AMH Level

AMH Level: What It Means AMH level refers to the amount of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in the blood. AMH is...

Abstinence period

Abstinence period refers to the amount of time a man avoids ejaculation before a semen test, fertility treatment, or attempted...

Air pollution fertility

Air pollution fertility: what it means Air pollution fertility refers to the way polluted air may affect a person’s ability...

Amino acids fertility

Amino acids fertility refers to the role amino acids play in reproductive health, especially sperm production, sperm function, hormone balance,...

Androgen levels

Androgen levels are the amounts of male sex hormones circulating in the body, especially testosterone, but also related hormones such...

Andrology

Andrology Andrology is the branch of medicine focused on male reproductive health, sexual function, hormones, and fertility. It is often...

Anejaculation

Anejaculation: definition, meaning, and why it matters Anejaculation means the inability to ejaculate semen during orgasm or sexual stimulation. In...

Antisperm antibodies

Antisperm antibodies: definition, meaning, and why they matter Antisperm antibodies are immune system proteins that mistakenly attach to sperm and...

Arginine metabolism

Arginine metabolism: what it is and why it matters Arginine metabolism is the set of chemical processes your body uses...

Asthenozoospermia

Asthenozoospermia: meaning, fertility impact, and what to do next Asthenozoospermia is a semen analysis finding that means sperm motility is...

Autoimmune infertility

Autoimmune infertility refers to reduced fertility caused or influenced by the immune system mistakenly targeting parts of the reproductive process....

Azoospermia

Azoospermia means there is no sperm in the ejaculate when semen is examined under a microscope. It is a medical...

BMI fertility male

BMI fertility male: what it means for men’s reproductive health BMI fertility male refers to the relationship between a man’s...

Bioavailable testosterone

Bioavailable testosterone: what it means Bioavailable testosterone is the portion of testosterone in the blood that is readily available for...

Bisphenol A fertility

Bisphenol A (BPA) fertility refers to the possible impact of BPA exposure on reproductive health, including sperm quality, hormones, conception,...

Blastocyst Transfer

Blastocyst Transfer: Definition, Process, Success Rates, and What It Means in IVF Blastocyst transfer is an in vitro fertilization (IVF)...

Blighted Ovum

Blighted ovum is an early pregnancy loss in which a fertilized egg implants in the uterus and a gestational sac...

Blood Pregnancy

Blood pregnancy is not a standard medical diagnosis, but people often use the phrase to mean a blood pregnancy test—a...

Blood-testis barrier

The blood-testis barrier is a highly specialized protective barrier inside the testicles that helps create the right environment for sperm...

Body composition fertility

Body composition fertility: what it means Body composition fertility refers to the relationship between a person’s balance of body fat,...

Cardiovascular health fertility

Cardiovascular health fertility: what it means Cardiovascular health fertility refers to the close relationship between heart and blood vessel health...

Carnitine metabolism

Carnitine metabolism: what it is and why it matters Carnitine metabolism refers to the way the body absorbs, transports, uses,...

Chemical Pregnancy

Chemical Pregnancy: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, and What It Means for Fertility A chemical pregnancy is a very early pregnancy loss...

Chemical exposure fertility

Chemical exposure fertility refers to the way contact with certain chemicals may affect reproductive health, including sperm production, sperm quality,...

Cholesterol fertility

Cholesterol fertility refers to the relationship between cholesterol levels and reproductive health, including sperm quality, testosterone production, erections, and the...

Chronic inflammation sperm

Chronic inflammation and sperm: what it means Chronic inflammation sperm usually refers to the effect of ongoing inflammation in the...

Circadian rhythm fertility

Circadian rhythm fertility refers to the connection between the body’s internal 24-hour clock and reproductive health. In men, circadian rhythm...

Clinical fertility evaluation

Clinical fertility evaluation: what it is and why it matters A clinical fertility evaluation is a structured medical assessment used...

Cryptozoospermia

Cryptozoospermia is a severe male-factor fertility finding in which no sperm are seen in a fresh semen sample at first...

