infertility is when the man’s immune system releases antisperm antibodies. These antibodies see the sperm as an invader, and kill them off.
Chromosomal Abnormalities Chromosomes are tiny groups of cells in the body that contain the genes. Abnormalities occur when the number or structure of the chromosomes is wrong. These abnormalities can cause birth defects, or miscarriage. Your fertility specialist may discuss this as a cause for your infertility.
Tubal Factor When the fallopian tubes are either damaged or blocked, making it difficult for the embryo to travel to the uterus or for the egg to become fertilized, then it is referred to as the tubal factor.
Uterine Factor This term refers to the woman’s uterus that is damaged in some way, reducing her fertility. This is a diagnostic term used by your doctor.
ZIFT (zygote intrafallopian transfer) – This term refers to the process whereby a fertilized egg, or zygote, is transferred into the woman’s fallopian tube.
There are many more terms that you may come across while on your journey to become pregnant, though these are some of the more common ones. If your doctor does use a term with which you are unfamiliar, don’t hesitate to ask. The more you know about your infertility the more likely you are to overcome it.
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Infertility terms. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.americanpregnancy.org/infertility/termstoknow.html
Infertility glossary. Retrieved from http://www.arcfertility.com/infertility/infertility_glossary.html#assisted