A.P.L.: A natural hCG fertility drug used to stimulate the ovaries. Administered by injection.
Arousal fluid: The colorless, lubricative fluid secreted around the vaginal opening in response to sexual stimulation, in preparation for intercourse. Arousal fluid should not be confused with fertile cervical fluid, which is secreted in a cyclical pattern around ovulation.
ART: Assisted Reproductive Technologies, such as IVF and GIFT.
Artificial insemination: A procedure in which a syringe is used to insert the man’s sperm just outside or inside the cervix. The sperm may be from the husband (AIH) or a donor (AID). See IUI.
Barrier methods of contraception: Any methods of contraception that use a physical barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the ovum, such as the condom or diaphragm.
Bartholin’s glands: Two tiny glands on each side of the vaginal opening that produce a thin lubricant when a woman becomes sexually aroused.
Basal body temperature (BBT): See Waking temperature.
Basal body temperature method: See BBT method.
Basic Infertile Pattern: An unchanging pattern of cervical secretions or vaginal sensation observed after menstruation, indicating that the ovaries are inactive and that both estrogen and progesterone levels are low.
BBT: Basal body temperature. See Waking temperature.
BBT Method: Basal body temperature method. A type of natural birth control in which the postovulatory infertile phase of the menstrual cycle is identified exclusively by a sustained rise in basal body temperature. Because those who use this method do not chart cervical fluid, they must either abstain or use barriers during the entire preovulatory phase of the cycle.
Billings Method: A natural method of fertility control in which days of fertility are identified exclusively by observations of cervical fluid at the vaginal opening. Developed by Drs. John and Evelyn Billings.
Billings Ovulation Method: See Billings Method.
Bioidentical hormones: Hormones that are synthesized from chemicals extracted from plants such as soy and wild yams. They are identical in molecular structure to the progesterones and estrogens made in female bodies.
Biopsy: Removal of tissue from the body for microscopic examination and diagnosis. For example, a cone-shaped biopsy of the cervix is for diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
BIP: See Basic Infertile Pattern.
Biphasic temperature pattern: A temperature chart that shows a pattern of relatively low temperatures in the preovulatory phase of the cycle, followed by a higher postovulatory level for about 12 to 16 days, until the next menstruation.
Blastocyst: The newly created fertilized ovum, before implantation occurs.
Blighted ovum: A pregnancy in which no fetus ever developed in the pregnancy sac.
BMI (Body Mass Index): A measure of body fat based on height and weight.
Body Mass Index: See BMI.
Breakthrough bleeding: Bleeding due to excessive estrogen production, which causes the endometrium to grow beyond the point that it can sustain itself. It usually occurs during anovulatory cycles.
Calendar Rhythm Method: See Rhythm Method.
Centrifuge: An apparatus consisting of a component spun around a central axis to separate contained materials of different density. Used in the process of sperm washing.
Cervical crypts: Pockets in the lining of the cervix where cervical fluid is produced and that function as a temporary shelter for sperm during the woman’s fertile phase.
Cervical dysplasia: The presence of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix, which are classified as either mild, moderate, or severe. Not cancerous, but may eventually develop into cancer, so warrants attention.
Cervical ectopy: See cervical eversion.
Cervical ectropion: See cervical eversion.
Cervical erosion: A rare condition in which the cervical tissue experiences abrasion. May occur following childbirth or certain medical procedures, during sex, or from the use of an IUD.
Cervical eversion (also referred to as cervical ectopy or cervical ectropion): When the cells lining the cervical canal migrate to the outer portion of the cervix that can be seen during a speculum exam. It usually appears red and raw, but no treatment is necessary unless there are bothersome symptoms such as vaginal discharge or bleeding after intercourse. It is more common in adolescents, pregnant women, or those taking estrogen-containing contraceptives.
