Definitions

Primary infertility -- the term used to describe a couple that has never been able to conceive a pregnancy, after a minimum of 1 year of attempting to do so

Secondary infertility -- the term used to describe couples who have previously been pregnant at least once, but have not been able to achieve another pregnancy

Procedures:

A.R.T. -- Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Artificial Insemination (AI) -- Placing sperm into the vagina, uterus or fallopian tubes through artificial means.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) -- A relatively "low-tech" ART

which deposits washed sperm directly into the uterus, bypassing cervical

mucus and depositing the sperm more closely to the fallopian tubes,

where fertilization occurs. Used to bypass hostile cervical mucus and to

overcome sperm count and motility problems.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) -- Literally means "in glass." Fertilization

takes place outside the body in a small glass dish.

Hysterosalpinogram (HSG) -- An x-ray of the pelvic organs in which a radio-opaque dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. This test checks for malformations of the uterus and blockage of the fallopian tubes.

Diseases:

Endometriosis -- Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The tissue may attach itself to the reproductive organs or to other organs in the abdominal cavity. Each month the endometrial tissue inbreeds with the onset of menses. The resultant irritation causes adhesions in the abdominal cavity and in the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis may also interfere with ovulation and with the implantation of the embryo.