DHT levels

DHT levels refers to the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body, a potent androgen hormone made primarily from testosterone....

DNA Fragmentation

DNA Fragmentation DNA fragmentation refers to breaks or damage within the genetic material carried by sperm. In men’s fertility, it...

DNA fragmentation index

DNA Fragmentation Index DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is a lab measure of how much DNA damage is present in sperm....

Dehydration sperm health

Dehydration and sperm health refers to the ways low body fluid levels may affect semen volume, sperm function, and overall...

Delayed Ejaculation

Delayed ejaculation is a sexual dysfunction in which ejaculation takes much longer than expected during sexual activity, happens only with...

Density gradient centrifugation

Density gradient centrifugation: what it is and why it matters Density gradient centrifugation is a laboratory method used to separate...

Donor Eggs

Donor eggs are eggs provided by one woman to help another person or couple conceive through assisted reproductive technology, most...

Donor Embryo

Donor embryo refers to an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using someone else’s egg and sperm, then donated...

Donor Sperm

Donor sperm: definition and why it matters Donor sperm is semen collected from a man who chooses to donate sperm...

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that implants and begins to grow outside the main cavity of the uterus, most often...

Egg Freezing

Egg freezing, also called oocyte cryopreservation, is a fertility preservation process in which a woman’s eggs are collected from the...

Egg Quality

Egg quality refers to how likely an egg (oocyte) is to mature normally, be fertilized, develop into a healthy embryo,...

Egg Reserve

Egg reserve: what it means Egg reserve, also called ovarian reserve, refers to the number and overall reproductive potential of...

Ejaculation frequency

Ejaculation frequency: definition, meaning, and why it matters Ejaculation frequency means how often a person ejaculates over a given period...

Ejaculation timing

Ejaculation timing: what it means Ejaculation timing refers to when ejaculation happens during sexual activity or masturbation, including whether it...

Ejaculatory Disorder

Ejaculatory Disorder: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Fertility Impact, and Treatment Ejaculatory disorder is a broad medical term for problems related to...

Ejaculatory Obstruction

Ejaculatory obstruction: definition, meaning, and why it matters Ejaculatory obstruction is a blockage or narrowing somewhere along the pathway that...

Embryo Freezing

Embryo freezing, also called embryo cryopreservation, is a fertility-preservation technique in which embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) are...

Embryo Grading

Embryo Grading Embryo grading is the process fertility clinics use to describe how an embryo looks under the microscope during...

Embryo Transfer

Embryo Transfer: Definition, Process, Success Rates, and What to Expect Embryo transfer is the step in an IVF cycle where...

Endocrine axis fertility

Endocrine axis fertility refers to how hormone signaling pathways in the body regulate reproductive function, especially sperm production, testosterone balance,...

Endocrine disruptors

Endocrine disruptors: definition, meaning, and why they matter Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the body’s hormone system....

Endocrine function

Endocrine Function Endocrine function is the body’s ability to produce, regulate, and respond to hormones. These hormones act as chemical...

Endometrial Thickness

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

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often...

Environmental endocrine disruptors

Environmental endocrine disruptors: definition, meaning, and why they matter Environmental endocrine disruptors are chemicals in the environment that can interfere...

Epididymis

The epididymis is a long, tightly coiled tube attached to the back of each testicle. Its main job is to...

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction: definition, meaning, and why it matters Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the ongoing difficulty getting or keeping an erection...

Estradiol Level

Estradiol level refers to the amount of estradiol in the blood. Estradiol is the main form of estrogen during the...

Estradiol Test

Estradiol Test: What It Is and Why It Matters An estradiol test is a lab test that measures the amount...

FSH Level

FSH level refers to the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone circulating in the blood. In men, FSH is made by the...

False Negative

False Negative: Meaning, Why It Happens, and Why It Matters A false negative is a test result that says a...

False Positive

False Positive: Meaning, Causes, and Why It Matters A false positive is a test result that says a condition, infection,...

