Consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist: A complete evaluation will be performed at the consultation. Complete family and medical histories will be obtained as well as a discussion of the current clinical situation that you are experiencing. You will also be advised on any diagnostic examinations that would aid in your plan of care.
Transvaginal ultrasound: The insertion of a plastic probe into the vagina to check via ultrasound for such things as ovarian cysts or fibroids (non-cancerous tumors of the uterine wall that consist of fibrous and muscular tissue). Ultrasound is also used to examine follicles in the ovaries during ovulation induction.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): The injection of a concentrated sample of motile sperm into the uterus at the optimal time for fertilization to take place.
Ovulation Induction: Hormonal drug therapy to stimulate the formation of eggs and to monitor ovulation for successful fertilization.
Hormonal Blood Testing: Blood is drawn and analyzed for certain hormone levels that give the doctor information on the functioning of the ovaries. Examples of blood tests are progesterone, estradiol, and follicle stimulating hormone.
Hysteroscopy: An examination of the uterine cavity in which a tiny telescope is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
Semen analysis: The laboratory evaluation of a collected sample of sperm for volume, sperm count, motility (percentage that are swimming) and morphology (the number that is normally shaped). This test is usually performed at Exeter Hospital or your PCP's office.
Cryopreservation: The freezing of sperm, eggs, or fertilized eggs (embryos) for later use.
Assisted Hatching (AH): A laboratory procedure using microneedles to create a small opening n the shell of the fertilized egg. The opening may enhance the embryo’s implantation on the uterine wall.
Cryoembryo Transfer (CET): the placement of thawed embryos into the uterus, following hormone treatment to enhance implantation.
Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT): A procedure in which eggs are surgically removed from the ovaries, mixed with sperm in the laboratory and either stored via cryopreservation or immediately transferred to the fallopian tubes where fertilization may take place.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A procedure in which eggs are removed from the ovaries, mixed with sperm in the laboratory, placed in an incubator and, once fertilized, transferred into the uterus.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A variation of IVF in which each egg is directly injected via a microscopic needle with a single sperm (for men with very low sperm counts).
Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE): Experimental procedures to biopsy/aspirate and use sperm for IVF/ICSI in men who have sperm in their testes or the ducts emerging from them, but none in their ejaculate.
Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT): A combination of GIFT and IVF in which embryos are transferred into the fallopian tube via laparoscopy 24-30 hours after egg retrieval.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): An x-ray test to determine if the fallopian tubes are open and if the cavity of the uterus is normally shaped. Dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. This test is performed in a radiology department at the hospital.
Laparoscopic Procedures/Surgery: the removal via laparoscopy of endometriosis and/or scar tissue, using laser, electrocautery, or other minimally invasive techniques.
Laparotomy: Conventional surgery, involving an abdominal incision, to restore normal anatomy by removing tumors, endometriosis, and scar tissue.
Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth over the face, breasts, and abdomen associated with irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A reproductive abnormality responsible for menstrual irregularity, hirsutism, infertility, and early pregnancy loss involving the oversecretion of male hormones.
Therapeutic Donor Insemination Program: This program is available for couples with severe male factor-related infertility and for women without a male partner.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program: This evaluation and mangement program focuses on all aspects of care, including medical, surgical, and psychological.
Donor Oocyte (Egg) Program: Women unable to produce their own eggs may use eggs donated by other women. We can assist you in donor recruitment.
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