Cervical fluid: The secretion produced within the cervix that acts as a medium in which sperm can travel. Its presence and quality are directly related to the production of estrogen and progesterone. Analogous to a man’s seminal fluid. It is one of the three primary fertility signs, along with cervical position and waking temperature. Cervical fluid typically gets progressively wetter as ovulation approaches. See Creamy, Eggwhite-quality, Fertile-quality, and Sticky cervical fluid.
Cervical fluid ferning test: See Ferning test.
Cervical mucus: See Cervical fluid.
Cervical os: The opening of the cervix, which itself is the lower portion of the uterus.
Cervical palpation: Feeling the cervix with your middle finger to determine its height, softness, and opening.
Cervical polyps: Typically benign teardrop-shaped growths on the surface of the cervix. May interfere with conception if they obstruct the cervical os through which the sperm travel.
Cervical position: The term used to describe one of the three primary fertility signs. In this book, cervical position refers to three facets of the cervix: its height, softness, and opening.
Cervical tip: See Cervical os.
Cervicitis: An inflammation of the cervix that is usually due to either cervical eversion, an STI or other infection, physical injury to the cervix, or, rarely, cancer.
Cervix: The lower portion of the uterus that projects into the vagina.
Change of life: The menopausal years during which reproductive functions cease.
Chasteberry: See Vitex.
Chemical Pregnancy: A type of pregnancy that results in miscarriage so early that it could be detected only through a blood or urine test.
Chlamydia: A highly prevalent sexually transmitted disease. It can lead to infertility through scarring of the fallopian tubes.
Chocolate cyst: See Endometrioma.
Chromotubation: A procedure typically done during a laparoscopy to determine if the fallopian tubes are open. Similar to an HSG, but the dye used can be seen only through the laparoscope.
Climacteric: A dated term referring to the years immediately before and after menopause.
Clitoris: A small knob of very sensitive erectile tissue. The female counterpart of the male penis, it is situated outside of the vagina under a hood of skin where the labia unite.
Clomid: A commonly prescribed drug used primarily to induce ovulation.
Clomiphene citrate: See Clomid.
Coitus: Sexual intercourse.
Colposcopy: A procedure used to examine the vagina and cervix under magnification through an instrument known as a colposcope. It is of particular value in the early detection of cancer of the cervix.
Conceive: To become pregnant.
Conception: Fusion of the sperm and egg.
Condom: A sheath of thin rubber worn over the penis to prevent conception.
Corpus luteum: The yellow gland formed by the ruptured follicle after ovulation. If the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone to support the early pregnancy until the placenta is formed. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates within 12 to 16 days.
Corpus luteum cyst: A rare and temporary condition in which the corpus luteum doesn’t disintegrate after its typical 12- to 16-day life span. It may lead women to mistakenly believe they are pregnant by delaying their periods and maintaining their high postovulatory temperatures beyond 16 days.
Coverline: A line used to help delineate pre- and postovulatory temperatures on a fertility chart.
Cowper’s gland: One of
a pair of small glands that secretes the lubricative pre-ejaculatory fluid in the male.
Creamy cervical fluid: The cervical-fluid quality that is generally wet and often similar to the consistency of hand lotion. It is considered fertile, although not as fertile as the eggwhite cervical fluid that usually follows it.
Creighton Model System (CrMS): A prospective and standardized means of monitoring the menstrual and fertility cycle. Involves charting only cervical fluid, but uses extremely precise descriptions to allow women to better understand their fertility and health.
Curettage: See Dilation and curettage.
Cycle Beads: A color-coded string of beads that was designed for women in developing countries to help track their fertile phase during their cycles. It can be used only if the woman’s cycles range from 26 to 32 days. In fact, it is not any more reliable than the Rhythm Method, because it does not allow the woman to determine her day of ovulation from cycle to cycle.
Cyst: An abnormal saclike structure containing fluid or semisolid material that may be present as a lump in various parts of the body. Most cysts are benign (nonmalignant) and cause no discomfort, but some may become cancerous.
