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Please select a term from the below list to see a description of the term. |
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Abortion: The premature ending of a pregnancy either spontaneously or by surgical intervention. (UK Abortion Act 1967, + Amendments in HFE Act 1990)
Adhesion (above): The sticking together of surfaces in the body by fibrous tissue; often as a result of infections or surgery. Adhesions over the ovary may interfere with ovulation. Adhesions can sometimes be removed using laser surgery.
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Adoption: Procedure which allows people to become the legal parents of a child whose birth parents have given up all rights to that child. (UK Adoption Acts 1958, 1976)
Agglutination RIGHT: When sperm stick together - usually associated with antibodies which are part of the bodies fight against foreign cells -because the genetic makeup of the sperm nucleus is different from other cells in the body.
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Agonist (Analogue Agonist) - LEFT:A compound which competes for the receptor sites in the pituitary and after initial stimulation brings about a reduction in the secretion of FSH and LH - referred to as down regulation. See also analogues & antagonist.
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Amenorrhoea: Absence of menstruation
Ampulla: The widening of a tube - e.g. vas deferens, fallopian tube
Amniocentesis: A test at 18 weeks where a small amount of fluid around the fetus is extracted to test for Down's Syndrome.
Analogues: A parallel or similar thing - often used to refer to drugs which have a similar effect to GNRH and which compete for the receptor sites in the gonadotrophin secretory cells of the pituitary - e.g. Buserulin, Goserilin which suppress (down regulate) the pituitary.
Androgen: Male sex hormone responsible for male characteristics, e.g. voice, sperm production.
Andrologist: A specialist in male factor fertility.
Animatus: A term used to define the stage when an embryo shows animation (movement) - often used in moral theology when discussing the status of the human embryo. See also Formatus.
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Anovulation: Absence of ovulation even though menstruation (periods) may continue.
Antagonist: A compound which blocks the production of gonadotrophins (FSH & LH) in the pituitary - a prospect for the future in controlling more effectively follicular stimulation. See also Analogue Agonist
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Antibody (ies): Proteins produced by the body's fight against infection. Antibodies challenge foreign cells and substances.
AID: "Artificial insemination" with donor's sperm (also known as DI, and TID)
AIH: Artificial insemination with husband's sperm.
Aspermia: Absence of ejaculated semen (see Azoospermia)
Assisted hatching: Helping the blastocyst hatch from its zona pellucida by making a hole in the zona pellucida. In some patients it may increase the chance of an embryo implanting.
Asthenospermia: Poor motility (movement or swimming) of sperm in the seminal fluid.
Azoospermia: An absence of sperm in the seminal fluid (see also Aspermia) |
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Basal Temperature: The body temperature (taken orally, vaginally or rectally) usually after rest and before any activity.
Bicornuate Uterus: An abnormality of the uterus that occurs before birth. A partial or complete division of the body of the uterus. Bicornuate means, "two - horned".
Biopsy: Taking small pieces of tissue for microscopic study.
Blastocyst - RIGHT:The stage at which the embryo has reached 4-5 days, a fluid filled cyst has formed, and the cells begun to differentiate into the inner cell mass (which will form the fetus) and the trophectoderm (which will form the placenta and fetal membranes).
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Blighted Ovum: Fertilised ovum that fails to develop into an embryo leading to a miscarriage.
BMA:The British Medical association which represents the interests of the medical profession in the UK and whose ethics committee speak on matters of medical ethics.
Bromocriptine: (Parlodel) A drug used to treat a high prolactin level. |
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Capacitation: A process that occurs as sperm as pass through the female genital tract which gives them the ability to penetrate and fertilize the ovum. (This can be mimicked in culture medium ).
Candida: A minor infection of genital tract causing minor irritation.
Caesarean section: The surgical operation to remove the fetus and placenta by excising the abdominal wall and the lower segment of the uterus. |
| Catheter: A thin tube for inserting materials into spaces. e.g. sperm or embryos into the uterine cavity. |
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Cervical Smear: Sample taken from the neck of the womb to test for precancerous cells.
Chromosome - Chromosomal abnormalities: The chromosomes are thread-like structures within the nucleus which contain the hereditary material DNA. Mistakes in either chromosome numbers (46 in humans) or in structure can occur.
Cilia: Hairlike projections from cells which have the ability to move. Those in fallopian tubes assist with the movement of the ova (eggs) and sperm, in the lungs they help to seep out mucus and dust particles.
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Cleavage: The mitotic division of the zygote into two or more cells. Usually starts at about 26 hours after sperm and eggs meet. This sequence is taken from a video film. It is a loop animation which repeats itself over and over again. Pressing escape will stop the sequence.
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Clomiphene: (Clomid, An infertility drug that stimulates production of Serophene) follicle stimulating hormone and stimulates ovulation.
