AMH

What Is AMH? AMH, or anti-Müllerian hormone, is a protein hormone produced by cells within the ovarian follicles. In fertility...

Abstinence Interval

Abstinence interval is the amount of time a man goes without ejaculation before a semen test, fertility evaluation, sperm freezing...

Abstinence Period

The abstinence period is the amount of time a man avoids ejaculation before a semen test, sperm freezing, fertility treatment,...

Acrosome Test

An acrosome test is a specialized sperm function test used to evaluate the acrosome, a cap-like structure on the head...

Age and Fertility

What Is Age and Fertility? The term age and fertility refers to the relationship between a person's chronological age and...

Air Pollution and Fertility

What Is Air Pollution and Fertility? Air pollution and fertility refers to the relationship between exposure to air pollutants—like particulate...

Amenorrhea and Fertility

What Is Amenorrhea and How Does It Affect Fertility? Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstrual periods in people with...

Anejaculation

Anejaculation is the inability to ejaculate semen, even when sexual stimulation and orgasm may still occur. In men’s health and...

Aneuploid Embryo

What Is an Aneuploid Embryo? An aneuploid embryo is an embryo that possesses an abnormal number of chromosomes—either too many...

Aneuploidy Screening

Aneuploidy screening is testing used to estimate or evaluate whether an embryo, fetus, pregnancy, or sometimes sperm carries an abnormal...

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

What Is Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)? Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by cells in the developing ovarian follicles (in...

Antral Count

Antral count usually refers to the antral follicle count (AFC), a fertility ultrasound finding that estimates how many small follicles...

Antral Follicle Count (AFC)

What Is Antral Follicle Count (AFC)? Antral follicle count (AFC) refers to the number of small, fluid-filled follicles visible in...

Asherman Syndrome

What Is Asherman Syndrome? Asherman syndrome is a rare but significant disorder of the uterus characterized by the formation of...

Assisted Conception

Assisted conception is an umbrella term for medical treatments and techniques used to help a person or couple achieve pregnancy...

Azoospermia Factor

Azoospermia factor usually refers to specific genetic regions on the Y chromosome that are essential for normal sperm production. These...

Azoospermia Types

What Are the Types of Azoospermia? Azoospermia refers to the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate, a diagnosis that...

BMI and Fertility

What Is BMI and How Does It Affect Fertility? Body Mass Index (BMI) is a standardized measurement that estimates a...

Basal Temperature

Basal temperature is your body’s lowest resting temperature, usually measured immediately after waking and before getting out of bed. It...

Best Time to Get Pregnant

What Is the Best Time to Get Pregnant? The best time to get pregnant refers to the part of a...

Blastocyst

What Is a Blastocyst? A blastocyst is a specific stage in early human embryo development that occurs around five to...

Blood Pregnancy Test

A blood pregnancy test is a lab test that measures human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the bloodstream to detect pregnancy....

Blood-Testis Barrier

The blood-testis barrier is a specialized protective barrier inside the testicles that helps sperm develop safely. It is formed mainly...

Breastfeeding and Ovulation

What Is Breastfeeding and Ovulation? Breastfeeding and ovulation are closely linked in reproductive health. After childbirth, the act of breastfeeding...

CFTR Mutation and Infertility

What Is CFTR Mutation and How Does It Relate to Infertility? A CFTR mutation refers to a change or alteration...

COVID-19 and Fertility

What Is the Relationship Between COVID-19 and Fertility? The relationship between COVID-19 and fertility is an evolving area of research....

Caffeine and Fertility

What Is the Relationship Between Caffeine and Fertility? Caffeine fertility refers to the impact that caffeine—an active stimulant found in...

Cancer Fertility

Cancer fertility refers to how cancer and cancer treatment can affect a person’s ability to have biological children. In men,...

Carrier Screening

Carrier screening is a genetic test that looks for whether a person carries a gene change linked to an inherited...

Celiac Disease and Fertility

What Is Celiac Disease and How Does It Affect Fertility? Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion...

Cervical Position and Fertility

What Is Cervical Position and Fertility? Cervical position refers to the location, firmness, and openness of the cervix—the lower, narrow...

Cleavage Stage

Cleavage stage is an early phase of embryo development that begins soon after fertilization, when a single fertilized egg starts...

