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A-V fistula
Arterio-venous malformation. This is an abnormal fusion of arteries and veins If
it affects uterine vessels, it could lead to failure of implantation
Abandoned cycle
A cycle of assisted conception treatment which is cancelled because of low or no
response from ovaries to stimulation
Acne
A common inflammatory disorder of sebaceous glands which is under the control of
male hormones called androgens.
Acupuncture
An alternative therapy in which fine needles are into skin at specific points to
alleviate pain or symptoms.
Adenomyosis
Uterine muscle layer with endometriotic deposits.
Adhesions
Scar tissue that attaches to the surface of organs. If it is fresh, it appears
like glue and if old, appears like bands. It can occur after surgery or as a
result of an inflammatory condition.
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Adrenal gland
Two small triangular glands which cover the superior surface of kidneys. They
produce adrenaline,noradrenaline and also corticosteroids.
AFC
Antral follicle count. It is the number of small follicles present in the ovary.
It is a measure of ovarian reserve.
Agglutination
Clumping or sticking together. Clumping of sperm is an example.
Agonist
A drug that differs in molecular structure from its parent compound .It could be
more potent than the parent compound and have fewer side effects.
AI
Artificial insemination. Either partnerâs sperm or donor sperm is injected into the cervix or the womb.
AID
Artificial insemination with donor sperm
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a disease that attacks the immune system,
resulting in infections and sometimes cancers.
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Amenorrhoea
Absence of periods
Androgen
Male hormones such as testorerone and its derivatives.
Andrologist
A specialist who specialises in the management of male infertility
Aneuploidy
A condition in which the chromosome number is not the exact multiple of the
normal basic number.
Anorexia
Loss of appetite. Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder occurring in
adolescents resulting in starvation.
Anovulation
A condition in which a womanâs ovaries do not release eggs. Periods may be heavy.
Antagonist
A drug that has the opposite effect of an agonist
Anteverted uterus
Forward inclination of uterus is described as anteversion. It is the normal
position.
Anti phospolipid antibody s
An autoimmune disease in which the presence of antibody against phosholipid is
associated with a tendency to clotting disorder. It is associated with
recurrent miscarriages.
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Anti-androgen
The chemicals that block the cellular uptake of androgens. Used in treatment of
acne and hirsutism
Antioxidant
Substances that neutralise the harmful effects of oxygen free radicals. Vitamin
C and E are antioxidants
Ashermanâs Syndrome
Intrauterine scarring which could lead to absence of periods.
Aspermia
No ejaculate
Assisted hatching
A laboratory technique which artificially dissolves the embryo shell before
implantation. It is done using chemicals or laser
Asthenozoospermia
Sperm with low or no motility
Autoimmunity
A disorder of bodyâs defence system where immune (antibody) response is generated against its own
tissues. It is seen in recurrent miscarriages
Azoospermia
No sperm seen in the ejaculate
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