Fertility Centers of Illinois

A Guide to Common Fertility Terms

When confronted with fertility problems, it is natural to become confused, frustrated, and overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to overcome these negative feelings and take an active approach to reaching your goals. In addition to finding a compassionate, experienced fertility doctor, learning as much as you can about infertility and its treatment options can be incredibly helpful. These common fertility terms can provide you with a good introduction:

• Infertility:
  Infertility is defined as the inability for a couple to successfully achieve pregnancy or bring a pregnancy to term.  Fertility problems can be due to health issues with the female partner, with the male partner, or with both partners.
   
• Oocyte:
  The oocyte, also called an ovum or gamete, is the egg cell produced by the human ovary. Like the sperm cells produced by males, the oocyte is haploid, meaning that it contains half of the genetic material of the other mature cells in the body. When the sperm and oocyte join during fertilization, their genetic material combines to form a complete genome.
   
• Assisted Reproductive Technology:
  Often abbreviated as ART, these advanced procedures involve the removal of mature eggs from the female patient prior to assisted fertilization. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most commonly performed assisted reproductive procedures.
   
• Multiple birth:
  When more than one egg is implanted into the uterus during the in vitro fertilization process, multiple births can occur. Multiple births refer to the birthing of more than one child after one gestational period.
   
• BBT:
  Basal body temperature, abbreviated BBT, is a woman’s body temperature immediately upon awakening in the morning, taken before any physical activity. During ovulation a woman’s BBT can increase (about one half a degree Fahrenheit), providing some evidence of possible fertility.

Do not approach your fertility problems alone. With the help of the specialists at Fertility Centers of Illinois, you can find the best possible treatment plans to suit your needs. Call us today at (877) 499-8730.

Diagnosing Infertility

Deciding to consult with a fertility specialist is a personal choice that can depend on a variety of factors. Generally, patients may consider seeing a specialist if they are unable to conceive after one year of dedicated effort or if a couple is not able to bring a pregnancy successfully to term. For women over the age of 35, this timeframe is normally adjusted. Watch this video to learn more about how infertility is diagnosed and when you may consider seeking the advice of a specialist.

Although infertility can be a frustrating condition, it is not impossible to overcome. At Fertility Centers of Illinois, our team is dedicated to helping you uncover the cause of your fertility problems and assist you on the road to parenthood. Call us today at (877) 499-8730 to schedule a consultation.

Still Have Fertility Questions? Find Your Answers with the Following Links

Infertility affects both men and women alike. Learn more about the reasons to consider fertility treatments, what to expect when visiting a fertility doctor, and our other recent blog topics with these great resources from around the Web. Make sure to give Fertility Centers of Illinois a call at (877) 499-8730 for more information on our fertility treatment options.

• Explore this article from the American Fertility Association for more information on coping with the emotional aspects of infertility.

• How can you and your partner maintain your relationship while dealing with infertility? Find out with these tips from Resolve.org.

• Check out this article from the American Pregnancy Association for more information on the causes of female infertility.

• How many cases of infertility are attributed to male and female factors? Get the facts regarding infertility with this article from Resolve.org.

• This article from the International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, Inc. provides an overview on polycystic ovarian syndrome.

• Visit this link from the American Pregnancy Association for a breakdown of common fertility frequently asked questions.

• Prepare yourself for your first visit with a fertility doctor by checking out this link from the American Fertility Association on important questions to ask your doctor.

• Learn more about how cancer can affect your fertility with this link from FertileHope.org.

• Find out how proper nutrition can aid you during pregnancy with this PullingDowntheMoon.com article. 

• Check out this article from Resolve.org for more information on IVF treatments.

What Factors Affect a Woman's Fertility?

Infertility refers to the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after one full year trying to conceive. However, infertility in couples over the age of 35 is typically diagnosed after trying to conceive for six consecutive months. According to the National Infertility Association, one-third of all infertility cases may be attributed to female factors.

Female fertility problems may be attributed to a number of factors, including ovulation problems due to a hormone imbalance, the presence of cysts or tumors, or thyroid gland problems. Ovulation issues may also be the result of eating disorders, excessive alcohol or drug use, stress, excess weight, and brief menstrual cycles.

In some cases female infertility is caused by damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus. This may be the result of a previous infection, scar tissue, adhesion, chronic medical illnesses, or taking certain medications, such as DES—or a medication used to prevent miscarriage or premature birth. Fallopian tube and uterine damage may also be caused by:

• Uterine fibroids
  These are non-cancerous masses that grow inside, outside, and within the wall of the uterus. Symptoms of uterine fibroids may include heavier or longer periods, feelings of pressure in the stomach, low back pain, frequent urination, and painful intercourse.
   
• Polyps
  These growths are attached to the inner wall of the uterus and protrude into the uterine cavity. Symptoms of polyps include bleeding between periods, irregular menstrual cycles, and excessively heavy periods.
   
• Endometriosis
  This is a condition in which the endometrial tissue that typically lines the uterus is displaced in other areas of the body. This lining is designed to shed each month during a woman’s menstrual cycle—however, displaced endometrial tissue cannot leave the body properly and therefore causes internal bleeding and scar tissue formation.
   
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
  This condition is caused by vaginal intercourse with a partner infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea and can cause permanent damage of the female reproductive organs.

Whether you’re interested in undergoing infertility diagnosis or IVF treatment, Fertility Centers of Illinois is here to help. Contact FCI at (877) 499-8730 for more information on our infertility treatment methods.