Clomid for Fertility

What Is Clomid for Fertility? Clomid, also known by its generic name clomiphene citrate, is an oral medication commonly used...

Coital Timing

Coital timing means planning intercourse around the fertile window of the menstrual cycle to improve the chance of pregnancy. In...

Cryptozoospermia

Cryptozoospermia is a severe male-factor fertility finding in which no sperm are seen in the initial semen analysis, but a...

Cyclic Fertilin Peptide

Cyclic Fertilin Peptide is not a standard clinical diagnosis, routine lab marker, or widely used medical term in mainstream male...

Delayed Ejaculation

Delayed ejaculation is a male sexual dysfunction in which it takes an unusually long time to reach orgasm and ejaculate,...

Diabetes and Fertility

What Is Diabetes and Fertility? Diabetes and fertility are strongly interconnected because blood sugar regulation affects nearly every part of...

Digital Pregnancy Test

What Is a Digital Pregnancy Test? A digital pregnancy test is an at-home device that detects pregnancy by analyzing a...

Directed Donor

A directed donor is a person who donates sperm, eggs, or embryos to a specific intended recipient rather than donating...

Donor Cycle

A donor cycle is a fertility treatment cycle that uses donated reproductive material—most often donor sperm, donor eggs, or donor...

Donor Egg

A donor egg is an egg provided by one woman to help another person or couple attempt pregnancy through in...

Donor Eggs

What Are Donor Eggs? Donor eggs are eggs (oocytes) that are retrieved from a person with ovaries (the egg donor)...

Donor Embryo

A donor embryo is an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using another person’s egg and sperm, then transferred...

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

What Are Early Pregnancy Symptoms? Early pregnancy symptoms are the initial physical and emotional signs that may occur shortly after...

Egg Quality

What Is Egg Quality? Egg quality refers to how likely an oocyte (egg cell) is to develop into a healthy...

Egg White Cervical Mucus (EWCM)

What Is Egg White Cervical Mucus (EWCM)? Egg white cervical mucus (EWCM) is a type of cervical fluid produced by...

Ejaculatory Disorder

An ejaculatory disorder is a problem with the timing, sensation, force, direction, or ability to ejaculate. It is a broad...

Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction

What Is Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction? Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) is a medical condition in which one or both of the...

Embryo Biopsy

Embryo biopsy is a laboratory procedure used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to remove a small number of cells from...

Embryo Development

Embryo development is the step-by-step process that begins after an egg is fertilized by a sperm and continues as the...

Embryo Donation

What Is Embryo Donation? Embryo donation is the process in which embryos remaining after one individual's or couple's fertility treatment...

Embryo Freezing

Embryo freezing is a fertility preservation method in which an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) is frozen and...

Embryo Grading

Embryo grading is a lab-based system used during IVF to describe how an embryo looks under the microscope at specific...

Embryo Storage

Embryo storage is the process of freezing and keeping embryos for future use after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or related...

Embryo Thaw

Embryo thaw is the process of warming a previously frozen embryo so it can be transferred into the uterus during...

Embryo Transfer Failure

Embryo transfer failure means an embryo placed into the uterus during an IVF cycle does not implant or does not...

Endometrial Polyps and Fertility

What Are Endometrial Polyps and How Do They Affect Fertility? Endometrial polyps are noncancerous, fleshy growths that develop within the...

Endometrial Thickness

Endometrial thickness refers to how thick the lining of the uterus is at a given point in the menstrual cycle...

Epididymis

The epididymis is a tightly coiled tube attached to the back of each testicle that stores, protects, and helps mature...

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is the ongoing inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity. It is...

Estradiol Test for Fertility

What Is an Estradiol Test for Fertility? An estradiol test for fertility is a blood test that measures the level...

Euploid Embryo

What Is a Euploid Embryo? A euploid embryo is an embryo with the normal number of chromosomes for the species—in...

Exercise and Fertility

What Is Exercise and Fertility? Exercise and fertility refers to the relationship between physical activity and the ability to conceive....

FSH Level

FSH level refers to the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the blood. In men, FSH is a key reproductive...

False Negative Pregnancy Test

What Is a False Negative Pregnancy Test? A false negative pregnancy test occurs when a person who is actually pregnant...

False Positive Pregnancy Test

What Is a False Positive Pregnancy Test? A false positive pregnancy test occurs when a pregnancy test displays a positive...

