Decoding the Language of Infertility: RESOLVE Acronyms Explained
When navigating the world of infertility, you may come across a sea of acronyms that can make your head spin. From medical terms to slang used within the community, it's easy to get lost in a sea of letters. That's why we're here to help you decode the language of infertility with a comprehensive guide to the acronyms commonly used by RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association.
2WW: The dreaded "Two-Week Wait." This refers to the period between ovulation or embryo transfer and the expected date of the next menstrual period. It's a time filled with anticipation, hoping for a positive pregnancy test.
ACA: Anti-cardiolipin Antibody, a type of autoantibody associated with certain clotting disorders that may affect fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage.
ACTH: Adrenal Corticotropic Hormone, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other hormones. It can play a role in fertility and hormonal balance.
AF: Aunt Flo, After Flo, or simply your Period or Menstrual Cycle. It refers to the bleeding experienced during menstruation.
AH: Assisted Hatching, a laboratory technique used during IVF where a small hole is made in the outer shell (zona pellucida) of the embryo to facilitate implantation.
AI: Artificial/Assisted Insemination, a procedure where sperm is introduced into the reproductive tract to facilitate fertilization, commonly known as intrauterine insemination (IUI).
ANA: Anti-nuclear Antibodies, autoantibodies that can target the body's own cells' nuclei. They can be associated with autoimmune disorders and may impact fertility.
APA: Anti-phospholipid Antibodies, autoantibodies that target phospholipids in the body and are associated with increased risk of blood clots and miscarriage.
APTT: Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, a blood test used to evaluate the clotting function and assess the risk of abnormal blood clotting disorders.
ART: Assisted Reproductive Technology, a collective term for fertility treatments that involve handling eggs, sperm, or embryos outside the body, such as IVF and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
ASA: Anti-sperm Antibody, antibodies that can target sperm cells and affect their ability to fertilize an egg.
ASRM: American Society of Reproductive Medicine, a professional organization of reproductive specialists dedicated to advancing reproductive medicine and fertility research.
BA: Baby Aspirin, a low-dose aspirin regimen often recommended to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clotting disorders during fertility treatments.
BBT: Basal Body Temperature, the body's lowest resting temperature taken in the morning before any activity. It is used to track ovulation patterns and detect changes in the menstrual cycle.
BCP: Birth Control Pills, hormonal contraceptives used to regulate the menstrual cycle and control ovulation.
BD: Baby Dance, a playful term referring to engaging in sexual intercourse during the fertile window to maximize the chances of conception.
Beta HCG: A blood test that measures the level of human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy. It is used to confirm pregnancy and monitor its progression.
BFN: Big Fat Negative, a term used when a pregnancy test result is negative.
BFP: Big Fat Positive, a term used when a pregnancy test result is positive.
B/W: Bloodwork, referring to various blood tests performed to evaluate hormone levels, ovarian function, and overall health.
CAH: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, a genetic disorder that affects the production of cortisol and other hormones by the adrenal glands. It can impact fertility and hormonal balance.
CASA: Computer-assisted Semen Analysis, a method of evaluating sperm quality and quantity using computerized imaging technology.
CB: Cycle Buddy, a person or friend who goes through the same menstrual cycle and fertility journey, providing support and understanding.
CBAVD: Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas Deferens, a condition where the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles are missing or blocked. It can cause male infertility.
CCCT or CCT: Clomiphene Citrate Challenge Test, also known as the Clomid Challenge Test, is a test to assess ovarian reserve and predict the response to fertility medications.
CD: Cycle Day, referring to the specific day within a menstrual cycle. CD1 is the first day of menstrual bleeding.
CF: Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. It can impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
CM: Cervical Mucus, the fluid produced by the cervix that changes in consistency throughout the menstrual cycle and can indicate fertility.
CMV: Cytomegalovirus, a common virus that can cause complications during pregnancy, especially if it is contracted for the first time.
CNM: Certified Nurse Midwife, a healthcare professional specializing in providing care for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
COH: Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation, a process where fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles and eggs.
CP: Cervical Position, referring to the position and texture of the cervix, which can change throughout the menstrual cycle.
CPFM: ClearPlan Fertility Monitor, a brand of electronic fertility monitor used to track hormonal changes and identify the fertile window.
CVS: Chorionic Villus Sampling, a prenatal diagnostic procedure to obtain a sample of placental tissue for genetic testing.