Cystadenoma: Cysts that develop from ovarian tissue that are filled with a watery substance. They are usually benign, but often painful.
Cystic breasts: Breasts that are normal but often lumpy, particularly in the post-ovulatory phase.
Cystic hyperplasia: An overgrowth of fluid-filled cysts in the uterine lining.
Cystoma: See Cystadenoma.
D and C: See Dilation and curettage.
Danazol: A synthetic hormone used to treat endometriosis.
Danocrine: See Danazol.
D-chiro-inositol: A naturally occurring substance that is used to treat women with PCOS since it improves the efficacy of insulin.
Dehydroepiandrosterone: See DHEA.
Depo-Provera: An injectable hormonal contraceptive that lasts for 3 months.
Dermoid cyst: An ovarian cyst that can actually contain hair, teeth, bone, and other growing tissues. Can become large and painful.
DHEA supplementation: DHEA is a naturally existing hormone that both men and women produce. It’s essential for the production and development of healthy eggs in women. In those using IVF to get pregnant, it is primarily prescribed to treat diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), which occurs either as a consequence of premature ovarian aging (POA) or general aging.
Diaphragm: A soft rubber device that is inserted in the vagina to cover the cervix and prevent conception. Must be used with a spermicide.
Dilation and curettage (D and C): A surgical procedure used to scrape the surface of the endometrium with an instrument called a curette. Prior to curettage, the cervix is gradually opened with instruments called dilators.
Discharge: An emission from the vagina. In this book, it refers to an unhealthy symptom of an infection.
Double ovulation: The release of two separate eggs in one menstrual cycle. Both eggs are released within a 24-hour period.
Douche: A cleansing fluid flushed through the vagina. The practice is unnecessary and should be strongly discouraged since the normal vaginal environment is altered and the physiological self-cleansing mechanism is destroyed.
Dry Day Rule: One of the four natural birth control rules. Before ovulation, you are safe the evening of every dry day. But the next day is considered potentially fertile if there is residual semen masking your cervical fluid.
Dry days: Days when you observe no cervical fluid or bleeding and have a dry vaginal sensation.
DUB: See Dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding: The most common type of unusual bleeding, which has no obvious hormonal or structural cause. Still, most cases are believed to be hormonal in nature and related to anovulation.
Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation. Painful spasmodic contractions of the uterus usually arise just prior to or for the first few hours of menstruation and then gradually subside.
Dyspareunia: Painful or difficult intercourse.
Early ovulation: Release of the egg earlier in the cycle than usual or anticipated.
Ectopic pregnancy: The implantation and development of a fertilized ovum outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.
Egg (cell): See Ovum.
Eggwhite-quality cervical fluid: The most fertile type of cervical fluid a woman produces. It typically resembles raw eggwhite and tends to be clear, slippery, and stretchy. It usually appears in the 2 or 3 days preceding ovulation.
Ejaculation: The release of seminal fluid from the penis during orgasm.
Embryo: The initial stages of development from the fertilized egg to around 6 weeks after conception.
Endocrinologist: A physician who specializes in the function of hormones.
Endometrial biopsy: The removal of a small part of the uterine lining (endometrium) for examination under the microscope. Used to determine whether the woman’s lining is developing appropriately.
Endometrial hyperplasia: An overgrowth of the glandular components of the uterine lining.
Endometrial polyp: An overgrowth of normal endometrial tissue that may grow into the cervical canal. As with cervical polyps, may be asymptomatic or cause spotting or cramping if they push down on the cervix.
Endometrioma: Cysts that develop on the ovaries due to endometriosis. They contain old blood and thus can have a resemblance to chocolate syrup.
Endometriosis: The growth of endometrial tissue in areas other than the uterus, for example, the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. A woman may be asymptomatic, or she may have lower abdominal pain that worsens during menstruation, pain during intercourse, and unusually long menstrual periods. Hormone therapy, surgery, and pregnancy may improve the condition. Endometriosis may cause infertility.
