Fertility Acronyms Explained: Your A–Z Guide to Understanding IVF and Fertility Terms

The world of fertility treatment can be complex, particularly when patients are faced with a multitude of medical acronyms and technical terminology. At Sims IVF, we are committed to supporting our patients with clear, accessible information at every stage of their fertility journey. This guide has been developed to explain the most commonly used fertility-related acronyms from IVF and ICSI to AMH and FET, helping you better understand your treatment options and communicate more confidently with your care team.

Glossary Breakdown:

• IC = Initial Consultation 
  • The first formal appointment with a fertility specialist, where medical history, investigations, and potential treatment pathways are discussed.
• CD1 = Cycle Day One
  • The first day of a woman’s menstrual period, marking the start of a new cycle. Often used as a reference point for timing fertility treatments.
• IVF = In Vitro Fertilisation
  • A process by which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in the laboratory. If successful, the embryo is then transferred into the uterus.
• ICSI = Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
  • A specialised form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg, often used in cases of male factor infertility.
• IUI = Intrauterine Insemination
  • A fertility treatment that involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation to increase the chance of fertilisation.
• AMH = Anti-Mullerian Hormone
  • A hormone measured through blood tests to assess ovarian reserve (the quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries).
• FSH = Follicle Stimulating Hormone
  • A hormone involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and egg production. FSH levels can indicate ovarian function.
• FET = Frozen Embryo Transfer
  • The process of thawing and transferring a previously frozen embryo into the uterus, often used in subsequent IVF cycles.
• PGT-A = Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies
  • A genetic test is performed on embryos to screen for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation.
• TTC = Trying to Conceive
  • A commonly used acronym in fertility communities and forums referring to individuals or couples actively attempting to become pregnant.
• 2WW = Two-Week-Wait
  • The period between embryo transfer or ovulation and the pregnancy test.
• OHSS = Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
  • A possible complication of fertility treatment where the ovaries over-respond to stimulation medication, causing swelling and discomfort.
• LMP = Last Menstrual Period
  • Used to calculate the estimated due date or monitor cycle timing.
• TSI = Timed Sexual Intercourse
  • An approach where intercourse is planned to coincide with the woman’s most fertile window, often supported by ovulation tracking or medication to optimise chances of natural conception.
• ART = Assisted Reproductive Technology
  • A broad term encompassing fertility treatments that involve the handling of eggs, sperm, or embryos, including IVF, ICSI, and FETs.
• SA = Semen Analysis
  • A diagnostic test used to evaluate the quantity and quality of sperm, including parameters such as count, motility, and morphology.
• DS = Donor Sperm
  • Sperm donated by a third party for use in fertility treatments such as IUI or IVF, often used by same-sex couples, single women, or individuals with male factor infertility.
• DP5DT = Days Post Five Day Transfer
  • Used to count the number of days since a 5-day embryo (blastocyst) transfer during an IVF cycle. For example, "DP5DT" may be seen in patient notes or online communities to track early pregnancy symptoms or test timing.

We hope this glossary has helped demystify some of the commonly used fertility acronyms and enhanced your understanding of the process ahead.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your fertility options, please don’t hesitate to contact our team here. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.