The process of trying to conceive, infertility and infertility treatments is overwhelming enough on its own. Add to that the stress of having to learn an entirely new vocabulary and it can be maddening. It seems the entire world shifts and everyone around you begins to speak in abbreviations and acronyms.
I have complied a list of common words (with their acronyms and definitions) you may encounter while reading one of my blogs, or if you are having to go through this process. Some of these are self explanatory, but for thoroughnesses sake, I included them. Yes, some of them might make you blush, but I guarantee you, after a round of IVF, you will get over that.
2ww | Two Week Wait: Waiting to take a pregnancy test; the average length of the Luteal Phase [from ovulation to menstruation] is 14 days (or 2 weeks).
AF | Aunt Flow: Menstruation, period.
Androgen: Hormone that stimulates the activity of the accessory male sex organs and encourages development of male sex characteristics. Also produced in low quantities in females.
Adhesion: Scar tissue that abnormally attaches to internal organs, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, uterus or other internal organs. Adhesions can wrap up or distort these organs, limiting their movement, function and cause infertility and pain.
AI | Artificial Insemination: The depositing of sperm in the vagina near the cervix or directly into the uterus, with the use of a catheter instead of by sexual intercourse. This technique is used to overcome sexual performance problems, to avoid sperm-mucus interaction problems, to maximise the potential of poor semen, and for using donor sperm.
AH | Assisted Hatching: Placing a small opening in the “shell” that surrounds every embryo. This assists the embryo in breaking out of this shell and extruding itself to implant in the endometrium. This is done my embryologists in the laboratory prior to embryo transfer in IVF cycles.
ART | Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A variety of procedures used to bring about conception without sexual intercourse, including IVF, and GIFT.
BBT | Basal Body Temperature: The body temperature at rest taken in the morning before arising from bed. Successive BBT’s can be measured orally each morning and recorded on a calendar chart. These charts can be studied to help identify the time of ovulation, or even if a patient is ovulating at all. Menstrual calendar information is also an important part of a BBT chart. An ovulation predictor kit (OPK) can be used instead of daily temperature readings.
BD | Baby Dance: Sex.
Beta | Beta hCG: Blood pregnancy test that measures a beta chain portion of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone emitted by the developing embryo.
BFN or BFP | Big Fat Negative or Positive: Pregnancy test result.
Blastocyst transfer: A recent advance in infertility treatment, in which embryos develop for 4 or 5 days (until they reach blastocyst stage), rather than the usual 2 or 3 days in IVF.
Cervical Factor: Infertility due to a structural or hormonal abnormality of the cervix. This can be induced by previous surgery on the cervix (such as a LEEP or cone procedures) that leaves the cervical canal scarred or closed, termed stenosis. Also applied when there are factors associated with the cervix which inhibit sperm function such as thickened mucus which prevents the sperm from traveling through the cervix into the female reproductive tract. Cervical factor infertility can usually be overcome using inseminations of sperm past the cervix in to the uterus.
Cervix: The lower section of the uterus which protrudes into the vagina and serves as a reservoir for sperm. Its anatomical functions include being a natural barrier to the inner uterus, and also keeping pregnancies from delivering prematurely.
Chemical Pregnancy: A positive pregnancy test, but with levels of pregnancy hormone (beta hCG) too low for ultrasound documentation of a pregnancy. Typically this definition includes pregnancies that have low beta hCG levels that spontaneously decline without any further development.
Cleavage: Division of one cell into 2, 2 into 4, 4 into 8, etc. This is measured in the embryology laboratory during IVF cycles.
Clinical Pregnancy: A pregnancy in which the beating fetal heart has been identified by ultrasound.
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid or Serophene ): An oral medication used to stimulate the ovaries and/or synchronize follicle development.
Corpus luteum: A structure that forms at the site of an ovarian follicle after it releases an egg. The corpus luteum releases estrogen and progesterone, two hormones necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum functions for five or six months. If pregnancy does not occur, it stops functioning.
CD | Cycle Day: Cycle days are numbered starting on the first day of your period.
