Glossary
IVF glossary
The words you hear at the clinic — explained simply. This is the glossary from the Sevdara journal, gathered in one place so it is at hand whenever you need it.
Common terms
- IVF (in vitro fertilisation)
- Fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body.
- ICSI
- Injecting a single sperm directly into the egg.
- Embryo transfer (ET)
- Placing an embryo in the uterus.
- Egg retrieval
- The procedure that collects eggs from the ovaries.
- Trigger shot
- An injection that completes egg maturation before retrieval.
- Stimulation (stims)
- Medication (hormones) that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs.
- Follicle
- A small fluid-filled sac that contains an egg.
- Blastocyst
- An embryo on day 5–6, ready for implantation.
- FET (frozen embryo transfer)
- A transfer with a previously frozen embryo.
- Beta hCG test
- A blood test for the pregnancy hormone (hCG).
- 2WW (two-week wait)
- The time between the transfer and the pregnancy test.
- Luteal phase
- The phase after ovulation, when the uterus prepares for implantation.
- Endometrium
- The lining of the uterus, which thickens to support a pregnancy.
- PGT (preimplantation genetic testing)
- Genetic testing of embryos before transfer.
- Embryologist
- The specialist who looks after the embryos in the lab.
- Antral follicle count (AFC)
- An ultrasound count of follicles — an indicator of ovarian reserve.
- Ovarian reserve
- How many eggs remain, and of what quality.
- Protocol
- Your individual treatment plan for the IVF cycle.
- Luteal support
- Medication (such as progesterone) given after ovulation or transfer.
- Cycle monitoring
- Ultrasounds and blood tests that track hormones and follicles.
- Embryo grading
- The lab's assessment of embryos by shape and cell structure.
- Hysteroscopy
- A procedure to look inside the uterus with a small camera.
- Endometrial receptivity
- The ability of the uterine lining to accept an embryo.
Key hormones in IVF
- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)
- Stimulates the growth of follicles and eggs.
- LH (luteinising hormone)
- Triggers ovulation and helps the egg mature.
- Oestrogen (E2)
- Helps the endometrium thicken and the follicles develop.
- Progesterone
- Prepares the uterus for implantation and supports early pregnancy.
- hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
- Mimics LH and is used for the trigger shot.
- AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone)
- An indicator of ovarian reserve, measuring the “resting” follicles.
- GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone)
- Controls the release of FSH and LH; used in some medications.
- Prolactin
- High levels can prevent ovulation; often checked before treatment.
- Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4)
- Important for hormonal balance and the embryo's development.
These explanations are for information only and do not replace a consultation with a doctor. All medical decisions are made together with your doctor.
Read next
IVF step by step →