about 5 inches will enter into the vagina. It is about 1 inch in diameter. The procedure is painless for the vast majority of women. It enables visualization of the pelvic organs including ovarian cysts, tumors, uterine fibroids and pregnancies. It is also used routinely to follow the growth and development of ovarian follicles (see follicle) during ovulation induction with fertility drugs, such as in patients who are undergoing IVF. Umbilical Cord Umbilical Cord - two arteries and one vein encased in a gelatinous tube leading from the baby to the placenta. Used to exchange nutrients and oxygen from the mother for waste products from the baby.
Undecended testicles (Cryptorchidism) - when one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. The failure of the testicles to descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum by one year of age. If not repaired by age six, may result in permanent fertility loss.
Unexplained (Idiopathic) Infertility - when no cause for infertility can be found after substantial testing. A diagnosis of exclusion, once a couple have both been evaluated. The reasons for infertility are unable to be determined. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of couples will receive the diagnosis of unexplained infertility.
Unicornate Uterus - an abnormality in which the uterus is "one sided" and smaller than usual.
Urologist - a physician who specializes in the surgical treatment of disorders of the urinary tract and male reproductive tract
Ureaplasma (similar to Mycoplasma) - an infection that may cause the formation of sperm antibodies and an inflammation of the uterine lining, either of which may interfere with implantation of the embryo.
Urethra - the tube that allows urine to pass between the bladder and the outside of the body. In the man this tube also carries semen from the area of the prostate to the outside. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Urinary Tract Infection - infection of the kidney, ureter, bladder, or urethra. Common symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate and a painful burning when urinating, but symptoms are not always present. Urologist (UR) Urologist - a physician who specializes in the surgical treatment of disorders of the urinary tract and male reproductive tract Ultrasound - use of high-frequency sound waves for creating an image of internal body parts. Used to detect and count follicle growth (and disappearance) in many fertility treatments. Also used to detect and monitor pregnancy.
Uterus - a hollow muscular organ (as big as a small pear) present in the pelvis. It is connected to the vagina by the cervix and to the abdominal cavity by the fallopian tubes. Its main function is to contain and nourish the fertilized egg as it develops into an embryo, a fetus and eventually an infant. Its inside is lined by a thick layer of specialized glandular cells called the endometrium. UTI - Urinary Tract Infection Urinary Tract Infection - infection of the kidney, ureter, bladder, or urethra. Common symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate and a painful burning when urinating, but symptoms are not always present.
Vasectomy - surgical sterilization of a man by separating both vas deferens.
Vaccine - a drug intended to induce active artificial immunity against
a pathogen. Vaccination should be distinguished from passive immunization in which concentrated specific antibodies which can be used therapeutically to abrogate an ongoing infection or to provide short term protection (of the order of months), for example against hepatitis A. Passive immunization does not induce immunological memory.
Vagina - the female organ of sexual intercourse; the birth canal.
Vaginismus - a spasm of the muscles around the opening of the vagina, making penetration during sexual intercourse either impossible or very painful. Can be caused by physical or psychological conditions. Vaginitis Vaginitis - an inflammation of the vagina. Yeast, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomonas infections of the vagina. Frequent vaginitis may indicate the presence of pelvic adhesions and tubal blockage from other infections, such as chlamydia. Vaginitis may interfere with sperm penetration of the cervical mucus, and the symptoms may even interfere with the ability and desire to have intercourse. Vaginituis Vaginituis - inflammation of the vagina, which is typically caused by bacterial or yeast infections.
Varicella-zoster virus - a herpes virus which causes chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes-zoster).
Varicocele - an abnormal dilation of the veins surrounding the testicles. They are present in 25% of infertile men. Because of this blood pooling, testicular temperature is raised which is detrimental to the sperm. Treatment is by minor surgery to ligate the dilated vessels or veins. The success of treatment is contraversial. Pregnancy rates after surgery are reported to be in the range of 30-50%. Vas deferens Vas deferens - the pair of thick-walled tubes through which the sperm move from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct in the prostate. These tubes are severed during a vasectomy performed for birth control. Vasectomy reversal Vasectomy reversal - surgical repair of a previous vasectomy for a man who wants to regain his fertility.
Vasogram - an X-ray study of the vas deferens.
Vector - the intermediate hosts of parasites with indirect life cycles. Anything which transmits parasites. Vectorial capacity Vectorial capacity - in vector-borne infections such as malaria, the vectorial capacity is a concept analogous to the contact rate in directly-transmitted diseases. It is, thus, a function of (a) the vector's density in relation to its vertebrate host, (b) the frequency with which it takes blood meals on the host species, (c) the duration of the latent period in the vector, and (d) the vector's life expectancy.
Veneral disease - any infection that can be sexually transmitted, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, ureaplasma, and syphilis. Many of these diseases will interfere with fertility and some will cause severe illness. Vertical transmission - occurs when a parent conveys an infection to its unborn offspring, as occurs in syphilis in man or in many arboviruses of arthropods. Perinatal infection is a special form of vertical transmission.
Viable - capable of sustaining life. Often used to describe an early pregnancy in which a heartbeat has been seen.
Viraemia - the presence of virus in the blood. Virion Virion - a mature and infectious virus particle.
Virulence - the case mortality rate of an infection. The extent to which a pathogen harms its host. These are different usages: what they have in common is that they refer to the effect on an already infected host, not to the degree of transmissibility to a subsequent susceptible.
Virus - the causative agent of an infectious disease. Any of a large group of submicroscopic infective agents that are regarded either as extremely simple microorganisms or as extremely complex molecules, that typically contain a protein coat surrounding an RNA or DNA core of genetic material but no semipermeable membrane, that are capable of growth and multiplication only in living cells, and that cause various diseases in humans, lower animals, or plants. A microscopic infectious organism that reproduces inside living cells. Viscosity Viscosity - the thickness of semen.
Vulva - female's external genitalia.
Varicella-zoster virus - a herpes virus which causes chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes-zoster). © 2001 Kuska House (concept, script, content) |
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