CM | Cervical Mucus: Fluid excreted by the cervix, stimulated by estrogen. Becomes more fertile and receptive to sperm just before ovulation. Paying attention to the changes in CM can help a woman conceive. Not useful in determining whether pregnancy has occurred.
CP | Cervical Position: Changes throughout the cycle, in a predictable pattern. Not useful in determining if pregnancy has occurred.
Cryopreservation: Storage of organs or tissues at very low temperatures. Embryos that are not used in an ART cycle can be cryopreserved for future use.
DH | Dear/Darling Husband: Sometimes used sarcastically.
Donor Egg Cycle: The use of donated eggs from an anonymous or known donor. These eggs are harvested via an IVF cycle performed on the donor. The resultant eggs are inseminated with sperm and then form embryos which are transferred into the womb of the intended parent.
Donor Embryo Transfer: The transfer of embryos resulting from the oocyte (egg) and sperm of another patient, who may be anonymous or known, to an otherwise infertile recipient
Donor Insemination: The introduction of sperm from an anonymous volunteer donor into the vagina, cervix, or uterine cavity in order to achieve a pregnancy.
DPO/DP#DT | Days Past Ovulation/Transfer: Days are numbered starting with the day after ovulation (1 DPO), or after the date of embryo transfer. Example: 7DP5DT = 7 days past 5 day transfer, meaning the number of days that have elapsed since a day-5 embryo transfer (in other words, 12 days past egg retrieval).
VAS | Ductus Deferens: A thick walled tubular structure running from each testis into the ejaculatory duct. These structures carry sperm from the testicles to the epididymis to the penis for ejaculation. The vas deferens can be scarred or damaged by surgery, trauma or infection to the point where it does not allow sperm to pass through.
Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy implanted outside the uterus; most often in the fallopian tube. This is also termed a tubal pregnancy. This can usually be diagnosed in its early stages by following the pregnancy hormone, beta HCG, very closely during the early part of pregnancy. Left undiagnosed and untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can have serious medical consequences.
EC or ER | Egg retrieval: A procedure used to obtain eggs from ovarian follicles for use in in vitro fertilisation. The procedure may be performed during laparoscopy or through the vagina by using a needle and ultrasound to locate the follicle in the ovary. This is done under light anesthesia so that patients are sleeping during the entire process. Typically takes about 30 minutes total.
EDD | Estimated Due Date: When a baby is expected to be born. Based on last menstrual period (LMP), date of ovulation or day of retrieval.
Embryo: Term used to describe the early stages of fetal growth, from conception to the eighth week of pregnancy.
Embryo transfer: Placing an egg fertilised outside the womb into a woman's uterus or fallopian tube. It occurs on the third or fifth day after an egg retrieval.
Endocrinology: The study of hormones, their function, the organs that produce them and how they are produced.
Estrogen: Hormone that stimulates secondary female sexual characteristics and controls the course of the menstrual cycle. Also produced in low quantities in males.
Endometrial biopsy: The extraction of a small piece of tissue from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for microscopic examination.
Endometrial Cavity: The space in side the uterus that is created by the inner lining of the uterus that responds to female hormones during the menstrual and treatment cycles. This lining, when properly prepared, forms the area of attachment and implantation of the embryo. Commonly referred to as the womb.
ENDO | Endometriosis: The presence of endometrial tissue (tissue that normally lines the uterus) in abnormal locations such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and abdominal cavity. These lesions lead to local irritation and inflammation that can cause scarring to occur which can bind-up pelvic organs to the point of dysfunction and pain.
Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus that responds to female hormones during the menstrual cycle and treatment cycles. This lining, when properly prepared, forms the area of attachment and implantation of the embryo. A portion of this lining is shed each month with menstruation.
ET | Embryo Transfer: Final step in the IVF process. Embryo(s) are transferred into the uterus using a flexible catheter.
Epididymis: Portion of the male genital tract next to the testis where sperm maturation is partially accomplished. Receives sperm from the testis and continues as the ductus (vas) deferens.
Estradiol: The principal hormone produced by the growing ovarian follicle. It is frequently measured in the blood to gauge the strength and development of your follicles during treatment cycles.
EWCM | Egg-White Cervical Mucus: The most fertile type of CM. Having sex when you have EWCM is one way to increase the chance of conception.
