Glossary
Cryopreservation
Storage of organs or tissues at very low temperatures. Embryos that are not used in an ART cycle can be cryopreserved for future use.
Diethylstilbestrol
A synthetic estrogen, taken by women in the past to prevent miscarriages, that has been associated with infertility and other reproductive health problems in some male and female offspring.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
An operation in which the cervix is stretched to permit scraping of the uterine lining.
Ectopic Pregnancy
A pregnancy that takes place outside of its normal location, the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies most often occur in a fallopian tube.
Egg retrieval
A procedure used to obtain eggs from ovarian follicles for use in in vitro fertilisation. The procedure may be performed during laparoscopy or through the vagina by using a needle and ultrasound to locate the follicle in the ovary.
Ejaculatory Duct
Paired ducts in males that are located behind the bladder and within the prostate. The end of the vas deferens continues into the ejaculatory duct which transports sperm into the urethra.
Embryo
Term used to describe the early stages of fetal growth, from conception to the eighth week of pregnancy.