Coitus: Sexual relations; making love; intercourse.
Conception: The joining together of the ovum and sperm - i.e. Fertilisation.
Conceptus: The product of fusion of the male and female gametes.
Condom: Contraceptive sheath; French letter; rubber.
Cornu: The 'horns' of the uterus where fallopian tube meets the uterus |
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Corpus Luteum: A small body (cl - RIGHT)develops within the ruptured follicle after the egg has been released from the ovary; it produces the hormone progesterone.
Corticosteroids: The aim is to suppress the immune system and reduce the antibody production. The main indication for using this class of drugs is when the male has sperm antibodies present, which affect sperm quality.
Counselling: A process which enables people to explore their feelings, and to consider the consequences of taking certain decisions or accepting certain treatments.
Count: (or density) refers to the number of sperm present as millions per ml. e.g. 20 x 106
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Cryobiology: The use of low temperature techniques on cells, tissues and organs. Usually by freezing and storage.
Cryopreservation: Freezing tissues and storing them in liquid nitrogen at -196C. e.g. sperm & embryos. (Freezing eggs has not been fully perfected although a few babies have been born as a result of the eggs being frozen).
Cryptorchidism:Undescended testis.
Culdoscopy: The direct visualization of the pelvic organs by inserting a special instrument through the top end of the vagina into the abdominal cavity. Of diagnostic use in infertility.
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Culture Medium: This is the physiological salt solution which mimics the natural conditions under which fertilisation and embryonic growth occur (in vitro). The pink culture medium in the dish under the microscope will support eggs, embryos and sperm for several days.
Cyclofenil (Rehibin): A drug similar to Clomiphene, prescribed to induce ovulation; also thought to enhance the quality of the cervical mucus.
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Danazol: Drug similar to clomiphene which inhibits ovulation (Danol) temporarily.
D & C: "Dilation & curettage" a widening of the cervical canal to allow sampling of the lining of the womb - a diagnostic procedure. Often used to remove products of incomplete abortion or where the embryo has died at an early stage after IVF and embryo transfer
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Desiccator - LEFT: A glass vessels with a removal lid and capable of being 'evacuated' or filled with a gas - often used with silica gel to keep things dry. Used in the early days of IVF to provide a balanced carbon dioxide environment to maintain the pH in the culture medium. Today sophisticated incubators provide accurate temperature and carbon dioxide environments.
Diakinesis: One of the stages at the beginning of meiosis when the chromosomes are lined up along the spindle - visible for only a very short time.
Differentiation: The point at which cells in the embryo become different from each other - i.e. become destined to be different parts of the body.
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DIPI: "Direct Intra Peritoneal Insemination" Sperm injected through the wall of the vagina and close to the ovary.
DNA -RIGHT: Deoxy Ribose Nucleic Acid. The double helix molecule responsible for hereditary and the molecule which controls cell function - RIGHT.
DOT: "Direct oocyte transfer" Eggs with sperm attached to the zona are transferred to the uterus (fertilisation is unconfirmed).
Douching: Fluids to irrigate the vagina
Dysmenorrhoea: Painful menstruation.
Dyspareunia: Painful intercourse. |
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Ectopic Pregnancy: Pregnancy in the fallopian tubes.
Egg Donation: Some women do not produce eggs, others very poor quality eggs, or some women carry genetic abnormalities. A woman who has no fertility problem donates her eggs (oocytes) to another to enable her to have a child. Illegal in some countries - payment for eggs is allowed in some countries and prohibited in others. Egg donors may be anonymous or known donors.
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Egg Recovery: Egg Collection: Egg Pickup: Also called Oocyte Recovery. The eggs are aspirated from the ovary, this is performed by laparoscopy or ultrasound (abdominally or vaginally) directed methods.
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Ejaculate: The seminal fluid ejaculated from the penis: during male orgasm. Either as a result of intercourse or masturbation.
Electrodiathermy: Heat is used by surgeons to stop bleeding from small blood vessels. Burning small holes in the ovary can induce ovulation in some women with polycystic ovary syndrome. |
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Embryo (LEFT): The product of fertilisation. An early stage of development, usually in the womb, but also in vitro in the laboratory.
Embryologist : Scientist with training and skills in handling sperm, eggs, embryos in the laboratory. |
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Embryo Transfer / replacement-RIGHT: Stage in IVF when the fertilised eggs are transferred to the uterus - the embryos are transferred to the uterus.
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Embryo biopsy (RIGHT) :Taking one or more cells (blastomeres) from an embryo (often at the 8 cells stage but can now with laser techniques be at the blastocyst stage) for genetic or sex analysis. DNA hybridization (amplification technique) allows analysis in a very short time. Enables good embryos without screenable genetic abnormalities to be chosen.