Fallopian tubes: Ducts through which eggs travel to the uterus once released from the follicle. Sperm normally meet the egg in the fallopian tube, the site at which fertilization usually occurs.
Fertilization: The combining of the genetic material carried by sperm and egg to create an embryo. Normally occurs inside the fallopian tube (in vivo) but may also occur in a Petri dish (in vitro). (See also In Vitro fertilization.)
Fertility specialist: A physician specializing in the practice of fertility. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology certifies a subspecialty for OB-GYNs who receive extra training in reproductive endocrinology (the study of hormones) and infertility.
Fertility treatment: Any method or procedure used to enhance fertility or increase the likelihood of pregnancy, such as ovulation induction treatment, varicocele repair (repair of varicose veins in the scrotal sac), and microsurgery to repair damaged fallopian tubes. The goal of fertility treatment is to help couples have a child.
Fibroid tumor: Benign (not malignant or life-threatening) tumor of fibrous tissue that can occur in the uterine wall. May be totally without symptoms or may cause abnormal menstrual patterns or infertility. Overgrowth of the muscular tissue of the uterus. Fibroids are typically knotty masses of benign muscle tissue that can distort the shape and function of the uterus. They are typically classified in to three categories: sub-mucosal, intramural and serosal. Sub-mucosal fibroids are found in the uterine cavity and impair implantation. They need to be removed in order to conceive. Intramural fibroids are problematic when they become severely enlarged or impinge on the uterine cavity. Sub-serosal fibroids generally are left alone during fertility treatments.
Fimbria: The soft and supple finger-like extensions of the fallopian tube that aid in gathering in the oocyte (egg) at ovulation.
FSH | Follicle Stimulating Hormone: A pituitary hormone that stimulates follicular development and spermatogenesis (sperm development). In the woman, FSH stimulates the growth of the ovarian follicle. In the man, FSH stimulates the Sertoli cells in the testicles and supports sperm production. Elevated FSH levels are associated with gonadal failure in both men and women.
Follicles: Fluid-filled sacs in the ovary, which contain the eggs released at ovulation. Each month an egg develops inside the ovary in a follicle.
Follicular Phase: The menstrual cycle is divided up into two main parts- the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase refers to the first half of the cycle, from onset of menses to ovulation, and lasts approximately 14 days. It is associated with developing follicles that produce estradiol.
FET | Frozen Embryo Transfer: A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a cycle where a frozen embryo from a previous fresh IVF cycle is thawed and transferred back into a woman's uterus. This means you won't have to undergo another cycle of hormone stimulation and an egg collection .
Gamete: A reproductive cell. Sperm in men, the egg in women.
GIFT | Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer: After egg retrieval, the eggs are mixed with sperm and then placed, using a minor surgical procedure (laparoscopy), into the woman's fallopian tubes for in vivo fertilisation.
Gestation: Pregnancy. Gonadotropin: Hormones that stimulate the ovary.
GnRH | Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone: A substance secreted every ninety minutes or so by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. This hormone enables the pituitary to secrete LH and FSH, which stimulate the gonads.
Gonadotropins: Hormones that control reproductive function: Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone.
HCG | Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: The hormone produced in early pregnancy that keeps the corpus luteum producing progesterone. Also used via injection to trigger ovulation after some fertility treatments, and used in men to stimulate testosterone production. A hormone of early pregnancy that is monitored to determine viability of the gestation. This hormone is also used as an injection to induce ovulation and maturation of the oocyte (egg) in ovarian stimulation protocols. This is the pregnancy hormone detected by at-home pregnancy tests.
HPT | Home Pregnancy Test: The stick you pee on.
HMG | Human Menopausal Gonadotropin: A purified extract of LH and FSH, the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate the ovary. It is a commercial preparation used by injection to facilitate development of multiple follicles in treatment cycles.
Hypogonadism: Inadequate ovarian or testicular function as shown by low sperm production or lack of follicle production, as well as low or absent levels of FSH and LH.