Female Infertility

What Is Female Infertility? Female infertility refers to the inability of a person with ovaries and a uterus to achieve...

Fertile Mucus

Fertile mucus is the clear, slippery, stretchy cervical fluid that appears around ovulation and helps sperm survive and move through...

Fertility Acupuncture

What Is Fertility Acupuncture? Fertility acupuncture refers to the use of acupuncture, a treatment based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),...

Fertility After Miscarriage

What Is Fertility After Miscarriage? Fertility after miscarriage refers to an individual's or couple’s ability to conceive again following a...

Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)

What Is the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)? The fertility awareness method (FAM) refers to a collection of techniques that help...

Fertility Blood Tests

What Are Fertility Blood Tests? Fertility blood tests are laboratory analyses that measure specific hormones and biomarkers in a person's...

Fertility Clinic

What Is a Fertility Clinic? A fertility clinic is a specialized medical center that provides evaluation, diagnosis, and a range...

Fertility Lubricants

What Are Fertility Lubricants? Fertility lubricants are specially formulated personal lubricants designed to support couples and individuals trying to conceive....

Fertility Preservation Plan

A fertility preservation plan is a personalized strategy to protect your future ability to have biological children before age, illness,...

Fertility Signs

What Are Fertility Signs? Fertility signs are physical and biological cues that indicate when someone with ovaries is most likely...

Fertility Supplements

What Are Fertility Supplements? Fertility supplements are vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other micronutrients taken to support reproductive health,...

Fertility Test

A fertility test is any medical evaluation used to find out whether a person or couple may have difficulty conceiving...

Fertility Treatment Cost

What Is Fertility Treatment Cost? Fertility treatment cost refers to the total financial expense associated with medical interventions that help...

Fertilization Check

A fertilization check is the laboratory assessment performed after eggs and sperm are combined during IVF or ICSI to see...

Fetal Heartbeat

Fetal heartbeat refers to the rhythmic beating of an embryo or fetus’s developing heart during pregnancy. It is one of...

Fetal Pole

A fetal pole is the first visible sign of a developing embryo on an early pregnancy ultrasound. It usually appears...

Follicle Size

Follicle size usually refers to the diameter of an ovarian follicle on ultrasound. A follicle is a fluid-filled structure in...

Germ Cells

Germ cells are the body’s reproductive cells. In men, they are the cells in the testicles that develop into sperm...

Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman, called a gestational carrier, carries a pregnancy for intended parent(s) using...

Gonadal Function

Gonadal function refers to how well the gonads work. In men, the gonads are the testes, and their two main...

Gonadal Heat

Gonadal heat refers to increased temperature affecting the gonads, which in men means the testicles. In male fertility and reproductive...

Gonadal Insufficiency

Gonadal insufficiency is a broad medical term for reduced function of the gonads, which are the testes in men and...

Gonadorelin

Gonadorelin is a synthetic form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the natural hormone made by the hypothalamus that tells the pituitary...

Gonadotropins for Fertility

What Are Gonadotropins for Fertility? Gonadotropins for fertility are injectable hormonal medications frequently used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) to...

HALO Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test

What Is the HALO Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test? The HALO Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test, often called the HALO test, is...

HPG Axis

The HPG axis, short for the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, is the hormone signaling network that helps regulate testosterone production, sperm development,...

HSG Test (Hysterosalpingogram)

What Is an HSG Test (Hysterosalpingogram)? An HSG test, or hysterosalpingogram, is a specialized X-ray procedure used to evaluate the...

Hematospermia

Hematospermia means blood in the semen. It can look alarming, but in many cases it is temporary and not caused...

High Semen Viscosity (Hyperviscosity)

What Is High Semen Viscosity (Hyperviscosity)? High semen viscosity, also known as semen hyperviscosity or abnormal semen viscosity, refers to...

How to Get Pregnant Fast

What Is "How to Get Pregnant Fast"? “How to get pregnant fast” refers to evidence-based strategies, behaviors, and clinical tips...

Hydrosalpinx

Hydrosalpinx is a condition in which a fallopian tube becomes blocked and fills with fluid. It affects people with female...

Hyperspermia

Hyperspermia is a men’s reproductive health term used to describe an unusually high semen volume during ejaculation. In plain English,...

Hypospermia

Hypospermia means a lower-than-normal semen volume in the ejaculate. In plain English, it refers to producing a small amount of...