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Endocrine:Endocrine glands produce hormones which are passed into the bloodstream and affect parts of the body which are often distant from the gland itself.
Endocrinologist: A doctor / scientist who specializes in disorders of the endocrine glands and the study of hormones.
Endogenous: Naturally occurring hormones - as opposed to exogenous (added hormones or drugs by injection or inhalation. |
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Endometrium: The lining of the womb which develops at the beginning of each cycle so that it is ready to receive a fertilised egg. If there is no embryo then the endometrium breaks down and the woman 'returns to menstruation. During the cycle there are temperature changes - a fall in temperature followed by a rise schedules ovulation - it is not however an accurate method of predicting ovulation but successive temperature charts may be useful in determining the regularity of a woman's cycle.
Endometrial Ablation: The womb lining is destroyed e.g. by laser. This is an alternative treatment to hysterectomy.
Endometrial Biopsy: The taking of a small sample of the endometrium for examination.
Endometriosis: The presence of endometrium outside the womb. It can occur anywhere within the pelvis and even in the lungs and the knee.
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Endoscopy: The visualization of the interior of the body using instruments such as the laparoscope, culdoscope or hysteroscope.
Enzymes:Proteins produced by cells in the body but incapable of acting independently of the cells. They induce and hasten chemical changes in the body.
Epididymis: The structure above the testis in which sperm undergo further maturation - RIGHT
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Erection: The state of the penis when it is enlarged and rigid.
Ethics committee: A body of independent people representing a wide range of disciplines, with a high lay representation which can advise or rule on ethical matters - can be local (i.e. considering matters for a local hospital or clinic or national.
Exogenous:Something applied from out side (ex) - usually drugs or hormones.
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Fallopian Tubes: A pair of small, fine, delicate tubes where fertilisation usually takes place. The tubes transport and nourish ova and sperm. see HSG as a means of determining their patency.
Fertilisation:The penetration of the ovum by the sperm (conception). A process which results in the formation of an embryo. The sperm goes through several stages before fertilisation is complete: 1 - capacitation, 2 - acrosome reaction, 3 - decondensation. See the main presentation for a full discussion.
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| Fetus (also spelt Foetus): The product of conception where the developing conceptus has reached the 12 week stage. |
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Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. In women it stimulates ovulation and the production of oestrogen, in men the production of sperm. High FSH may indicate the menopause.
Follicle Tracking: A series of scans which monitor the growth of the follicle/s in the ovary. Used to confirm ovulation and monitor treatment with gonadotrophin therapy.
Formatus: A term used to determine when the embryo/fetus has reached human form. A term often used in moral theology. See also Animatus.
Fostering: Fostering a child does not involve a legal process and is a means of caring for a child who cannot be with his or her parents. This can be short or long term.
Fundus: The upper portion of the uterus. The same term is also used the define the upper region of other organs (e.g. The stomach).
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GIFT, Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer: Eggs retrieved (usually under laparoscopy) are mixed with a prepared semen sample and introduced into the fallopian tube. SEE RIGHT
Gametes: Male and female reproductive cells - see sperm and ova.
Genes: Parts of the chromosomes that control the inheritance of specific hereditary characteristics.
Genetic: Inherited hereditary characteristics.
Genome: All the genetic material within the cells of an individual.
GNRH: Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone responsible in the pituitary for initiating the production of gonadotrophin hormones (FSH & LH).
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Hatching:The process by which the blastocyst emerges from the zona pellucida before implantation
Hormone Replacement Therapy - HRTSubstitute for the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, given when levels fall due to menopause.
Hostility Factor: This is used to describe a poor interaction between cervical mucus and sperm. This can be due to poor timing of test, ovulation problems, poor quality sperm, infection in either partner or antibody production.
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Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin HCG: The hormone produced by placental cells (afterbirth) in pregnancy. Detection of this hormone in blood or urine is the basis of pregnancy testing. This hormone mimics the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) normally produced by a woman at ovulation time. Preparations for this are used to stimulate ovulation and sometimes given following procedures like IVF or GIFT to help the embryo implant.
Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) - RIGHT: In the UK The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act 1990 resulted in the formation of this authority, which approves and licenses clinics that offer IVF and treatment with donor Gametes.
Hydrocele: A swelling of the scrotum caused by an accumulation of fluid.
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Hydrosalpinx: A fluid filled swelling of the outer ends of one or both fallopian tubes. See HSG Below. Courtesy of Herbert Reiss.
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Hyperplasia: An abnormal enlargement of tissues or organs in the body.
Hypothalamus: A part of the brain that serves as a link between the higher centres of the brain and the pituitary gland. It controls the activity of the pituitary gland.
Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus. |
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HSG- Hysterosalpingogram:An x-ray study in which a radio-opaque fluid is injected into the uterus so that doctors can see the outline of the inside of the womb and the fallopian tubes. Note the fine tubes ending in the spillage at the fimbrial end of the fallopian tubes. Also called a tubogram. Courtesy of Herbert Reiss.
