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A
ADHESION
Scar tissue occurring in the abdominal cavity, fallopian
tubes, or inside the uterus. Adhesions can interfere with
transport of the egg and implantation of the embryo in the
uterus.
ADRENAL
ANDROGENS Male hormones produced by the adrenal gland
which, when found in excess, may lead to fertility problems
in both men and women. Excess androgens in the woman may
lead to the formation of male secondary sex characteristics
and the suppression of LH and FSH production by the pituitary
gland. Elevated levels of androgens may be found in women
with polycystic ovaries, or with a tumor in the pituitary
gland, adrenal gland, or ovary. May also be associated with
excess prolactin levels. AID (Artificial Insemination Donor)
or AIH (Artificial Insemination Homologous/Husband) See
Artificial Insemination ~ Donor Insemination, Intrauterine
Insemination.
AMENORRHEA
The cessation of the menstrual periods for six months or
more at a time. Primary Amenorrhea afflicts a woman who
has never menstruated. Secondary Amenorrhea afflicts a woman
who has menstruated at one time, but who has not had a period
for six months or more.
ANDROLOGIST
A physician scientist who performs laboratory evaluations
of male fertility. May hold a Ph.D. degree instead of an
M.D. Usually affiliated with a fertility treatment center
working on in vitro fertilisation.
ANOVULATION
The failure to ovulate, ovulatory failure.
ANTIBODIES
Chemicals made by the body to fight or attack foreign substances
entering the body. Normally they prevent infection, however,
when they attack the sperm or fetus, they cause infertility.
Sperm antibodies may be made by either the man or the woman.
ANTISPERM
ANTIBODIES Antibodies are produced by the immune system
to fight off foreign substances, like bacteria. Antisperm
antibodies attach themselves to sperm and inhibit movement
and their ability to fertilize.
ARTIFICIAL
INSEMINATION (Al) Placing sperm into the vagina, uterus
or fallopian tubes through artificial means instead of by
coitus usually injected through a catheter or cannula after
being washed. This procedure is used for both donor (AID)
and husband's (AIH) sperm. This technique is used to overcome
sexual performance problems, to circumvent sperm-mucus interaction
problems, to maximize the potential for poor semen, and
for using donor sperm. See Intrauterine Insemination.
ARTIFICIAL
SPERMATOCOELE An artificial, surgically created pouch
used to collect sperm from men with irreversible tubal blockage.
ASHERMAN'S
SYNDROME A condition where the uterine walls adhere
to one another. Usually caused by uterine inflammation.
ASSISTED
REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY (ART) Several procedures employed
to bring about conception without sexual intercourse, including
IUI, IVF, GIFT and ZIFT.
ASTHENOZOOSPERMIA
Low sperm motility.
AZOOSPERMIA
Semen containing no sperm, either because the testicles
cannot make sperm or because of blockage in the reproductive
tract.
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