Fertility treatments can feel like a whole new world with a lot of unfamiliar terms. If you’re feeling lost in the sea of acronyms like IVF and IUI, don’t worry—I’m here to help! Let’s break down some common fertility terms in simple language.
● IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
IVF is a fertility treatment where eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The embryos are inserted back into the uterus to establish a pregnancy following fertilization. IVF is often used for couples who have struggled to conceive naturally due to various reasons.
● IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
During ovulation, IUI involves injecting sperm straight into the uterus. It’s a less invasive fertility treatment compared to IVF and is often used for couples with mild male factor infertility or unexplained infertility. It can also be used for single women or same-sex couples using donor sperm.
● Ovulation Induction
Ovulation induction is a treatment that involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs using fertility medications. This can increase the chances of conception, especially for women who have irregular menstrual cycles or ovulation disorders.
● Fertility Medications
Fertility medications are used to regulate ovulation and improve the chances of conception. They can include oral medications like Clomid or injectable medications like gonadotropins. These medications help stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs and can be used in conjunction with other fertility treatments like IUI or IVF.
● Follicle
A follicle is a fluid-filled sac in the ovaries that contains an immature egg. During the menstrual cycle, follicles grow and develop until one is mature enough to release an egg during ovulation.
● Embryo
An embryo is a fertilized egg that has started to divide and develop. During IVF,
embryos are cultured in the laboratory for a few days before being transferred into
the uterus.
● Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is the process of placing embryos into the uterus during an IVF cycle. It’s a relatively simple procedure that involves inserting a thin catheter through the cervix to deposit the embryos into the uterine cavity.
● Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth and development of follicles in the ovaries. It is essential to both fertilization and the menstrual cycle.
● Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH is another hormone produced by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation and the release of an egg from the ovary. It works in conjunction with FSH to regulate the menstrual cycle.
● Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries after ovulation. It supports an early pregnancy and aids in lining the uterus in preparation for implantation.
Understanding these common fertility terms can help demystify the world of fertility treatments and empower you to make informed decisions about your reproductive health. Now, if you’re in Hyderabad and searching for the best infertility-IVF specialist, look no further than Dr. Chandini Chinta. With over 8 years of experience and a gold medal in MBBS, she’s the one you want by your side on this journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Chandini Chinta today and take the first step towards growing your big happy family.