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Once you delve into the world of fertility, you’ll quickly find so many fertility acronyms, abbreviations, and terms that can be so confusing.
Why should you care about ART? Or EWCM? Why should an SA matter to your SO?
You may come across these acronyms or words in other blog posts, social media posts, or message boards and think, “what on Earth are all these women talking about?!“
Not to worry- I’ve gotcha!
The unexpected path of fertility doesn’t have to be quite so confusing.
Below you’ll find acronyms related to conception, IVF, and reproductive conditions, as they all tie into fertility.
You may want to save this post for your future self so that you can come back anytime. (And if you’re returning, thank you past-you, you are so awesome!)
Fertility Acronyms (A-Z):
2WW: 2-week wait
A:
AF: Aunt Flo (period)
AH: assisted hatching
AI: artificial/ assisted insemination
ART: assisted reproductive technology. Includes procedures like IUI and IVF.
B:
BA: baby aspirin
BBT: basal body temperature
BBTC: basal body temperature charting
BC or BCP: birth control or birth control pill.
BD: baby dancing. Sex or timed intercourse
Beta: HCG pregnancy test.
BF: boyfriend
BFN: big fat negative. A negative pregnancy test.
BFP: big fat positive. A positive pregnancy test.
BMS: baby-making sex
BOB: baby obsessed brain or baby on the brain
BW: bloodwork
C:
C: cycle. In regards to fertility, this is your menstrual cycle.
CD: cycle day
CD1: cycle day 1. This is the first day of your period, where you experience full flow. Spotting beforehand is not considered full flow.
CF: cervical fluid
CM: cervical mucus
CY#: cycle number
D:
D&C: dilation and curettage
DE: donor eggs
DF: dear fiance
DH: dear husband
DI: donor insemination
DP: dear partner
DPO: days post/past ovulation
DPR: days post retrieval
DPT: days post transfer
DTD: did the deed or do the deed (also sex)
Dx: diagnosis
E:
EDD: estimated due date
EMU: early morning urine
Endo: endometriosis
ER: egg retrieval
EWCM: egg white cervical mucus
F:
FET: frozen embryo transfer
FMP: first-morning pee
FMU: first-morning urine
FP: follicular phase
FS: fertility specialist
FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone. These injections are used to encourage the ovaries to grow multiple eggs. They’re often used 8-12 days during the stimulation phase of an IVF cycle. Includes shots like Follistim, Fertinex, Bravelle, Menopur, and Gonal-F.
Related: How to Prep for an IVF Cycle
G:
gestational carrier: surrogate
GIFT: gamete intrafallopian transfer
GnRH: gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
H:
hCG or HCG: human chorionic gonadotropin
HPT: Home pregnancy test
HSG: hysterosalpingogram. This is a procedure where an X-ray is taken of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
I:
ICI: intracervical insemination
ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection. During IVF this is when a specific sperm is selected and injected into the egg. It occurs after egg retrieval in the lab.
IF: infertility
IUI: Intrauterine insemination. Sperm is washed creating a concentration of the best fellas. It’s then inserted at the top of the uterus closest to the fallopian tubes with a long catheter.
IVF” in vitro fertilization. The process of fertilizing eggs with sperm outside of the body, often in a culture dish.
IW: infertility warrior

J:
K:
L:
LAP: laparoscopy
LH: luteinizing hormone. This is the hormone that triggers ovulation.
LH: luteinizing hormone
LMP: Last menstrual period
M:
N:
O:
O or Ov: ovulation. This is when your ovaries release an egg or eggs.
OHSS: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
OPK: ovulation predictor kit
OPT: ovulation predictor test
P:
PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome
PCP: primary care physician
PdG: Progesterone
PG: pregnant
PID: pelvic inflammatory disease
PIO: progesterone in oil
POAS: pee on a stick
PUPO: pregnant until proven otherwise
Q:
R:
RE: reproductive endocrinologist
S:
SA: semen analysis
SO: Significant other
T:
TTC: trying to conceive. Actively attempting to get pregnant
TWW: two-week wait. The time after ovulation and before a missed period. (This is when your embryo will implant!)
U:
UI: unexplained infertility
UPT: urine pregnancy test
US: ultrasound
V, W, X, Y, Z:
ZIFT: zygote intra-fallopian transfer
You’re amazing!
Are you feeling like a fertility acronym expert yet? Add a comment about where you are in your fertility journey using some of the acronyms in this list to show off your new skill.
I know this can be so overwhelming and it may feel like so much info is being thrown your way. Be patient with yourself. You are doing an amazing job!
If you start to feel anxious, these fertility affirmations may help you to regain your confidence and feel better.
Did I miss something? Please let me know any words or phrases that should be added to this list.
Sending you loads of baby dust!

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Hi, my name is Katy. I started this blog to help you infuse life with ease and joy by sharing recipes and tips for your fertility and lifestyle.
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