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

What Is ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)? ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is an advanced laboratory technique used in assisted reproductive...

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

What Is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)? IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is a type of fertility treatment that involves directly placing prepared...

IUI Success Rates

What Are IUI Success Rates? Intrauterine insemination (IUI) success rates refer to the percentage of people who become pregnant after...

IVF Success Rates

What Are IVF Success Rates? IVF success rates refer to the percentage of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles that result...

Immature Germ Cells

Immature germ cells are early-stage reproductive cells involved in sperm production. In men’s health, the term usually comes up on...

Implantation Failure

Implantation failure means an embryo does not successfully attach to and invade the lining of the uterus in a way...

Implantation Window

The implantation window is the short period in the menstrual cycle when the lining of the uterus is most receptive...

Inhibin B

Inhibin B is a hormone made primarily by the testes in men and people assigned male at birth, specifically by...

Intercourse Frequency

Intercourse frequency means how often a person or couple has sexual intercourse over a given period, such as per week...

Irregular Periods and Fertility

What Are Irregular Periods and How Do They Affect Fertility? Irregular periods refer to menstrual cycles that consistently fall outside...

Kisspeptin

Kisspeptin is a naturally occurring hormone-signaling molecule that plays a central role in puberty, testosterone regulation, sperm production, and overall...

Klinefelter Syndrome and Fertility

What Is Klinefelter Syndrome and How Does It Affect Fertility? Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in individuals...

Known Donor

A known donor is a sperm or egg donor whose identity is known to the person or couple using the...

Kruger Morphology

What Is Kruger Morphology? Kruger morphology refers to a specific method of evaluating sperm shape (morphology) developed by Dr. Thinus...

LH Level

LH level refers to the amount of luteinizing hormone in the blood. In men, LH is a key reproductive hormone...

Lab Fertilization

Lab fertilization usually refers to fertilization that happens outside the body in a laboratory setting, most commonly during in vitro...

Letrozole for Fertility

What Is Letrozole for Fertility? Letrozole for fertility refers to the use of the medication letrozole (brand name Femara) as...

Line Progression Pregnancy Test

What Is a Line Progression Pregnancy Test? A line progression pregnancy test is an informal way to track changes in...

Low Sperm Count

Low sperm count means a semen sample contains fewer sperm than expected, which can reduce the chance of pregnancy but...

Low Testosterone and Fertility

What Is Low Testosterone and How Does It Affect Fertility? Low testosterone, sometimes called “low T,” refers to a condition...

Luteal Defect

Luteal defect, more commonly called luteal phase defect or luteal phase deficiency, is a term used to describe a possible...

Luteal Phase Length

What Is Luteal Phase Length? Luteal phase length refers to the number of days between ovulation and the start of...

Luteal Support

Luteal support is treatment used after ovulation, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or embryo transfer to help the uterine lining stay receptive...

MOTS-C

MOTS-c is a small peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA that appears to help regulate energy use, insulin sensitivity, metabolic stress...

MTHFR and Fertility

What Is MTHFR and How Does It Affect Fertility? The term MTHFR refers to the gene that produces methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase,...

Male Infertility

What Is Male Infertility? Male infertility is a medical condition in which a person with testes is unable to initiate...

Midcycle Spotting

Midcycle spotting is light vaginal bleeding or pink, red, or brown discharge that happens between regular menstrual periods, often around...

Mittelschmerz (Ovulation Pain)

What Is Mittelschmerz (Ovulation Pain)? Mittelschmerz is the medical term for mid-cycle abdominal or pelvic pain that occurs around ovulation,...

Mosaic Embryo

What Is a Mosaic Embryo? A mosaic embryo is a blastocyst that contains two or more genetically distinct cell lines...

Natural Fertility

What Is Natural Fertility? Natural fertility refers to the ability of a person or a couple to conceive a pregnancy...

Nonobstructive Azoospermia (NOA)

What Is Nonobstructive Azoospermia (NOA)? Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a medical condition in which no sperm are found in the...

OAT Syndrome

OAT syndrome stands for oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, a semen analysis pattern in which sperm count is low, sperm movement is reduced, and...

Obesity and Fertility

What Is Obesity and Fertility? Obesity and fertility refers to the impact that excess body weight (obesity) can have on...

