TERMINOLOGY IN THE TREATMENT OF INFERTILITY

• Oocyte: Egg cell – Female Gamet

• Embryo: The single-celled structure formed by the union of male gamet cell ( sperm) and female gamet cell (oocyte) is called Zygote. The multicellular stage after the formation of the zygote is called Embryo. From The second day of fertilization  until the 9th gestational week is called Embryonic Period.

• Follicle: A liquid-filled sac in the ovary, in which the oocyte develops.

• Dominanate Follicle: At the beginning of each menstrual period, a large number of follicles begin to develop. After a while, only one of them continues to develop with potential to ovulate..

• Ovulation: Expulsion of the mature  oocyte from the ovary 

• Ovulation Induction:  Stimulation of the ovaries by medication in patients who is not ovulating. 

• Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS): Treatment used to obtain multiple eggs for Intrauterine Insemination or IVF treatment, even though regular ovulation occurs.

• Egg Collection: After the development of a certain number and size of follicle in the ovary, hCG injection is applied to ensure ovulation. After 35-36 hours , mostly with sedation type anesthesia in the operating room, vaginal ultrasonography guided collection of oocytes by a special needle 

• Embryo Transfer: The embryo formed in the embryology laboratory is transferred into the uterine cavity on the second, third or fifth day. Procedure is done in the operating room under the guidance of the transabdominal ultrasound. Therefore, it is necessary to have full urinary bladder . After preperation of the cervix  a soft catheter, advanced into the lower part of uterine cavity gently  and the emryo(s) loaded into a thinner catheter is passed through the outer catheter and slowly released into the endometrial cavity.  There is no need for anesthesia except in rare cases.