D&C: Dilation and Curettage, a surgical procedure to remove tissue from the uterus, commonly performed after a miscarriage or to diagnose and treat certain conditions.
D&E: Dilation and Evacuation, a surgical procedure to remove the contents of the uterus, usually performed in the second trimester of pregnancy.
DE: Donor Eggs, eggs provided by a donor for use in assisted reproductive techniques when the intended parent(s) cannot produce viable eggs.
DES: Diethylstilbestrol, a synthetic estrogen that was prescribed to pregnant women in the past. It can have long-term effects on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
DH: Dear Husband, a term of endearment used to refer to one's spouse or partner.
DHEAS: Dihydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that can impact fertility and hormonal balance.
DI: Donor Insemination, a procedure where sperm from a donor is used to fertilize an egg in assisted reproductive techniques.
DIPI: Direct Intra-peritoneal Insemination, a technique where sperm is injected directly into the peritoneal cavity, bypassing the cervix and vagina.
DOR: Diminished Ovarian Reserve, a condition characterized by a decreased quantity and quality of eggs in the ovaries, often associated with age or certain medical conditions.
DPO: Days Post-Ovulation, referring to the number of days that have passed since ovulation occurred.
DPR: Days Post-Retrieval, referring to the number of days that have passed since the retrieval of eggs during an IVF cycle.
DPT: Days Post-Transfer, referring to the number of days that have passed since the transfer of embryos during an IVF cycle.
DP3DT: Days Post 3-Day Transfer, specifying the number of days that have passed since the transfer of embryos on a 3-day development stage during an IVF cycle.
DP5DT: Days Post 5-Day Transfer, specifying the number of days that have passed since the transfer of embryos on a 5-day development stage during an IVF cycle.
DW: Dear Wife, a term of endearment used to refer to one's spouse or partner.
Dx: Diagnosis, referring to the identification and determination of a specific medical condition.
E2: Estradiol, the primary form of estrogen in the body, which plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and fertility.
EB or EMB: Endometrial Biopsy, a procedure to obtain a sample of the uterine lining for evaluation and diagnosis.
ENDO: Endometriosis, a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, often causing pain and fertility issues.
EPT: Early Pregnancy Test, a home pregnancy test designed to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine.
ER: Egg Retrieval, a procedure during which eggs are collected from the ovaries for use in assisted reproductive techniques.
ET: Embryo Transfer, the process of placing embryos into the uterus during an IVF cycle or other assisted reproductive procedures.
ETA: Embryo Toxicity Assay, a test to assess the potential toxicity of embryos before transfer.
ETF: Embryo Toxicity Factor, a measure of the potential toxicity of embryos.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions, a compilation of commonly asked questions and their answers.
FBG: Fasting Blood Glucose, a blood test that measures the level of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast.
FI: Fasting Insulin, a blood test that measures the level of insulin in the blood after an overnight fast.
FF: Fertility Friend, a popular fertility tracking and charting app used to monitor menstrual cycles and fertility signs.
FHR: Fetal Heart Rate, the number of times the fetal heart beats per minute, monitored during prenatal check-ups.
FP: Follicular Phase, the first half of the menstrual cycle, characterized by the development of follicles in the ovaries.
FM: Fertility Mucus or Fertility Monitor, referring to the changes in cervical mucus and the use of devices or methods to track fertility signs.
FRED: Fertility Response Early Detection, a brand of home pregnancy tests designed for early detection of pregnancy.
Frostie: Frozen Embryo, an embryo that has been cryopreserved for future use in assisted reproductive techniques.
FSH: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, a hormone that plays a key role in the development and maturation of follicles in the ovaries.
FTTA: Fertile Thoughts to All, a phrase used to send positive thoughts and well wishes to others in their fertility journey.
GD: Gestational Diabetes, a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and affects blood sugar levels.
GI: Gastrointestinal, referring to the digestive system and related conditions.
GIFT: Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer, a procedure where eggs and sperm are placed directly into the fallopian tubes for fertilization.
GnRH: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, a hormone that regulates the release of other hormones involved in the menstrual cycle and fertility.
GP: General Practitioner, a primary care physician who provides general medical care and refers patients to specialists when needed.