Endometritis: An inflammation of the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, usually causing pelvic pain and a thick, unpleasant-smelling yellowish discharge.
Endometrium: The lining of the uterus, which is shed during menstruation. If conception occurs, the fertilized egg implants within it.
Epididymis: The beginning of the sperm duct where sperm are stored, matured, and transported. It is attatched to the testicles.
Episiotomy: A cut made through the perineum to facilitate childbirth if the vaginal opening doesn’t stretch enough to allow the baby to pass through.
Estradiol (E2): The principal type of estrogen produced by the ovaries, which stimulates follicle growth and ovulation and, along with progesterone, helps prepare the uterine lining for the implantation of a fertilized egg. It is also the form of estrogen that is responsible for the development of secondary female sex characteristics. (Often referred to as 17-beta estradiol.)
Estriol (E3): The estrogen produced by the placenta during pregnancy.
Estrogen: The hormone produced mainly in the ovaries responsible for the development of female secondary sex characteristics, as well as one of the primary hormones that control the menstrual cycle. Increasing estrogen levels in the first part of the menstrual cycle produce significant changes in the cervical fluid and cervix, indicating fertility.
Estrogen breakthrough bleeding: See Ovulatory spotting. Light or brown spotting leading up to the Peak Day that is the result of excess estrogen without progesterone to sustain it. It can also refer to the potentially heavy bleeding that occurs in anovulatory cycles in which the lining which has been building due to the effects of estrogen can’t sustain itself, and is thus sloughed off.
Estrogenic phase: The estrogen-dominated first phase of the menstrual cycle before ovulation. Also referred to as the follicular phase or preovulatory phase.
Estrogen withdrawal bleeding: See Ovulatory spotting. Spotting that occurs immediately following the Peak Day due to the drop in estrogen. In addition, it refers to the bleeding that occurs during the week that a woman is not taking the contraceptive pill.
Estrone (E1): The dominant estrogen found in postmenopausal women.
Excessive prolactin: See Hyperprolactinemia.
Fall-back temperature shift pattern: A type of thermal shift in which the temperature drops on or below the coverline on the second day after having already risen above it.
Fallopian tube: One of a pair of tubes connected to either side of the uterus. Sperm travel up to potentially unite with an egg in the outer third of the tube, after which the fertilized egg is transported toward the uterus through the tube.
Falloscopy: A procedure in which a fiber optic tube is used to observe the inner structure of the fallopian tubes.
False temperature rise: A temperature rise due to causes other than ovulation, such as fever, restless sleep, or drinking alcohol the night before. It is also caused by taking your temperature substantially later than usual.
Ferning test: The characteristic pattern produced by fertile cervical fluid when dried on a glass slide. So named because it resembles a fern.
Fertile phase: The days of the menstrual cycle during which sexual intercourse or insemination may result in pregnancy. It includes several days leading up to and immediately following ovulation.
Fertile-quality cervical fluid: Cervical fluid that is wet, slippery, stretchy, or resembles raw eggwhite. This type of cervical fluid appears around the time of ovulation, allowing sperm to live and travel in it for about 3 to 5 days.
Fertility: The ability to produce offspring.
Fertility Awareness Method (FAM): A means of determining your fertility through observing the three primary fertility signs: waking temperature, cervical fluid, and cervical position. Unlike Natural Family Planning, users of FAM choose whether they would like to use a barrier method or abstain during the fertile phase.
Fertility drugs: Drugs used to stimulate ovulation. The two most common are Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and Pergonal.
Fertilization: The fusion of a sperm with an egg (ovum), normally in the outer third of the fallopian tube.
Fetal age: The most accurate way of dating the age of a fetus, based on determining the date of conception, rather than the last menstrual period.
Taking Charge of Your Fertility Page 47