Oligoovulation

What Is Oligoovulation? Oligoovulation refers to infrequent or irregular ovulation, meaning the ovaries release an egg less often than is...

Oncofertility

Oncofertility is the field of medicine that focuses on protecting fertility in people who have cancer or who need treatments...

Oocyte Cryopreservation (Egg Freezing)

What Is Oocyte Cryopreservation (Egg Freezing)? Oocyte cryopreservation, commonly known as egg freezing, is a medical procedure that allows people...

Orchialgia

Orchialgia means testicular pain. It may be sudden or long-lasting, mild or severe, and it can affect one or both...

Ovulation Symptoms

What Are Ovulation Symptoms? Ovulation symptoms refer to the physical and hormonal changes that some people with ovaries experience during...

Ovulation Test

What Is an Ovulation Test? An ovulation test is a diagnostic tool used to predict when ovulation—the release of an...

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

What Is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting people with ovaries, characterized...

PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)

What Is PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)? PGT-A, or Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy, is a laboratory technique used...

PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders)

What Is PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders)? PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders), formerly known as PGD...

PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements)

What Is PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements)? PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements) is an advanced genetic...

Plateauing HCG

Plateauing hCG means human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels are no longer rising or falling the way clinicians expect over time....

Poor Egg Quality

What Is Poor Egg Quality? Poor egg quality refers to a state in which the eggs (oocytes) produced by the...

Post-Vasectomy

Post-vasectomy refers to the period and health considerations after a vasectomy, a minor surgical procedure that blocks or cuts the...

Postpartum Fertility

What Is Postpartum Fertility? Postpartum fertility refers to the period following childbirth in which an individual’s reproductive system gradually returns...

Pre-Seed Fertility Lubricant

What Is Pre-Seed Fertility Lubricant? Pre-Seed is a clinically developed, sperm-friendly lubricant designed for people who are trying to conceive....

Preconception Care

Preconception care is the health care, screening, counseling, and lifestyle planning that happens before pregnancy is attempted. It is often...

Pregnancy Test Evaporation Line

What Is a Pregnancy Test Evaporation Line? A pregnancy test evaporation line is a faint, colorless, or grayish line that...

Prenatal Genetics

Prenatal genetics is the part of reproductive medicine that looks at a baby’s genes and chromosomes before birth. It includes...

Progesterone Support

Progesterone support refers to treatment used to raise or stabilize progesterone levels when the body may not be producing enough...

Progesterone Test for Fertility

What Is a Progesterone Test for Fertility? A progesterone test for fertility is a blood test used to measure the...

Pronuclear Stage

The pronuclear stage is an early step in human fertilization that occurs after a sperm enters an egg but before...

Pyospermia

Pyospermia means there are too many white blood cells in semen. You may also see it called leukocytospermia. It matters...

Retrograde Ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation is a condition in which semen travels backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis during...

Retrograde Ejaculation and Fertility

What Is Retrograde Ejaculation in Fertility? Retrograde ejaculation is a medical condition in which semen flows backward into the bladder...

SCSA Test (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay)

What Is the SCSA Test (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay)? The SCSA test, or Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay, is a specialized...

SIS Test (Saline Infusion Sonogram)

What Is an SIS Test (Saline Infusion Sonogram)? An SIS test, or saline infusion sonogram, is a specialized ultrasound procedure...

Saline Sonogram (SIS)

What Is a Saline Sonogram (SIS)? A saline sonogram, also known as saline infusion sonogram (SIS), sonohysterography (SHG), or saline...

Scrotal Temperature

Scrotal temperature is the temperature inside and around the scrotum, the pouch of skin that holds the testicles. It matters...

Scrotal Veins

Scrotal veins are the veins within the scrotum that help drain blood from the testicles and surrounding structures. Most of...

Secretory Azoospermia

Secretory azoospermia is a form of male infertility in which no sperm are found in the semen because the testicles...

Semen Analysis Interpretation

What Is Semen Analysis Interpretation? Semen analysis interpretation refers to the detailed evaluation and understanding of a semen analysis report,...

Semen Freezing

Semen freezing is the process of collecting, testing, freezing, and storing a semen sample so sperm can be used later...

Semen Infection

Semen infection is a non-technical term people often use to describe an infection affecting semen, sperm-carrying fluid, or nearby parts...

