Chapter 46–Evaluating Female Fertility

Assisted Reproductive Technology

Technologies employed using male and female gametes to assist the infertility patient to become pregnant.

Embryo Transfer

Technique that follows IVF in which the fertilized ova are injected into the uterus through the cervix.

Gonadotropin

Hormonal substance that stimulates the function of the testes and ovaries.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Glycoprotein secreted from placental trophoblastic cells; this chemical component is found in maternal urine during pregnancy.

Intrauterine Insemination

Introduction of semen into the uterus by mechanical or instrumental means rather than by sexual intercourse.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Method of fertilizing the human ova outside the body by collecting the mature ova and placing them in a dish with a sample of spermatozoa.

Ovarian Hyper-stimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Syndrome that presents sonographically as enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts, abdominal ascites, and pleural effusions. Often seen in patients who have undergone ovulation induction, post administration of follicle-stimulating hormone, or with a GnRH analog followed by hCG.

Ovulation Induction Therapy

Controlled ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate or parenterally administered gonadotropins.