| Your
Health Care Team
Reproductive
Endocrinologist: A
Doctor with a specialty in in Gynecology and Obstetrics who
is additionally trained through fellowship in women's infertility
medicine and reproductive microsurgery.
Ph.D.
High Complexity Laboratory Director:
Physician
Assistant: A health care professional licensed
to practice medicine with physician supervision. Common services
provided by a PA include taking medical
histories and performing physical examinations; ordering and
interpreting lab tests; diagnosing and treating illnesses;
assisting in procedures or surgeries; prescribing and/or dispensing
medication; and counseling patients.
Fertility
Nurse Manager:
Medical
Assistant: Assists
the provider in giving care to patients. Will draw blood for
lab tests. Also, coordinate care and serve as primary contact.
Psychologist:
A therapist qualified
to help individuals or couples discuss, understand and manage
the stresses of infertility and its treatment. Educationally
prepared to the level of Doctorate in Psychology.
Urologist:
A physician specializing in male urinary tract problems
who is particularly knowledgeable about penile and testicular
function.
Receptionist:
The first person the patient comes in contact with over
the phone or at the office. Handles administrative duties.
Also, able to assist patients with scheduling procedures and
insurance benefits.
Sonographer:
A technician qualified to perform ultrasounds to determine
the size, shape, and dimensions of pelvic organs and ovarian
follicles.
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Lab
Tests & Procedures
Gamete
Intra-fallopian Transfer (GIFT):
Gamete intra-fallopian transfer involves combining sperm
and eggs outside the body and immediately placing them into
the fallopian tubes.
Hysterosalpingogram
(HSG): An x-ray
study in which dye is injected into the uterus to show the
body of the uterus and whether the fallopian tubes are open.
Does not require anesthesia, although pain medication will
be administered before the exam.
Hysteroscopy:
An examination of the inside of the uterus through a fiberoptic
telescope inserted through the vagina and cervical canal.
Requires anesthesia.
Intra-Uterine
Insemination (IUI):
IUI is the insertion of sperm, which have been carefully
washed and prepared, directly into the uterus.
In-Vitro
Fertilization (IVF):
Performed in the laboratory, in vitro (in glass) fertilization
involves the removal of eggs from ripe follicles and their
fertilization by sperm cells outside the human body.
Laparascopy:
Use of a surgical instrument inserted through small incision
below the navel to allow direct visualization of the ovaries
and the exterior of the fallopian tubes and uterus.
Ovulation
Induction: Use
of hormone therapy to stimulate oocyte (egg) development and
release.
Post-Coital
Test (PCT): Test
in which cervical secretions are obtained following intercourse
and analyzed under a microscope to discern problems with the
interaction of sperm and cervical mucus.
Ultrasound:
Also called sonogram. A technique using sound waves to
visualize the uterus and ovaries, a fetus in the uterus, or
the growth of ovarian follicles during infertility treatment.
Zygote
Intra-Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT):
Zygote intra-fallopian transfer involves in vitro fertilization
with a transfer of the zygote into the fallopian tube. The
zygote is an egg that has fertilized, but not yet divided.
Other
Terms
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Embryo:
a fertilized egg from conception to the eighth embryonic
week.
Estradiol:
A form of estrogen. This hormone is produced by developing
follicles in the ovary. Measuring levels helps determine progressive
growth of the follicles during ovulation induction.
FSH:
Follicle Stimulating Hormone stimulates the ovary to ripen
a follicle for ovulation.
Fibroid:
A benign (not malignant) tumor of the uterine muscle and
connective tissue.
Follicle:
The structure in the ovary that nurtures a ripening egg and
releases it.
Infertility:
The inability of a couple to conceive a pregnancy after
one year of unprotected sexual intercourse.
LH:
Luteinizing Hormone increases in the middle of
the cycle to trigger ovulation - the release of an egg.
Ovarian
Cyst: Fluid filled
sacs in the ovary.
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Ovulation:
Release of an egg from its follicle in the ovary.
Progesterone:
A female hormone secreted after ovulation has occurred.
It prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation of a
fertilized egg.
Prolactin:
Female hormone responsible for milk production in nursing
mothers. Can be elevated for other reasons such as an underactive
thyroid. Elevated prolactin can affect ovulation.
Sperm
Morphology: Size
and shape of individual sperm. Normal sperm have an enzyme-coated
head, middle piece, and whip-like tail.
Sperm
Motility: The
ability of sperm to swim and move progressively. Motility
is one of the most important determining factors in the sperm's
ability to fertilize an egg.
STD:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases include Chlamydia, Herpes,
Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and other conditions.
Testosterone:
Male sex hormone produced in the testicles.
TSH:
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is released by the pituitary
gland to increase thyroid hormone production. TSH results
can reveal whether thyroid function is normal, which is necessary
for normal ovulation.
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