Semen pH

What Is Semen pH? Semen pH refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity in seminal fluid, which is measured...

Seminiferous Epithelium

The seminiferous epithelium is the specialized cell lining inside the seminiferous tubules of the testes, where sperm are made. In...

Septate Uterus

What Is a Septate Uterus? A septate uterus is a congenital anomaly where a wall of tissue, called a uterine...

Sertoli-Only Syndrome

Sertoli-only syndrome is a testicular condition in which the seminiferous tubules contain Sertoli cells but lack germ cells, the cells...

Severe Oligozoospermia

Severe oligozoospermia means a very low sperm concentration in semen. In plain terms, the ejaculate contains far fewer sperm than...

Sleep and Fertility

What Is the Relationship Between Sleep and Fertility? Sleep and fertility are closely connected biological processes. Adequate, high-quality sleep supports...

Sperm Activation

Sperm activation refers to the set of biological changes that turn sperm from relatively quiet cells into ones capable of...

Sperm Binding

Sperm binding refers to the ability of sperm to attach to specific structures involved in fertilization, most importantly the outer...

Sperm Cell

A sperm cell is the male reproductive cell, also called a spermatozoon, that carries genetic material from a man to...

Sperm Chromatin

Sperm chromatin is the tightly packed genetic material inside a sperm cell. It carries the father’s DNA and helps protect...

Sperm Competence

Sperm competence refers to a sperm cell’s ability to do everything required to achieve fertilization: survive in the female reproductive...

Sperm Condensation

Sperm condensation is the process in which sperm DNA becomes tightly packed inside the sperm head during sperm development. This...

Sperm Count

Sperm count is the number of sperm present in a sample of semen. It is one of the core measurements...

Sperm DNA

Sperm DNA is the genetic material carried inside sperm. It contains half of the chromosomes needed to create an embryo,...

Sperm DNA Damage

Sperm DNA damage refers to breaks or abnormalities in the genetic material carried inside sperm. It matters because sperm do...

Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test

What Is a Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test? A sperm DNA fragmentation test is a laboratory assessment that measures the amount...

Sperm Defects

Sperm defects are abnormalities in sperm structure, shape, function, or genetic integrity that can reduce the chances of natural conception...

Sperm Delivery

Sperm delivery is the process of moving sperm from the male reproductive tract into the female reproductive tract during ejaculation,...

Sperm Density

Sperm density is the concentration of sperm in a given volume of semen, usually reported as millions of sperm per...

Sperm Development

Sperm development is the process by which the male body makes mature sperm cells capable of fertilizing an egg. In...

Sperm Energy

Sperm energy refers to the ability of sperm cells to generate and use fuel so they can swim effectively, survive...

Sperm Form

Sperm form refers to the shape and structure of sperm cells. In fertility testing, it is usually called sperm morphology....

Sperm Fragmentation

Sperm fragmentation refers to damage or breaks in the DNA carried inside sperm. It is usually discussed as sperm DNA...

Sperm Head Defect

Sperm head defect is a sperm morphology abnormality in which the head of the sperm is misshapen, malformed, or structurally...

Sperm Integrity

Sperm integrity refers to the overall structural and genetic quality of sperm, including whether the sperm cell is intact, functioning...

Sperm Isolation

Sperm isolation is a laboratory process used to separate sperm cells from semen and remove other material such as seminal...

Sperm Lifespan

Sperm lifespan refers to how long sperm cells stay alive after ejaculation. It matters most in fertility because sperm do...

Sperm Longevity

Sperm longevity refers to how long sperm remain alive and potentially capable of fertilizing an egg. In men’s health and...

Sperm Maturation Arrest

Sperm maturation arrest is a testicular sperm production problem in which developing sperm cells stop maturing before they become fully...

Sperm Maturity

Sperm maturity refers to how fully developed a sperm cell is and whether it has completed the biological changes needed...

Sperm Membrane

The sperm membrane is the outer boundary that surrounds a sperm cell and helps it survive, move, recognize an egg,...

Sperm Membrane Damage

Sperm membrane damage refers to injury or dysfunction affecting the outer membrane that surrounds a sperm cell. That membrane is...

Sperm Membrane Stability

Sperm membrane stability refers to how well the outer membrane of a sperm cell maintains its structure and function under...