Feedback loop hormones

Feedback loop hormones: definition and why they matter Feedback loop hormones are hormones that help regulate each other through built-in...

Female Fertility

Female fertility is a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy, and it depends on a coordinated set of...

Fertile Window

The fertile window is the part of the menstrual cycle when pregnancy is most likely to happen. It includes the...

Fertility Awareness

Fertility Awareness: What It Means and Why It Matters Fertility awareness is the practice of understanding the body’s natural signs...

Fertility Clinic

A fertility clinic is a medical practice that evaluates and treats people who are having trouble conceiving, have experienced pregnancy...

Fertility Diet

What Is a Fertility Diet? A fertility diet is an eating pattern designed to support reproductive health, hormone balance, and...

Fertility Preservation

Fertility preservation is the process of protecting or storing eggs, sperm, embryos, or reproductive tissue so a person has a...

Fertility Supplements

Fertility supplements are vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients marketed to support reproductive health. In men, they are most often...

Fertility Testing

Fertility Testing Fertility testing is the process of evaluating the reproductive health of one or both partners to understand why...

Fertility Tracking

Fertility Tracking: What It Means and Why It Matters Fertility tracking is the process of monitoring biological signs related to...

Fertility Treatment

Fertility Treatment: What It Is, How It Works, and What It Means for Men Fertility treatment is any medical, surgical,...

Fertility Vitamins

Fertility Vitamins Fertility vitamins are vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant nutrients used to support reproductive health before conception. In men, they...

Fertility Window

Fertility Window: What It Means and Why It Matters The fertility window is the group of days in a menstrual...

Fertility Workup

A fertility workup is the medical evaluation used to find out why pregnancy is not happening as expected. It typically...

Fertility assessment

Fertility assessment is the process of evaluating how likely a person or couple is to conceive, and identifying possible reasons...

Fertility checklist

Fertility checklist: what it is and why it matters A fertility checklist is a practical list of health, lifestyle, timing,...

Fertility consultation

A fertility consultation is a medical visit focused on understanding why pregnancy has not happened yet, identifying possible reproductive health...

Fertility diagnosis

Fertility diagnosis: what it means Fertility diagnosis is the process of identifying why a person or couple is having trouble...

Fertility evaluation

Fertility evaluation: what it is and why it matters Fertility evaluation is the medical process used to assess why pregnancy...

Fertility outcomes

Fertility outcomes: what the term means Fertility outcomes refers to the real-world results of trying to conceive, fertility testing, fertility...

Fertility profile

Fertility profile: what it means A fertility profile is a group of tests used to assess reproductive health and identify...

Fertility prognosis

Fertility prognosis: what it means Fertility prognosis is a clinician’s best estimate of the likelihood that a person or couple...

Fertility risk factors

Fertility risk factors are the medical, lifestyle, environmental, genetic, and age-related factors that can reduce the chance of conceiving a...

Fertility screening

Fertility screening Fertility screening is the process of checking whether there may be medical, hormonal, genetic, structural, or lifestyle-related factors...

Free Testosterone

Free Testosterone: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Understand Your Results Free testosterone is the small fraction...

Germ Cells

Germ cells are the body’s reproductive cells—the cells that eventually become sperm in males and eggs (ova) in females. They...

Germ cell development

Germ cell development is the process by which the body creates and matures reproductive cells—sperm in males and eggs in...

Glucose metabolism fertility

Glucose metabolism fertility: what it means Glucose metabolism fertility refers to the relationship between how the body processes sugar and...

GnRH hormone

GnRH hormone: what it is and why it matters GnRH hormone stands for gonadotropin-releasing hormone, a key signaling hormone made...

Gonadal Function

Gonadal function refers to how well the gonads work. In men, the gonads are the testes, which have two core...

Gonadal Heat

What Is Gonadal Heat? Gonadal heat refers to elevated temperature affecting the gonads, which in men means the testicles. In...

HPG Axis

The HPG axis stands for the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, a hormone signaling system that helps regulate testosterone production, sperm production, puberty,...

