Glossary
Adhesion
Scar tissue that develops on the site of an infection, inflammation, or surgical incision and that can prevent normal egg or sperm passage and/or interfere with zygote implantation.
Anaerobic Bacteria
A type of bacteria that can survive in an oxygen-poor environment. In the genital tract, some kinds of anaerobic bacteria can cause infections that may lead to infertility.
Androgen
Hormone that stimulates the activity of the accessory male sex organs and encourages development of male sex characteristics. Also produced in low quantities in females.\r\n
Artificial Insemination (AI)
The insertion of a sperm sample inside the female genital tract by artificial means. Donor insemination (AID) refers to sperm from a man other than the woman's partner.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
A variety of procedures used to bring about conception without sexual intercourse, including IVF, and GIFT.