When you and your partner are struggling to conceive, you might find yourselves at a number of doctors’ appointments at an infertility clinic. But, since a lot of the language involves acronyms, it can be difficult to understand what your doctor is talking about during your appointment. Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute in Honolulu, HI, explains the most common terms you’ll hear.

An Infertility Clinic Explains 7 Acronyms

1. ART

Assisted Reproductive Technology is what is used to conceive through fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization, when the eggs are mixed with the sperm in outside of the body.

2. ET

Embryo Transfer is the process of placing the fertilized embryo in the uterus.

3. FSH

Follicle-Stimulating-Hormone is the type of hormone that is produced by a female’s pituitary gland. Since it stimulates the development of follicles, the introduction of this hormone can increase the number of eggs available.

4. ICSI

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection refers to a technique during an IVF cycle, in which the sperm is injected into the egg.

5. IVF

In Vitro Fertilization is a type of assisted reproductive technology procedure where an egg is taken from a female and fertilized by the sperm that is taken from a male. This will usually be completed in a laboratory; then, the embryo is placed into the woman’s uterus.

6. PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormone disorder that affects 5%-10% of women. Like all syndromes, PCOS is a collection of problems that are found together. Not all women with PCOS have all the same symptoms. To be diagnosed with PCOS, a woman must have 2 of 3 possible issues: chronic lack of ovulation (anovulation), chronic high testosterone (hormone) levels (hyperandrogenism), and ovaries that have multiple small cysts containing eggs (polycystic).

7. PGT

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a technique in which one or more cells is taken from an egg or embryo (fertilized egg) for testing to provide information about the genetic make-up of the rest of the cells in that embryo. 

Your infertility journey is personal so your treatment should be, too. As the first In Vitro Fertility clinic in Hawaii, Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute in Honolulu offers premier and customized care for every patient. Whether you’re considering infertility treatment options or simply wanting to speak with an infertility clinic, this is the place to go. To learn more about the team and their services, visit them online or call their office at (808) 946-2226 to set up a consultation.