Heat Exposure

Heat exposure means the body—or a specific body part—being subjected to temperatures high enough to affect comfort, function, or health....

Heavy metals fertility

Heavy Metals Fertility: What It Means for Male Reproductive Health Heavy metals fertility refers to the way certain metals and...

High Estrogen

High estrogen usually means estrogen levels are elevated relative to what is expected for a person’s age, sex, health status,...

Hormonal feedback loop

A hormonal feedback loop is the body’s built-in control system for keeping hormone levels in balance. It works by detecting...

Hormone ratio

Hormone ratio refers to the balance between one hormone and another, rather than the level of a single hormone in...

Hormone regulation

Hormone regulation is the body’s process of making, releasing, transporting, activating, and balancing hormones so they stay within healthy ranges....

Hormone signaling fertility

Hormone signaling fertility: what it means Hormone signaling fertility refers to the way chemical messengers in the body communicate with...

Hormone suppression

Hormone suppression means a hormone level is reduced below its usual or expected range, either because the body is making...

Hot Tubs

Hot tubs are small pools or spa-style tubs filled with heated water, usually kept around 100°F to 104°F (38°C to...

Hyaluronic acid binding assay

Hyaluronic acid binding assay: what it is and why it matters A hyaluronic acid binding assay is a lab test...

Hydration fertility

Hydration fertility refers to the relationship between fluid balance and reproductive health. In men, hydration can influence semen volume, the...

Hyperspermia

What Is Hyperspermia? Hyperspermia means producing an unusually large volume of semen during ejaculation. In men’s health and fertility discussions,...

Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism: what it means, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, fertility impact, and treatment Hypogonadism is a condition in which the body does...

Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism is a condition in which the body does not produce enough sex hormones. In men, that usually means the...

Hypospermia

Hypospermia means a man produces an abnormally low volume of semen when he ejaculates. In most clinical settings, this refers...

Hypothalamic function

Hypothalamic function refers to how well the hypothalamus—a small but powerful region at the base of the brain—regulates hormones, body...

ICSI Treatment

ICSI treatment stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, a specialized form of IVF in which a single sperm is injected directly...

IUI Treatment

What Is IUI Treatment? IUI treatment, short for intrauterine insemination, is a fertility procedure in which specially prepared sperm are...

IVF Cycle

IVF Cycle An IVF cycle is one complete round of in vitro fertilization, a fertility treatment in which eggs are...

IVF Success

IVF success refers to how often in vitro fertilization (IVF) leads to key outcomes such as fertilization, embryo development, implantation,...

Icing Testicles

What Is Icing Testicles? Icing testicles means applying cold to the scrotum or testicles, usually with an ice pack, cold...

Immune response fertility

Immune response fertility: what it means Immune response fertility refers to the way the immune system can support, interfere with,...

Implantation Failure

Implantation Failure: Definition, Causes, Fertility Impact, Testing, and Treatment Implantation failure means that an embryo does not successfully attach to...

Implantation Window

Implantation Window: Definition, Timing, Fertility Meaning, and Why It Matters The implantation window, also called the window of implantation, is...

Infection fertility male

Infection fertility male: how infections can affect male fertility Male fertility infections are infections that affect the testes, epididymis, prostate,...

Infertility definition

Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after a defined period of regular, unprotected sex. In most cases, doctors use...

Inflammation fertility

Inflammation fertility refers to the way inflammation in the body or reproductive tract can affect the ability to conceive. In...

Inhibin B

Inhibin B is a hormone made primarily by the Sertoli cells in the testes in men and by the ovaries...

Insulin resistance fertility

What is insulin resistance fertility? Insulin resistance fertility refers to the way insulin resistance can affect reproductive health, hormone balance,...

Kruger Morphology

Kruger morphology is a way of evaluating sperm shape under a microscope using very strict criteria. It is usually reported...

LH Level

LH level: what it means LH level refers to the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your blood. LH is...

