Fertility Acronyms

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?!“

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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

Progesterone in Oil Shot Tips

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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