Hypothalamus: A portion of the brain that stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete LH and FSH in order to stimulate ovarian follicle development. The hypothalamus acts as the “pacemaker” for many important hormone-driven processes, controlling the production and periodic release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
HSG | Hysterosalpingogram: An x-ray procedure to examine whether the fallopian tubes are patent (open) or not. This test helps determine if the tubes are blocking sperm from reaching the ovulated eggs through the fallopian tubes. Special x-ray dye is gently injected through the uterus and then x-ray pictures are taken to see where the dye travels.
HSC | Hysteroscopy: A visual examination of the uterus using an instrument called a hysteroscope, which enables the doctor to see into the organ without making a large incision. a small telescopic camera, much like a laparoscope, is placed through the cervical canal into the uterine cavity. This allows direct visualization of the endometrium, the lining of the uterine cavity (the womb) – where pregnancies implant. This surgical technique is minimally-invasive, well-tolerated and performed in a day-surgery center. It allows removal of any impediments to implantation such as polyps or fibroids in the uterine cavity.
Implantation (Embryo): The embedding of the embryo into tissue so it can establish contact with the mother's blood supply for nourishment. Implantation usually occurs in the lining of the uterus; however, in an ectopic pregnancy it may occur elsewhere in the body.
Insemination: Transfer of sperm for the purpose of establishing a pregnancy. Inseminations are performed by placing a small, soft catheter through the cervix into the uterine cavity and depositing the concentrated and activated sperm.
IVF | In Vitro Fertilization: Eggs produced by administering fertility drugs are retrieved from the woman's body and fertilized by sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are transferred by catheter to the uterus. A powerful procedure to help patients conceive pregnancies. IVF entails stimulating your ovaries to develop multiple follicles. This is achieved with injectable medications. The goal of IVF is to produce a large number of growing follicles, then harvest the eggs inside the follicles through a short surgical procedure performed in our office. The eggs are then inseminated with sperm in the laboratory, sometimes using ICSI, in order to create embryos that can then be transferred back to the endometrial cavity (the womb) of the patient. The name in vitro fertilization refers to the fact that the oocyte is fertilized by the sperm in the laboratory, rather than inside the female reproductive tract.
IF | Infertility: The inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse (six months if the woman is over age 35) or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term.
IM | Intramuscular injection: Given directly into a muscle.
ICSI | Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: A micromanipulation (occurring under the microscope) procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to enable fertilization with very low sperm counts or with non-motile sperm (sperm that don't swim effectively toward the egg). The embryo is then transferred to the uterus. ICSI is also used for patients who have had previous IVF cycles with failed fertilization.
IUI | Intrauterine Insemination: A procedure in which a doctor places sperm directly into the uterus through the cervix using a catheter. It bypasses the vaginal and cervical defense mechanisms of the female reproductive tract and allows better sperm delivery to the fallopian tubes. This allows the sperm and egg to interact in close proximity. It is a very common treatment for mild and moderate deficits in the semen analysis. IUI is typically used in conjunction with medications that increase the number of eggs per cycle and triggering of ovulation. The goal is to have more ÒtargetsÓ for the sperm (eggs), perfect timing and better sperm delivery.
LAP | Laparoscopy: Examination of the pelvic region by using a small telescope called a laparoscope.
LupronTM: A synthetic form of GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone- secreted by the hypothalamus) used to suppress ovarian function.
LP | Luteal Phase: The menstrual cycle is divided up into two main parts- the follicular phase and the luteal phase. This refers to the second half of the cycle, usually the last fourteen days of an ovulatory. It begins from the time of ovulation to the onset of menses, but is prolonged during pregnancy cycles. It is associated with progesterone production from the corpus luteum that facilitates implantation of embryos and supports early pregnancies.
LH | Luteinizing Hormone: A pituitary hormone that stimulates the gonads. In the man, LH is necessary for spermatogenesis and for the production of testosterone. In the woman, LH is necessary for the production of estrogen.
LPD | Luteal Phase Deficiency: Also called luteal phase defect. A deficiency of progesterone in the second half of the menstrual cycle when a pregnancy begins. Treatment involves supplementation with progesterone and other measures.
LH Surge | Luteinizing Hormone Surge: The release of luteinizing hormone (LH) that causes release of a mature egg from the follicle.
MetrodinTM: Human FSH prepared in an injectable form for ovarian stimulation.
