Stanford IVF - Glossary, Stanford, California

Below is a glossary of common acronyms and terms used at Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center.

BhCG	Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: a quantitative measurement of the Hormone which indicates pregnancy.
CCCT	Clomid Challenge Test: A diagnostic test that may be used to evaluate the ability of the patient to respond to a biochemical challenge; and as an estimate of ovarian reserve.
CD (x)	Cycle Day: number of days counted from the onset of full menstrual flow. first day of full menstrual flow is considered CD1.
Cyst	A fluid filled sac left over from previous cycle which does not contain an egg. It usually resolves without any treatment.
E2	Estradiol: Hormone that is produced by the follicles in the ovary peaking at cycle day 12-14 prior to ovulation. The E2 levels on CD3 of the menstrual cycle are particularly important for evaluating ovarian reserve.
Follicle	A fluid filled sac within the ovary that surrounds the egg.
FSH	Follicle Stimulating Hormone: 1- Hormone produced by the pituitary gland responsible for stimulating the growth of the follicle that surrounds the egg. FSH on CD3 of menstrual cycle is important in evaluating ovarian reserve. 2- FSH is the Injectable gonadotropin medication that promotes the growth of the follicles.
HCG	Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: 1- A hormone produced by the placenta that is measured in pregnancy test. 2- A hormone used to stimulate ovulation and maturation of the egg.
HSG	An x-ray procedure performed to determine fallopian tube patency and uterine contour.
HYD	A diagnostic test using a hysteroscope to examine the inside of the uterus.
IC	Intercourse: human coitus
IUI	Intrauterine Insemination: a procedure in which a doctor places sperm directly into the uterus through the cervix using a catheter.
LH	Luteinizing Hormone: pituitary hormone that causes ovulation and maturation of the egg when a dramatic peak around CD 12-14. LH levels on CD3 are important for evaluating ovarian reserve.
OI	Ovulation Induction: administration of fertility medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce one or more eggs in a treatment cycle.
P4	Progesterone: A hormone produced by the corpus luteum during the second half of a woman's cycle. Progesterone thickens the lining of the uterus to prepare it to accept implantation of a fertilized egg.
PRL	Prolactin: Pituitary hormone which stimulates and may cause an absence of menstruation.
SA	Semen Analysis: An analysis of the sperm to determine whether the sperm is likely to fertilize an egg. SA measures the volume of semen, sperm count, sperm motility and sperm forms.
SubQ	Subcutaneous: Injection into the fatty tissue of the skin.
TSH	Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Elevated TSH levels may indicate hypothyroid disorder affecting fertility.
ULS	Ultrasound: A device that uses the technology of high frequency sound waves to form an image of internal organs on a monitor screen. An ultrasound machine is used by fertility specialist to monitor the growth of ovarian follicles, measure the uterine lining, and evaluate pregnancy.