Glossary

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Fallopian Tubes

Paired tubes attached to the uterus and communicating with the endometrial cavity on one end, and near the ovaries at the other end. The location where sperm and ova meet in natural conception.

Fertilization

The penetration of the ovum by the sperm and fusion of genetic materials to result in the development of an embryo.

Fetus

The developing baby from the ninth week of pregnancy until the moment of birth.

Fibroid

Smooth muscle/connective tissue tumors, which most commonly arise from the uterus. They are the most common tumor of the female reproductive tract.

Fimbriae

The fringed and finger-like outer ends (near the ovary) of the fallopian tubes.

Flare Protocol

Use of a GnRHa starting with or shortly after the onset of menses of the cycle being entered. (Also known as the Short Protocol.)

Follicle Aspiration

The puncture and aspiration of ovarian follicles for the purpose of retrieving ova during the process of IVF. This is typically done using transvaginal ultrasound guidance, and is usually done with intravenous sedation.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone

A hormone produced and released from the pituitary gland that stimulates the ovary to mature ("ripen") a follicle prior to ovulation or follicle aspiration.

Follicle

The specialized cyst(s) in the ovary that contain and nurture the ripening ovum and from which the ovum is released during ovulation.

Follicular phase

The first portion of the ovarian cycle, from the onset of menses until ovulation.

Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer

The transfer of a thawed, previously cryopreserved embryo. Usually done in a medicated cycle using leuprolide acetate, estrogen and progesterone.