Learning An Entirely New Language: Welcome to Infertility Treatments by Laura Sirkovsky-Kauffman
Chances are if you ended up on the path of meeting with fertility specialists that you have been trying to get pregnant for more than 12 months and have had nothing but stark white pregnancies tests, lots of tears, frustration, and questions. I know when we met with our fertility clinic for the first time that I was completely thrown off guard by the language that was being used, the abbreviations I had never heard of, and eager to get the ball rolling.
I am a researcher by nature and started googling “what does 5DP5DT mean?” Or “what does ER mean for infertility?”. We are going to be beginning an infertility series but prior to that, I want you to have an understanding of the language because after this, I am going to be using abbreviations. So, let’s dive in!
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI is often the first step of fertility treatment. It is a great option for those who have unexplained infertility. It is not ideal for those dealing with male factor infertility.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is a process of stimulating follicle growth and then proceeding to remove the eggs from the ovaries. It is often the next (and final) step after IUI for women on their infertility journey.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a syndrome that is becoming more regularly diagnosed and has led to women having issues conceiving.
Egg Retrieval (ER)
The Egg Retrieval is a minor operation that occurs after 8-12 days of follicle stimulation in the lead up to IVF.
5 Days Post 5 Day Transfer (5DP5DT)
Following the egg retrieval, eggs are introduced to sperm in IVF via one of two ways (we will discuss this in detail later) and hopefully become embryos. Embryos can reach their ideal stage at 5,6, or 7 days post ER. This abbreviation is when an embryo is then transferred back into the woman’s uterus at 5 days.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
Some women do a fresh cycle in which they implant an embryo 5 days following their egg retrieval. For those who do not, they will freeze their embryo and transfer it when they are ready. This is called a FET.
Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (STIMS)
Stims are when you stimulate the follicles in your uterus which will become eggs. This is in the hopes of retrieving as many eggs as possible to form as many embryos as possible. The goal is to have as many healthy embryos by the end of your cycle.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
In this form of IVF, rather than placing an egg in a petri dish and surrounding it with sperm (in the hopes that the egg will become fertilized), they use a needle to pierce each egg and inject a singular sperm into the egg. Rates of fertilization using ICSI tend to be higher however you run a potential risk of damaging the egg.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGTA)
Same as PGS- See Below
First Blood Test after IVF (BETA)
Following a cycle of IVF or a FET, you will go for a blood test (called a BETA) 10-14 days after your transfer. Your HCG level will be able to tell your doctor if it was successful and if you are pregnant.
Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA)
A test performed on a small amount of a woman’s endometrial lining to determine which day is best to transfer an embryo during the IVF cycle.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
It helps the growth of follicles during IUI and IVF Stimulations
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Medications given during IUI and IVF will help stimulate follicle growth to improve chances of success
Cervical Mucus (CM)
A lot of women will monitor their CM to look for changes, however, it can be unreliable. Some women have an egg white CM after they have conceived while some do not.
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
This is when embryos are genetically tested prior to transferring them into the uterus. You can find out if there are chromosomal abnormalities and the gender.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
This is called the pregnancy hormone! HCG will only produce when a woman is pregnant (or when she has given herself a trigger shot- however this is not a natural creation of HCG in the body). Your level of HCG can indicate how far along in a pregnancy you are and whether or not it will likely be successful.
The list seems long and it seems complicated. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed and frustrated by all of these new terms that you feel that you need to learn in order for you to comprehend the treatment that you are going to be undertaking.
Just know that there are millions of women and couples going through this as well. There are communities that are full of others waiting to help you, answer questions, and cheer you on. Learning the lingo surrounding infertility is really learning a new language. A language you hoped that you would never have to know. However, accepting that you are here and embracing it is all part of the journey. I hope that this list helps you feel a bit more comfortable and if you are going to a doctor for the first time, feel free to bring this list with you so you can ask them questions if it will help you!
We wish you so much luck and love on your journey. It will likely be an arduous one. It isn’t always, but just know that the outcomes are really good for women who undergo fertility treatments. There is no one size fits all with infertility but try to find a clinic that you respond with and that understands your needs. Trust the process and have faith in your medical team. They want what is best for you.
Laura Sirkovsky-Kauffman is currently pregnant from a frozen embryo transfer after undergoing IVF. She loves to talk to others about their experiences with getting pregnant and pregnancy. You can find her at @siftrva on Instagram or at www.siftrva.com.