Starting your fertility journey can feel overwhelming with all the unfamiliar terms and abbreviations being thrown around. At Boston IVF, we understand that it can be difficult to navigate the language of fertility and genetic screening, but we’re here to help. To make things a little easier, we’ve compiled this comprehensive dictionary of common fertility terms and abbreviations—so you can feel more confident as you take the first steps toward parenthood.

Common Fertility Abbreviations

• AI - Artificial Insemination
• AF - "Aunt Flow" - Refers to an individual’s period
• AMH - Anti-Mullerian Hormone: A hormone used to measure ovarian reserve (the quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries)
• ART - Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Includes treatments like IVF, IUI, and other methods of helping individuals and couples conceive
• IVF - In Vitro Fertilization: A procedure where eggs are fertilized outside the body and the resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus
• IUI - Intrauterine Insemination: A fertility treatment where sperm is inserted directly into the uterus
• PGT-A - Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy: Genetic testing performed on embryos to screen for chromosomal abnormalities before they are transferred into the uterus
• PGT-M - Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders: Genetic testing to detect known genetic conditions caused by mutations in a single gene

Genetic Screening Terms and Abbreviations

Genetic screening is an important part of fertility treatment and can help identify potential genetic conditions in both parents and embryos. Here are some key terms to know:

• Aneuploidy: The presence of an incorrect number of chromosomes in an embryo, which can lead to conditions like Down syndrome or other chromosomal disorders.
• Carrier Screening: A genetic test to identify individuals who carry a gene mutation for a specific genetic disorder, even if they do not show symptoms of the condition.
• Chromosomal Abnormalities: Any variation in the number or structure of chromosomes, which can lead to genetic disorders or developmental issues.
• Embryo Biopsy: A procedure performed during IVF where a small number of cells are removed from the trophectoderm (the layer of cells that will develop into the placenta) of an embryo for genetic testing.
• Euploidy: When an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (23 pairs), which is ideal for implantation and pregnancy.
• Extended Embryo Culture: Allowing embryos to develop for 6-7 days before biopsy or transfer, instead of the earlier blastocyst stage (5-6 days).
• NGS (Next Generation Sequencing): A cutting-edge technology that enables rapid, cost-effective genetic sequencing of embryos, allowing for comprehensive genetic testing.
• Trisomy 13/18: Genetic conditions caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 13 or 18, leading to severe developmental and health issues.

How Genetic Screening Fits into IVF

Genetic screening is an important part of many IVF cycles at Boston IVF, especially for patients who are concerned about genetic conditions or those who have a history of pregnancy loss or developmental issues. PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy) is used to detect embryos with abnormal chromosome numbers, ensuring that only euploid embryos are transferred, which can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

For patients at higher risk for single-gene disorders, PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders) is available to test for known genetic conditions caused by mutations in a single gene. This ensures that embryos affected by genetic conditions are not transferred, reducing the risk of passing on genetic disorders.

Why Choose Genetic Screening?

Genetic screening provides valuable information that can help guide your fertility treatment decisions. It can help:

• Increase the chances of a successful pregnancy by selecting embryos with the correct number of chromosomes (euploid embryos).
• Reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders, especially for individuals with a family history of genetic conditions.
• Assist in identifying the best embryo for transfer, which can improve the success rate of IVF.

At Boston IVF, we provide comprehensive genetic screening options for all our patients to ensure the best possible outcomes. Whether you're concerned about chromosomal abnormalities, want to test for single-gene disorders, or are simply looking for more information, our fertility care team is here to support you every step of the way.

To learn more about genetic screening and how it can support your fertility journey, visit our genetic testing page.

Start your fertility journey today and trust the experts at Boston IVF to guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to the joy of holding your baby. To learn more about the process of beginning fertility care, visit our First Steps in Fertility Treatment page.