GTT: Glucose Tolerance Test, a test used to diagnose gestational diabetes by measuring how the body processes glucose.
hCG or HCG: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy that is detected in pregnancy tests and supports the development of the embryo.
hMG or HMG: Human Menopausal Gonadotropin, a medication that contains both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), used to stimulate the ovaries during fertility treatments.
HCP: Health Care Practitioner, a general term used to refer to healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and midwives.
HEPA: Hampster Egg Penetration Assay, a laboratory test used to assess sperm function and ability to penetrate an egg.
HPT: Home Pregnancy Test, a test conducted at home to determine if pregnancy has occurred.
HRT: Hormone Replacement Therapy, a treatment that involves replacing hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, to manage symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances.
HSC: Hysteroscopy, a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the uterus using a thin, lighted tube.
HSG: Hysterosalpingogram, a radiologic procedure that uses dye to evaluate the fallopian tubes and uterus for any blockages or abnormalities.
HX: History, referring to the medical or fertility history of an individual, including past treatments and procedures.
IBT: Immunobead Binding Test, a test used to detect the presence of anti-sperm antibodies in the blood or semen.
ICI: Intra-cervical Insemination, a procedure where sperm is inserted into the cervix to facilitate fertilization.
ICSI: Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection, a procedure where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to assist with fertilization during IVF.
IF: Infertility, the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse.
IGTT: Insulin and Glucose Tolerance Test, a test used to evaluate how the body responds to glucose and insulin, commonly used to assess insulin resistance.
INCIID: International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, a nonprofit organization providing information and support to individuals and couples experiencing infertility.
IM: Intramuscular Injections, a method of administering medication by injecting it into the muscle.
IOR: Immature Oocyte Retrieval, a procedure where immature eggs are collected from the ovaries for further maturation in the laboratory.
IR: Insulin Resistant, a condition where the body's cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
ITI: Intra-tubal Insemination, a procedure where sperm is directly placed into the fallopian tubes to facilitate fertilization.
IUGR: Intra-uterine Growth Retardation, a condition where a baby fails to grow at the expected rate inside the womb.
IUI: Intra-uterine Insemination, a procedure where washed and prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization.
IVC: Intra-vaginal Culture, a technique used to culture embryos within the vagina, providing a more natural environment for their development.
IVF/ET: In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer, a fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved and fertilized in the laboratory before being transferred into the uterus.
IVF: In Vitro Fertilization, a process where eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body, and resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus.
IVIg: Intravenous Immunoglobulin, a therapy involving the infusion of antibodies derived from donated blood to modulate the immune response.
LAD: Leukocyte Antibody Detection Assay, a test used to detect the presence of antibodies against white blood cells, which can affect fertility.
LAP: Laparoscopy, a surgical procedure where a thin, lighted tube is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen to visualize and treat reproductive organs.
LH: Luteinizing Hormone, a hormone that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, particularly in triggering ovulation.
LIT: Leukocyte Immunization Therapy, a treatment where white blood cells from a partner or donor are injected into the intended parent to modulate the immune response and improve fertility outcomes.
LMP: Last Menstrual Period, referring to the start date of the most recent menstrual bleeding.
LOL: Laughing Out Loud, a commonly used acronym to express amusement or laughter.
LP: Luteal Phase, the second half of the menstrual cycle following ovulation, characterized by the presence of the corpus luteum and hormonal changes.
LPD: Luteal Phase Defect, a condition where the luteal phase is shorter than the typical 12-14 days, potentially affecting implantation and pregnancy maintenance.
LSP: Low Sperm Count, a condition where the concentration of sperm in semen is below the normal range, which may affect fertility.
LUF or LUFS: Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome, a condition where an ovarian follicle fails to rupture and release the egg during ovulation.
Understanding these acronyms is essential for navigating the world of infertility and fertility treatments. They can help you communicate with healthcare providers, connect with others in the infertility community, and gain a better understanding of the processes involved in your fertility journey.
Remember, if you have any questions or concerns about your fertility or any aspect of your reproductive health, it's important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional. They can provide guidance, support, and personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.
RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, is also an excellent resource for education, support, and advocacy for individuals and couples experiencing infertility. They offer a wealth of information and community support to help you navigate the challenges of infertility.
With knowledge, support, and access to the right resources, you can empower yourself to make informed decisions and take proactive steps towards achieving your dream of starting or expanding your family.
