The resource library
Fertility glossary
Plain-language terms to help you read reports and prepare questions. A definition explains a word, not what a result means for you or which treatment you should have.
Gametes, embryos and transfer
Gametes are reproductive cells: eggs and sperm. An embryo is an early stage after fertilisation. Embryo transfer places an embryo into the uterus during treatment; transfer is not proof that implantation or an ongoing pregnancy will follow.
IVF and ICSI
In vitro fertilisation means fertilisation outside the body, in a laboratory. ICSI is a technique in which a sperm is injected into an egg. It is a particular fertilisation method within treatment, not a separate guarantee of pregnancy.
IUI and donor conception
Intrauterine insemination places prepared sperm into the uterus. Donor conception involves donated sperm, eggs or embryos. The medical pathway and questions about consent, origins and legal parenthood need to be understood separately.
Ovarian reserve, AMH and AFC
Ovarian reserve refers to egg quantity rather than egg quality. AMH is a hormone used as a reserve marker; AFC is an ultrasound count of small antral follicles. These can inform likely response to stimulation, but are not complete scores of natural fertility or future live birth.
Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation means freezing and storing material such as eggs, sperm or embryos for possible later use. Storage and successful later treatment are different stages. Freezing does not guarantee survival, pregnancy or a baby.
Outcome words
Fertilisation, a positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy and live birth are not the same endpoint. A success percentage needs its endpoint, denominator, patient group and time period. Ask for the explanation behind the number rather than assuming every clinic means the same thing.
Questions people ask
Can the glossary interpret my report?
No. Take the complete report and its context to the relevant professional.
Why do outcome definitions matter?
They describe different stages. Without the denominator and endpoint, comparisons can be misleading.