Leukocytospermia

Leukocytospermia is a semen analysis finding that means there are too many white blood cells in semen. It is also...

Leydig Cells

Leydig cells are specialized cells in the testicles that produce testosterone, the main male sex hormone. They sit in the...

Leydig cell function

Leydig cell function: definition and why it matters Leydig cell function refers to how well the Leydig cells in the...

Loose Boxers

Loose Boxers: Definition, Fertility Relevance, and What Men Should Know Loose boxers are a style of men’s underwear with a...

Low Testosterone

Low testosterone means the body is not producing enough testosterone to support normal male hormone function. It is also called...

Luteal Defect

Luteal defect, also called luteal phase defect (LPD), refers to a problem with the second half of the menstrual cycle...

Luteal Phase

The luteal phase is the second half of the menstrual cycle, beginning after ovulation and ending when a period starts...

Magnetic sperm sorting

Magnetic sperm sorting: what it is and why it matters Magnetic sperm sorting is a laboratory technique used in fertility...

Male Fertility

Male fertility refers to a man’s ability to help achieve pregnancy through healthy sperm production, normal reproductive hormones, functional sexual...

Male fertility age

Male Fertility Age Male fertility age refers to how a man’s reproductive potential changes over time, especially as he gets...

Male fertility factors

Male fertility factors: definition, causes, testing, and how they affect conception Male fertility factors are the biological, medical, lifestyle, and...

Male reproductive system

Male reproductive system The male reproductive system is the group of organs, glands, ducts, hormones, and tissues that produce sperm,...

Medical fertility history

Medical fertility history: definition and why it matters Medical fertility history is the detailed record of health, reproductive, sexual, lifestyle,...

Metabolic health fertility

Metabolic health fertility refers to the link between how well the body manages energy, blood sugar, insulin, inflammation, cholesterol, blood...

Metabolic syndrome fertility

Metabolic Syndrome Fertility Metabolic syndrome fertility refers to the connection between metabolic syndrome—a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors—and reduced reproductive...

Micronutrients fertility

Micronutrients fertility: what it means Micronutrients fertility refers to the role that vitamins, minerals, and other trace nutrients play in...

Miscarriage Risk

Miscarriage Risk: What It Means Miscarriage risk refers to the likelihood that a pregnancy will end spontaneously before the fetus...

Mitochondrial function sperm

Mitochondrial function sperm: what it means for male fertility Mitochondrial function in sperm refers to how well the mitochondria inside...

Neuroendocrine function

Neuroendocrine function is the way the nervous system and hormone system work together to control essential body processes such as...

Nitric oxide sperm

Nitric oxide sperm usually refers to the role of nitric oxide (NO) in sperm function, semen quality, and male fertility....

Nonobstructive Azoospermia

Nonobstructive Azoospermia: Meaning, Causes, Diagnosis, and Fertility Options Nonobstructive azoospermia is a form of male infertility in which no sperm...

OAT Syndrome

OAT syndrome stands for oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, a semen analysis finding in which a man has low sperm count (oligozoospermia), poor sperm...

Obstructive Azoospermia

Obstructive azoospermia is a form of male infertility in which no sperm are present in the semen because of a...

Occupational hazards fertility

Occupational hazards fertility: what it means Occupational hazards fertility refers to the ways job-related exposures or work conditions can negatively...

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, often shortened to OAT, is a semen analysis finding that means sperm count is low (oligo), sperm movement is...

Orchialgia

Orchialgia means testicular pain. It may affect one testicle or both, can come on suddenly or develop gradually, and may...

Overtraining fertility

Overtraining fertility: what it means Overtraining fertility refers to the possible negative impact that excessive exercise, inadequate recovery, low energy...

Ovulation Pain

Ovulation pain is one-sided lower abdominal or pelvic pain that happens around the time an ovary releases an egg. It...

Ovulation Symptoms

Ovulation symptoms are the physical and hormonal signs that may happen around the time an ovary releases an egg, usually...

Ovulation Test

An ovulation test is a home fertility test that helps identify the most fertile days in a menstrual cycle by...