Media: Fluid containing nutritive growth substances enabling cells to survive in an artificial environment.
Medicated FET: In a medicated (also commonly referred to as a "programmed" FET), the patient takes a course of hormone medication that ensures that the patient's endometrium (lining of the uterus) is prepared to receive the thawed embryo(s). *See Also: FET & Natural FET*
Menses: A “period”. Cyclic (monthly) flow of blood (menstruation) signifying ovulation, but failure to achieve pregnancy. Onset of bleeding is considered cycle day 1. The purpose of a natural menstrual cycle is to produce one follicle and ovulation per month, each and every month that pregnancy is not achieved.
Micromanipulation: A variety of techniques that can be performed in a laboratory under a microscope. Anembryologist manipulates egg and sperm to improve the chances of pregnancy. (See Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, ICSI.)
Miscarriage: Spontaneous loss of a viable embryo or fetus in the womb.
Natural FET: "Natural" FETs by use blood testing and ultrasound to plan the embryo transfer. Natural FETs require minimal or no medication. *See Also: FET & Medicated FET*
OB or OB-GYN | Obstetrician-Gynecologist: Trained physicians who diagnose and treat female reproductive health issues, and care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and during post-birth recovery.
Oocyte: The female germ cell often called an egg.
OPK | Ovulation Predictor Kit: Detects LH surge, which typically means ovulation will occur in 12-36 hours.
Ovarian failure: The failure of the ovary to respond to FSH stimulation from the pituitary because of damage to or malformation of the ovary, or a chronic disease such as autoimmune disease. Diagnosed by elevated FSH in the blood.
Ovary: The female sex gland with both a reproductive function (releasing oocytes) and a hormonal function (production of estrogen and progesterone).
O or OV | Ovulation: The release of the egg (ovum) from the ovarian follicle.
Ovulation Induction: Medical treatment performed to initiate ovulation.
Ovum (ova or egg): Mature oocytes.
Pap test: A screening test to determine the presence of cervical cancer. It is done by gently touching a swab to the cervix to collect cells for examination by a pathologist.
PergonalTM: A purified extract of LH and FSH, hormones secreted from the pituitary gland which stimulate the ovary. It is a commercial preparation used by injection to facilitate development of multiple follicles in reproductive treatment cycles.
PG | Pregnancy, pregnant: Does this one really need further explanation?
Pituitary Gland: A small organ at the base of the brain that secretes many hormones, including LH and FSH in response to signals from the hypothalamus.
Polyp: An overgrowth of the glandular surface of the endometrium. Polyps are often removed by hysteroscopic surgery to remove any impediments to implantation.
Polyspermy: Abnormal condition where the oocyte is fertilized by more than 1 sperm.
PCT | Post-Coital Test: The microscopic analysis of a sample of vaginal and cervical secretions that has been collected after sexual intercourse. This test allows your physician to see if sperm survive in your reproductive tract. It has largely been superceded by the semen analysis, but there are still some clinical indications for the PCT.
PGD | Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: A technique for identifying genetic or chromosomal information about embryos before transferring them back to a patient’s endometrial cavity (the womb). It entails taking a biopsy of the embryo on day three after egg retrieval. PGD can be employed to identify embryos that carry a genetic disease that may be asymptomatically carried by the parents, or it may be used to identify explanations for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and improve pregnancy outcomes in selected patients.
PROG | Progesterone: The hormone produced by the corpus luteum during the second half of a woman's cycle. It thickens the lining of the uterus to prepare it to accept implantation of a fertilized egg.
A supply of progesterone to the endometrium continues to be important during pregnancy. Following a successful implantation, progesterone helps maintain a supportive environment for the developing fetus. After 8 to 10 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta takes over progesterone production from the ovaries and substantially increases progesterone production. Some women may need to take progesterone supplements in the form of PIO or a vaginal suppository.
PIO | Progesterone in Oil: One of the many injections an infertile can look forward to. Typically administered during IVF cycles, but can also be prescribed to anyone needing extra progesterone support during early pregnancy.
Pronucleus: A specialized stage of the oocyte and sperm nucleus before they join to create a genetically unique embryo. After this union the conceptus is referred to as a zygote.
