Infertility Terms

Like most conditions, infertility comes with a host of terms and acronyms you may or may not be familiar with. We use these terms often here, so thought we'd put together a quick reference guide for those unfamiliar with what certain things mean. If something isn't here that you need to know, just ask us!

• ART - Assisted reproductive technology - See: IVF, IUI, etc.
• BBT - Basal Body Temp - the lowest body temp one experience while at rest. Should be taken immediately upon waking.
• BD - Baby Dance - Sexual activities undertaken in the hopes of getting pregnant.
• BFN - Big Freaking Negative - A negative pregnancy test.
• BFP - Big Freaking Positive - A positive pregnancy test.
• IVF - In vitro fertilization - Fertilizing an egg outside of the body... typically in a lab, often after a cycle of medications meant to induce ovulation. See this page for a more complete explanation.
• IUI - Intrauterine insemination - Placement of washed sperm directly into the uterus via catheter during ovulaton. See this page for more information.
• TTC - Trying to Conceive - Actively trying to get pregnant.
• RE - Reproductive Endocrinologist - a doctor that deals with infertility and issues related.
• PCOS - Poly cystic ovarian syndrome - A common endocrine disorder that causes infertility amongst a host of other issues. See this page for more information.
• RRL - Red raspberry leaf - An herbal supplement that prepares the uterus for pregnancy, and aids in overcoming infertility.
• MACA - Maca root - A potent herbal supplement that can aid in overcoming infertility in men and women.
• 2WW - 2 week wait - The dreaded two weeks after ovulation
• AF - Aunt Flo - The menstrual cycle/period.
• BC/BCP - Birth control - Self explanatory.
• CD - Cycle Day - A specific day in your cycle with CD1 being the 1st day of your period.
• DPO - Days past ovulations - Number of days past ovulation, ie 6 DPO.
• Dx - Diagnosis - A specific medical diagnosis, such as PCOS.
• Hcg/HCG - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin - Pregnancy hormone... level is examined during a pregnancy test. Should be above 5 for a BFP.
• SA - Semen analysis - Analysis of a man's semen to look at count, motility, etc to determine if he may suffer infertility.
• LP - Luteal Phase - The phase between ovulation and the period... Should be around 10 days. A short LP is below 10 days.
• P4 - Progesterone - A natural hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Low p4 levels can cause infertility and miscarriage. Low p4 levels are common with PCOS.