Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

SART

Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies. A professional society affiliated with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine comprised of representatives from assisted reproduction technology programs that have demonstrated their ability to perform in vitro fertilization.

Selective Reduction

An intentional reduction in the number of fetuses in women with multifetal gestation.

Semen Analysis

The study of fresh ejaculate under the microscope to count the number of sperm per milliliter or cubic centimeter, to check the shape and size of the sperm (morphology), and to note their ability to move (motility).

Semen

The liquid portion of the ejaculate. Typically produced by the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles.

Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. A professional society affiliated with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine comprised of physicians who have completed residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and subspecialty training in reproductive medicine. Members have obtained certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Sonohysterogram

An office-based procedure used as a screening test for the anatomic normalcy of the uterine cavity. Also known as Saline Infusion Sonography.

Sperm Density

The number of sperm present per millileter of semen.

Sperm Morphology

Shape or form of the sperm cells.

Sperm Motility

Sperm cells demonstrating any type of movement.

Sperm Viability

Whether or not the sperm are alive.

Sperm Washing

A technique that separates the sperm from the seminal fluid in preparation for use in assisted reproduction.

Sperm

The male gamete or sex cell that contains the genetic information to be transmitted by the male, also known as spermatozoon (plural spermatozoa).

Spontaneous Miscarriage

A pregnancy ending in miscarriage with or without an operative procedure.

Spontaneous Reduction

An ultrasound-confirmed documentation of a reduction in the number of fetuses observed, be it a "vanishing twin" or a spontaneous loss of a single fetus.

Strict Morphology Criteria

In the semen analysis, a strict criteria for the analysis includes the measurement of acrosome size, head width, tail length, etc., for determining the percent normal forms of sperm.

Syngamy

The union of male and female pronuclei in the fertilized egg. After syngamy a unique genetic individual is present.