Recombinant DNA: DNA that has been modified so that it contains genes from two different sources. Recombinant technology is often used to produce highly pure therapeutic drugs.
RE | Reproductive Endocronolgist: Doctor who specializes in fertility issues.
SA | Semen Analysis: Examination of the male ejaculate under the microscope to determine the number of sperm, their ability to move forward (motility) and their shapes (morphology). The semen analysis is a cornerstone of the evaluation of couples experiencing infertility. The sperm counts, motility and morphology all provide important information about how the sperm will perform in treatment cycles.
SET or eSET | Single Embryo Transfer or Elective Single Embryos Transfer: A specific definition of only transferring a single embryo at the culmination of an IVF cycle. This is different from the conventional practice of transferring more than one embryo. Traditional embryo transfer strategies include the idea of transferring as many embryos as is deemed safe in your age group. This ensures the highest pregnancy rates, but also exposes you to the possibility of having more than one baby, such as twins or more. Not every patient is a candidate for eSET.
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SHG | Sonohysterography: Imaging the uterus and uterine cavity using ultrasonography while sterile saline is instilled into the uterine cavity. The purpose of sonohysterography is to detect abnormalities of the uterus and endometrial (uterine lining) cavity.
Sperm: The microscopic cell that carries the male's genetic information to the female's egg; the male reproductive cell; the male gamete.
Sperm Antibody Test: In some couples blood, semen and/or cervical mucus contain substances which hinder sperm action through an allergic or immune reaction.
Sperm count: The number of sperm in an ejaculate. Also called sperm concentration and given as the number of sperm per milliliter.
Sperm motility: The ability of sperm to swim. Poor motility means the sperm have a difficult time swimming toward the egg.
SPA | Sperm Penetration Assay: A test where sperm are incubated with non-viable hamster eggs to determine the capacity of the sperm to fertilize.
Sterility: An irreversible condition that prevents conception.
Stims | Stimulation medications: Medications that stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles for IVF. Examples include injections such as Follistim, Gonal-F, Bravelle, and Fertinex. Usually does not refer to oral medications, like Clomid and Femara, even though they are also ovulation stimulation medications.
Sub-Q | Subcutaneous injection: Given just under the skin with a very small needle.
TESA | Testicular/Epididymal Sperm Aspiration: The surgical removal of sperm directly from the testis or the epididymis using a needle for aspiration. This procedure is used for men who have no sperm in their ejaculates or have had vasectomies in the past. Sperm obtained through TESE requires ICSI to ensure fertilization of the oocyte (egg).
Testosterone: The male hormone responsible for the formation of secondary sex characteristics and for supporting the sex drive. Testosterone is also necessary for spermatogenesis (sperm development).
Transvaginal: Through the vagina.
Tubal Patency: Lack of obstruction of the Fallopian tubes.
TTC | Trying To Conceive: Typically refers to those actively trying to get pregnant; also applies to anyone who has sex without using contraception.
US | Ultrasound: A test used instead of X-rays to visualise the reproductive organs; for example, to monitor follicular development. Ultrasound is especially useful for visualizing the female reproductive organs and pregnancies. In the TTC universe, the most common type is the transvaginal or t/v ultrasound, whereby a probe is inserted into the vagina in order to get a better look at the uterus and ovaries.
Unexplained Infertility: Inability to identify the cause of infertility despite a complete evaluation of semen, ovarian reserve, ovulation, endocrinologic disorders and pelvic anatomy.
Uterus: Womb. The reproductive organ that houses protects and nourishes the developing embryo and fetus. It consists of the cervix, the endometrium and the muscular layer that comprises the body of this reproductive organ.
Varicocele: A varicose vein around the ductus (vas) deferens and the testes. This may be a cause of low sperm counts, motility and morphology and lead to male infertility.
Zygote: A conceptus in which the genetic material (pronuclei) of the egg and sperm have united.
ZIFT | Zygote Intra-fallopian tube Transfer: Oocytes (eggs) are aspirated, are fertilized in the laboratory and surgically transferred into the fallopian tubes before cell division. This procedure has largely been replaced by standard IVF.
