IVF Glossary
Understanding IVF terminology can feel overwhelming. This glossary explains common terms you will encounter on your journey.
- AMH
- Anti-Mullerian Hormone, a blood test measuring ovarian reserve
- Antagonist Protocol
- IVF protocol using GnRH antagonists to prevent premature ovulation
- Beta (hCG)
- Blood test measuring pregnancy hormone levels
- Blastocyst
- Day 5-6 embryo ready for transfer or freezing
- E2 (Estradiol)
- Hormone measured during stimulation to track follicle growth
- Embryo Transfer (ET)
- Procedure placing embryo(s) into the uterus
- FET
- Frozen Embryo Transfer, transfer using previously frozen embryos
- FSH
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone, key medication in IVF stimulation
- Gardner Grading
- System for scoring blastocyst quality (e.g., 4AA, 5BB)
- ICSI
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, direct sperm injection into egg
- IUI
- Intrauterine Insemination, placing sperm directly in uterus
- LH
- Luteinizing Hormone, triggers ovulation
- OHSS
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, potential IVF complication
- PGT-A
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy
- Retrieval
- Egg retrieval procedure, usually transvaginal
- Stim
- Stimulation phase of IVF using injectable medications
- Trigger Shot
- Final injection (HCG or Lupron) before egg retrieval
- TWW
- Two Week Wait, period between transfer and pregnancy test
Missing a term?
Let us know and we will add it to help others.
Contact Us