Ovulation Tracking

Ovulation tracking is the process of identifying when ovulation is likely to happen during the menstrual cycle so a person...

Oxidative Stress

Oxidative Stress: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Testing, and Why It Matters for Men’s Health and Fertility Oxidative stress happens when the...

PCOS Fertility

PCOS fertility refers to how polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects a woman’s ability to ovulate, conceive, and maintain regular reproductive...

Pesticides sperm health

Pesticides and sperm health: what it means Pesticides sperm health refers to the possible effects that pesticide exposure may have...

Phthalates fertility

Phthalates fertility: what it means Phthalates and fertility refers to the possible impact of phthalate exposure on reproductive health, including...

Pituitary function

Pituitary Function Pituitary function refers to how well the pituitary gland makes, stores, and releases hormones that control many of...

Post-ejaculatory urinalysis

Post-ejaculatory urinalysis Post-ejaculatory urinalysis is a urine test performed after ejaculation to check whether sperm are present in the urine....

Pregnancy Test

A pregnancy test is a test that checks for pregnancy by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone made after...

Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual health condition in which ejaculation happens sooner than a man or his partner...

Primary Hypogonadism

Primary hypogonadism is a condition in which the testes do not produce enough testosterone and, in some cases, do not...

Primary hypogonadism

Primary hypogonadism is a condition in which the testes do not make enough testosterone and, in many cases, do not...

Progesterone Support

Progesterone Support: Definition, Uses, Fertility Role, and What It Means Progesterone support refers to treatment used to raise or maintain...

Progesterone Test

A progesterone test is a blood test that measures the level of progesterone, a hormone involved in reproduction, ovulation, pregnancy,...

Progressive Motility

Progressive motility refers to the percentage of sperm that are moving forward in a purposeful way. In male fertility, this...

Prolactin Level

Prolactin level is the amount of the hormone prolactin circulating in your blood. Prolactin is best known for its role...

Prostate inflammation

Prostate inflammation usually refers to prostatitis, a condition in which the prostate gland becomes inflamed, irritated, or swollen. It can...

Pyospermia

Pyospermia: meaning, causes, fertility impact, and treatment Pyospermia means there are abnormally high numbers of white blood cells in semen....

Radiation exposure fertility

Radiation Exposure and Fertility Radiation exposure fertility refers to how exposure to ionizing radiation can affect a man’s ability to...

Reactive Oxygen

Reactive oxygen: what it means and why it matters Reactive oxygen usually refers to highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules, most commonly...

Recurrent Miscarriage

What is recurrent miscarriage? Recurrent miscarriage, also called recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), means having multiple miscarriages, usually early in pregnancy....

Reproductive health male

Reproductive health male: what it means Male reproductive health refers to the health of the organs, hormones, sexual function, and...

Reproductive hormones male

Reproductive hormones in males: what they are and why they matter Male reproductive hormones are the chemical messengers that control...

Reproductive inflammation

Reproductive inflammation: definition, meaning, and why it matters Reproductive inflammation refers to inflammation affecting the male or female reproductive tract,...

Reproductive urology

Reproductive urology is the medical specialty focused on the male reproductive system and the urinary tract, especially when fertility, hormones,...

Retrograde Ejaculation

Retrograde Ejaculation: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What It Means for Fertility Retrograde ejaculation is a condition in...

Round Cells

Round Cells: Meaning, Causes, and What They Mean on a Semen Analysis Round cells are non-sperm cells seen in semen...

SHBG Level

SHBG level refers to the amount of sex hormone-binding globulin in your blood. SHBG is a protein made mainly by...

Scrotal Temperature

Scrotal temperature is the temperature of the scrotum and testicles. It matters because the testes need to stay slightly cooler...

Scrotal Ultrasound

Scrotal ultrasound is a painless imaging test that uses sound waves to look at the testicles, epididymis, spermatic cord, and...

Scrotal Veins

Scrotal veins are the veins that drain blood from the scrotum and the testicles. Most of the time, they do...

