|
Terminology |
Explanation |
|
Abandoned Cycle |
A
treatment cycle which is cancelled after commencing
administration of drugs, but before egg collection.
|
|
Abortion |
The
spontaneous or induced termination of pregnancy |
|
Abstinence or Abstention |
Refraining from sexual intercourse |
|
Acknowledgment Form |
Part
of the Parental Order application that the surrogate
mother and partner signs. |
|
Adhesion |
Fibrous tissue that abnormally binds organs or other
body parts. It is usually the result of inflammation or
abnormal healing of a surgical wound. |
|
Adoption |
Taking
a new person into an existing relationship, legal
adoption of a child. |
|
Agreement Form |
Compulsory for all COTS members. Where the Intended
Parents and surrogate meet together with a Support
Worker to discuss and agree all aspects of their
arrangement. |
|
Amenorrhoea |
Absence of menstruation |
|
Amniocentesis |
A
procedure usually carried out between 14 and 18 weeks of
pregnancy, in which amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the
amniotic sac in which the foetus is developing. The
fluid and the foetal cells it contains may be tested for
genetic disease in the foetus. |
| Amnion |
The
inner membrane forming the sac in which the embryo
develops. |
|
Amniotic fluid |
The
fluid filling the cavity between the embryo and the
amnion |
|
Ampoules |
The
small glass vials in which many fertility drugs are
provided |
|
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. |
|
Anonymous Donors |
Donors
whose identity remains un known |
|
Anovulation |
The
absence of ovulation. |
|
Anovulatory cycle or anovulatory episode |
A
'cycle' in which there is no egg produced, characterised
by a monophasic chart |
|
Artificial Insemination (AI) |
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.. It is also used in
surrogacy. The surrogate inseminates herself with a
syringe into her vagina. |
|
Artificial insemination (AID) |
(of a
woman) using donated sperm. Now more commonly referred
to as donor insemination (DI) to avoid confusion with
AIDS. |
|
Artificial insemination (AIH) |
(of a
woman) using husband’s sperm. |
|
Artificial insemination (AIP) |
(of a
woman) using her partner’s sperm |
|
Assisted conception |
Any
procedure where doctors assist with the conception
process itself. |
|
Assisted Conception Unit |
(ACU)
A clinic specialising in artificial reproduction
treatment |
|
Assisted hatching |
The
mechanical, laser or chemical breaching of the zona
pellucida (outer layer) of the egg |
|
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) |
The
collective name for all techniques used artificially to
assist women to carry children, including IVF and ICSI.
|
|
Asthenozoospermia |
A
lower than normal number of sperm in the ejaculate of a
man |
|
Autosomal |
The
mechanical, chemical or laser breaching of the
gelatinous coating of the eggs |
|
Autosomes |
Relating to the 22 pairs of ordinary chromosomes, i.e.
not the x or y sex chromosomes. |
|
Azoospermia |
The
complete absence of sperm from the ejaculate of a man |