Sperm Metabolism

Sperm metabolism is the set of chemical processes sperm cells use to produce and manage energy. That energy powers movement,...

Sperm Mitochondria

Sperm mitochondria are the tiny energy-producing structures packed into the midpiece of a sperm cell. They generate the fuel sperm...

Sperm Neck Defect

Sperm neck defect is a structural abnormality in the connecting piece between a sperm’s head and tail. This small region,...

Sperm Nucleus

The sperm nucleus is the compact structure inside the head of a sperm cell that carries the father’s genetic material....

Sperm Output

Sperm output refers to the amount of sperm released in an ejaculation and, in clinical use, often also implies how...

Sperm Output

Sperm output refers to how much sperm a man produces and releases, usually discussed in the context of semen analysis,...

Sperm Oxidative Stress

Sperm oxidative stress is a condition in which harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) overwhelm the antioxidant defenses in...

Sperm Packaging

Sperm packaging describes how a sperm cell’s DNA is tightly compacted inside the sperm head so it can travel safely,...

Sperm Penetration

Sperm penetration refers to a sperm cell’s ability to move through the female reproductive tract and then bind to and...

Sperm Prep

Sperm prep, short for sperm preparation, is the laboratory process used to separate the healthiest, most motile sperm from semen...

Sperm Progression

Sperm progression describes how effectively sperm move forward in a straight line or broad path through semen. In male fertility...

Sperm Proteins

Sperm proteins are the many structural, enzymatic, signaling, and surface molecules found inside sperm cells and in the fluid around...

Sperm RNA

Sperm RNA refers to the collection of RNA molecules carried inside sperm cells. Although sperm are best known for delivering...

Sperm Shape

Sperm shape, also called sperm morphology, describes the size and appearance of sperm under a microscope. It matters because sperm...

Sperm Signaling

Sperm signaling refers to the chemical, electrical, and molecular messages that guide sperm cells as they mature, move, recognize an...

Sperm Speed

Sperm speed usually refers to how fast sperm move, but in fertility medicine the more precise concept is sperm motility—how...

Sperm Survivability

Sperm survivability refers to how long sperm remain alive and capable of functioning after ejaculation. In fertility and men’s health,...

Sperm Swimming

Sperm swimming refers to how sperm move through semen and the female reproductive tract. In medical terms, this is mainly...

Sperm Tail Defect

A sperm tail defect is an abnormality in the tail, or flagellum, of a sperm cell. Because the tail is...

Sperm Transport

Sperm transport is the process by which sperm move from where they are made in the testicles to where they...

Sperm Viability Test

A sperm viability test is a lab test that measures how many sperm in a semen sample are alive. It...

Sperm Vitality

Sperm vitality is a semen analysis measurement that shows what percentage of sperm in a sample are alive. It matters...

Stress and Fertility

What Is Stress and Fertility? Stress and fertility refers to the ways in which psychological stress, anxiety, and emotional strain...

Strict Morphology (Sperm)

What Is Strict Morphology (Sperm)? Strict morphology refers to a highly specific method of assessing sperm shape and structure under...

Subchorionic Hematoma

What Is Subchorionic Hematoma? A subchorionic hematoma is a localized collection of blood between the chorion (the outer fetal membrane)...

Submucosal Fibroids and Fertility

What Are Submucosal Fibroids and How Do They Affect Fertility? Submucosal fibroids are a specific type of benign uterine growth...

TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)

What Is TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)? TESE, or Testicular Sperm Extraction, is a medical procedure used to retrieve sperm directly...

Testicular Function

Testicular function refers to how well the testicles perform their two main jobs: making sperm and producing male sex hormones,...

Testicular Reserve

Testicular reserve is a nonstandard but useful term used to describe the testicles’ remaining functional capacity to support sperm production...

Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency in which the spermatic cord twists and cuts off blood flow to the testicle....

Testicular Ultrasound

A testicular ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the testicles, epididymis,...

Testicular Volume

Testicular volume is the size of each testicle, usually measured in milliliters (mL). It is a useful clinical marker in...

Testis Position

Testis position refers to where each testicle sits within the scrotum or, in some cases, outside its usual location. It...

Testis Size

Testis size refers to the volume or dimensions of the testicles. It matters because testicular size can offer clues about...

Testosterone Boost

A testosterone boost usually means raising testosterone levels or improving the body’s testosterone signaling through lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or...