Scrotal temperature

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

Secondary Hypogonadism

Secondary hypogonadism is a condition in which the testes are capable of making testosterone and sperm, but the brain is...

Secondary hypogonadism

Secondary hypogonadism is a condition in which the testes can usually make testosterone, but the brain is not sending the...

Secretory Azoospermia

Secretory azoospermia: definition and why it matters Secretory azoospermia is a form of male infertility in which no sperm are...

Sedentary lifestyle fertility

Sedentary lifestyle fertility: what it means Sedentary lifestyle fertility refers to the way prolonged sitting, low daily movement, and poor...

Semen Analysis

Semen analysis is a laboratory test that evaluates a semen sample to assess sperm count, movement, shape, volume, and other...

Semen Viscosity

Semen viscosity refers to how thick, sticky, or gel-like semen is after ejaculation and during the period when it should...

Semen Volume

Semen volume is the amount of fluid released during ejaculation. It is one of the standard measurements reported on a...

Semen pH

What Is Semen pH? Semen pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline semen is. On a standard pH...

Semen retention

Semen retention: definition, meaning, and why people talk about it Semen retention refers to intentionally avoiding ejaculation for a period...

Seminal enzymes

Seminal enzymes are naturally occurring proteins in semen that help semen change texture, protect sperm, support sperm movement, and make...

Seminal fluid proteins

Seminal fluid proteins are the many proteins found in semen, especially in the liquid portion called seminal plasma. They come...

Seminal infection

Seminal infection: definition, symptoms, fertility impact, and treatment Seminal infection refers to an infection or inflammatory process involving semen, seminal...

Seminal plasma composition

Seminal plasma composition: what it means and why it matters Seminal plasma composition refers to the mix of fluids, nutrients,...

Seminiferous Tubules

Seminiferous tubules are tiny, tightly coiled tubes inside the testicles where sperm are made. They are one of the most...

Seminiferous tubules

Seminiferous tubules are tiny, tightly coiled tubes inside the testicles where sperm are made. They are one of the most...

Septate Uterus

Septate Uterus: Definition, Fertility Impact, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment A septate uterus is a congenital uterine anomaly in which a...

Sertoli Cells

Sertoli cells are specialized support cells inside the seminiferous tubules of the testes. They play a central role in sperm...

Sertoli cell function

Sertoli cell function refers to the essential support role that Sertoli cells play inside the testicles, especially in the seminiferous...

Severe Oligospermia

Severe oligospermia means a very low sperm concentration in the semen. In plain terms, the testicle is producing or releasing...

Sex hormone balance

Sex hormone balance: what it means Sex hormone balance refers to the healthy interplay of hormones that regulate sexual development,...

Sexual performance fertility

Sexual performance fertility refers to the relationship between a man’s sexual function and his ability to help achieve a pregnancy....

Sleep deprivation fertility

Sleep deprivation and fertility: what it means Sleep deprivation fertility refers to the effect that too little sleep, poor-quality sleep,...

Sperm Count

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

Sperm Count

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

Sperm DNA

What Is Sperm DNA? Sperm DNA is the genetic material carried inside a sperm cell. It contains half of the...

Sperm Morphology

Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of sperm cells. It is one of the core measurements reported on...

Sperm Motility

Sperm motility is the ability of sperm to move. In male fertility, that movement matters because sperm need to travel...

Sperm Vitality

Sperm vitality is a semen analysis measure that estimates the percentage of sperm that are alive in a sample. It...

Sperm Volume

Sperm volume usually refers to semen volume: the amount of fluid released during ejaculation. It is most often measured during...

Sperm chromatin dispersion

Sperm chromatin dispersion refers to the way sperm DNA spreads out after special lab processing, and it is most commonly...

Sperm chromatin structure

Sperm chromatin structure refers to how a man’s DNA is tightly packaged inside the head of each sperm cell. It...

Sperm epigenetics

What is sperm epigenetics? Sperm epigenetics refers to the chemical marks and molecular packaging patterns carried by sperm that can...

