- Fallopian tubes:
- A pair of narrow tubes that carry the ovum (egg) from the ovary to the body of the uterus.
- Fertilization:
- The penetration of the egg by the sperm and fusion of genetic materials to result in the development of an embryo.
- Fetal death
- : The term often used to include both miscarriage and still-birth.
- Fetus:
- The developing baby from the ninth week of pregnancy until the moment of the birth.
- Fibroid tumor (leiomyoma):
- A benign tumor of fibrous tissue that may occur in the uterine wall. Maybe totally without symptoms or may cause abnormal menstrual patterns or infertility.
- Fimbriae:
- The fringed and flaring outer ends of the fallopian tubes which capture the egg after it released from the ovary.
- Follicle:
- The structure in the ovary that has nurtured the ripening egg and from which the egg is released.
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH):
- A hormone produced in the anterior pituitary that stimulates the ovary to ripen a follicle for ovulation.
- Follicular Phase:
- The first half of the menstrual cycle when follicle development takes place in the ovary.
- Frigidity:
- The inability to become sexually aroused. Not a known cause of infertility.
- Gamete:
- The male or female reproductive cells- the sperm or the ovum (egg).
- Gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT):
- Procedure in which the sperms and eggs are transferred by laparoscopy into the fallopian tubes where fertilization may then take place.
- Genes:
- Substances that convey hereditary characteristics, consisting primarily of DNA and proteins and occurring at specific points on the chromosomes.
- Genetic:
- Pertaining to hereditary characteristics.
- Genetic abnormality:
- A disorder arising from an anomaly in the chromosomal structure which may or may not be hereditary.
- Genetic counseling:
- Advice and information provided, usually by a team of experts, on the detection and risk of recurrence of genetic disorders.
- Gestation:
- The period of fetal development in the uterus from conception to birth, usually considered to be 40 weeks in humans.
- Gland:
- Hormone-producing organ.
- GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone; LHRH):
- A hormone released from the hypothalamus that controls the synthesis and release of pituitary hormones FSH and LH.
- Gonadotropin:
- A hormone capable of stimulating the gonads to produce hormones and / or gametes.
- Gonads:
- The glands that make the gametes (the testicles in the male and the ovaries in the female).
- Gynecologist:
- A doctor who specializes in the diseases of the female reproductive system.
- Hamster Test (sperm penetration assay):
- used to determine the ability of a man's sperm to penetrate a hamster egg. Thought to provide evidence of the sperm's fertilising ability.
- Hemorrhage:
- Excessive bleeding.
- Hereditary:
- Transmitted from one's ancestors by way of the genes within the chromosomes of the fertilizing sperm and egg.
- Hirsutism:
- The presence of excessive body and facial hair, especially in women.
- Hormone:
- A chemical, produced by an endocrine gland, which circulates in the blood and has widespread action throughout the body.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG):
- A hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy that prolongs the life of the corpus luteum.
- Human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG):
- A natural product containing both human FSH and LH. These hormones are extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women.
- Hydrocele:
- A swelling in the scrotum containing fluid.
- Hydrosalpinx:
- A large fluid-filled, club-shaped fallopian tube closed at the fimbriated end. It is a cause of infertility.
- Hydrotubation:
- Lavage or "flushing" of the fallopian tubes with a sterile solution which sometimes contains medication such as antibiotics, enzymes, or steroids.
- Hymen:
- A membrane that partially covers the virgin vagina.
- Hyperplasia:
- An abnormal enlargement of an organ or tissue of the body.
- Hyperstimulation syndrome:
- A syndrome which may include ovarian enlargement, abdominal distension and weight gain.
- Hypogonadism:
- Inadequate gonadal function as manifested by deficiencies in sperm production in males or egg production in females and/or the secretion of gonadal hormones (estrogens and androgens, respectively).
- Hypospadias:
- A malformation of the penis in which the urethral opening is found on the underside rather than at the tip of the penis.
- Hypothalamus:
- A part of the base of the brain that controls the release of hormones from the pituitary.
- Hysterosalpingogram:
- An X-ray study in which a contrast dye is injected into the uterus to show the delineation of the body of the uterus and the patency of the fallopian tubes. Also called a tubogram or uterotubogram.
© Dr. Aniruddha Malpani and Dr. Anjali Malpani www.drmalpani.com
Credits: How to Have a Baby: Overcoming Infertility