Sperm metabolism

Sperm metabolism is the set of chemical processes sperm cells use to make and spend energy. It matters because sperm...

Sperm nuclear maturity

Sperm Nuclear Maturity Sperm nuclear maturity refers to how well the genetic material inside a sperm cell has developed, compacted,...

Sperm penetration assay

Sperm penetration assay: what it is and why it matters A sperm penetration assay is a specialized laboratory fertility test...

Sperm preparation methods

Sperm preparation methods: what they are and why they matter Sperm preparation methods are laboratory techniques used to separate the...

Sperm sorting

Sperm sorting is a laboratory technique used to separate sperm based on specific characteristics, most commonly whether a sperm cell...

Sperm wash procedure

Sperm wash procedure refers to a laboratory technique used to separate healthy, motile sperm from semen, seminal fluid, debris, non-motile...

Subfertility

Subfertility: definition, meaning, causes, testing, and treatment Subfertility means reduced fertility rather than complete infertility. In plain English, it describes...

Swim-up technique

The swim-up technique is a laboratory method used to separate the most motile sperm from a semen sample. In plain...

Teratozoospermia

Teratozoospermia means a semen analysis shows a higher-than-expected percentage of sperm with abnormal shape, also called abnormal sperm morphology. It...

Testicular Atrophy

Testicular Atrophy: Meaning, Causes, Fertility Impact, and Treatment Testicular atrophy means one or both testicles have become smaller than expected...

Testicular Cooling

Testicular cooling refers to intentional efforts to keep the testicles slightly cooler than core body temperature. That matters because sperm...

Testicular Pain

Testicular Pain: what it means, common causes, and when it’s urgent Testicular pain is pain, discomfort, aching, pressure, tenderness, or...

Testicular Torsion

What Is Testicular Torsion? Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that happens when the spermatic cord twists and cuts off...

Testicular Volume

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

Testicular atrophy

Testicular atrophy: what it is and why it matters Testicular atrophy means the testicles have become smaller than expected due...

Testicular microenvironment

Testicular microenvironment refers to the highly specialized local environment inside the testes that supports sperm production, hormone signaling, and male...

Testicular thermoregulation

Testicular thermoregulation is the body’s process of keeping the testicles at a temperature slightly lower than core body temperature so...

Testicular volume

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

Testosterone Boost

Testosterone boost is a broad term people use to describe anything that may help raise testosterone levels, improve the body’s...

Testosterone Level

Testosterone level refers to the amount of testosterone circulating in the body, usually measured with a blood test. Testosterone is...

Thin Endometrium

Thin endometrium means the lining of the uterus is measuring thinner than expected for a given point in the menstrual...

Tight Underwear

Tight underwear refers to undergarments that fit snugly around the groin, scrotum, hips, or thighs. In men’s health, it matters...

Total Motility

Total motility is the percentage of sperm in a semen sample that are moving, whether they are swimming forward or...

Trace minerals fertility

Trace minerals fertility: what it means and why it matters Trace minerals fertility refers to the role that small but...

Urogenital infections

Urogenital infections are infections that affect the urinary tract, the genital tract, or both. In men, that can include the...

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are also called leiomyomas or myomas. Fibroids...

Varicocele

Varicocele is an enlargement of the veins inside the scrotum, usually caused by blood pooling in the pampiniform plexus rather...

Varicocele Embolization

What Is Varicocele Embolization? Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat a varicocele, which is an enlargement...

Varicocele Repair

What Is Varicocele Repair? Varicocele repair is a treatment used to correct a varicocele, which is an enlargement of the...

Varicocele Surgery

Varicocele surgery is an operation used to treat a varicocele, which is an enlargement of the veins inside the scrotum....

White Blood Cells

White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are immune system cells that help your body fight infections, respond to inflammation, and...

Zona binding assay

Zona binding assay: definition, meaning, and why it matters A zona binding assay is a fertility laboratory test that evaluates...

Health Glossary