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Hysteroscopy: The use of a very fine telescope to view the inside of the uterus via the cervix. See graphic LEFT.
Hysterotomy: An opening of the uterus to perform a surgical procedure.
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| Immunological Response: The formation of antibodies. In infertility usually refers to those produced by the man or woman that affects sperm quality or ability to function. |
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ICSI: Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection. Injecting the sperm directly into the egg. Major advance in male factor infertility. See ICSI in Assisted Reproduction Navigation from main menu. |
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An ICSI animation sequence on the RIGHT shows some selected frames from a video - this animation should be visible across all platforms and with any browser.
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Immunotherapy:Helping the body to fight infection and immunological problems. Treatment can be offered to some women who suffer recurrent miscarriages. The woman is immunized with white blood cells taken from partner's blood. It is thought that this enables the woman to develop the necessary protective factor which will prevent rejection of the growing embryo.
Implantation: The embedding of a fertilised ovum in the endometrium of the uterus - Blastocyst RIGHT, The embryo proper (the inner cell mass) is the group of cells at the bottom of the blue 'cyst' The cells around the outside of the blastocyst (the trophoblast cells) will form the placenta linking up with the rapidly developing blood vessels in the endometrium.
Impotence: The inability to achieve or maintain an erection for successful intercourse. Can be caused by emotional or physical problems, or both.
Infertility: Arbitrarily defined as the inability of a couple to produce a pregnancy after one year of intercourse with no contraception. One in six couples are affected. Can be described as primary or secondary infertility.
Inhibin:A hormone produced by the ovaries and testes. Inhibin B is produced by the dominant follicle and results in the suppression of FSH secretion from the pituitary.
Inter Country Adoption (ICA): Adopting a child from abroad or across boundaries. (e.g. Poland, Thailand, Chile). Covered by a 'Hague Convention' which is not yet ratified by all countries.
Interstitial Cells: The cells between the seminiferous tubules of the testes (Leydig cells) that produce the male hormone.
Intrauterine Device (IUCD) - Contraceptive: Used as a contraceptive. May cause infertility in some women.
IUI - Intrauterine Insemination: Insemination of a prepared sperm sample into the uterus through the cervix.
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IVF - In Vitro Fertilisation (Above): Fertilising the egg in the laboratory for subsequent embryo transfer. Requires egg retrieval/pickup. This can be a natural cycle or a stimulated cycle (when the ovaries are made to produce more eggs). The egg or eggs are recovered by laparoscopy or vaginal ultrasound aspiration. They are placed with a specially prepared semen sample (partner's or donor's) where fertilisation may take place. The pre-embryo/s is then transferred to the uterus where it may implant and develop further into a fetus and eventually a baby.
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Kleinfelter's syndrome: A congenital abnormality syndrome in men - one X chromosome too many - men are sterile.
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Lamina flow hood - RIGHT: A semi enclosed space in the laboratory where a flow of filtered sterile air flows across the working surface keeping cells and embryos in a clean environment
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Laparoscopy - LEFT :Abdominal organs visualized using an instrument introduced through abdominal wall.
Laser: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation - used in surgery to cut or destroy tissue, e.g. Endometriosis, adhesions etc.
LHRH: Also known as GNRH. The luteinizing hormone releasing hormone - or Gonadotrophin released by the hypothalamus region of the brain and which stimulates the cells in the pituitary to release FSH and LH. The analogues (e.g. Buserulin are synthetic products with similar activity to the endogenous hormone. Application of the analogues bind competitively with the receptor sites on the secretory cells and therefore reduce the levels of secretion of FSH and LH.
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Libido: The desire for sexual pleasure.
Luteinizing Hormone: A pituitary gonadotrophic hormone which stimulates both Hormone (LH) maturation and rupture of the follicle in women. High LH often produces low or absent follicle production. |
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| Male Reproductive Organs: |
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Masturbation: Obtaining a sexual pleasure (which may lead to orgasm) by touching the genitals (most common method of obtaining sperm for IVF, DI, Sperm freezing etc.).
Menarche: The beginning of the menstrual cycle in girls at puberty.
Menopause: The cessation of menstruation that occurs around the age of 45 - 50, the 'change of life'. This is said to be premature when it occurs in a woman under the age of 35. Only apparently occurs in humans.
Menstruation: Vaginal bleeding which is part of a cycle of hormonal events. This normally begins at puberty & occurs throughout a woman's reproductive life unless she is pregnant or breast-feeding.
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| After Dee McLean in "Patient Pictures: Fertility" by Rod Irvine Published by Health Press, Oxford, 1966. |
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Metabolism: The process by which cells carry out their functions - biochemistry and molecular biology are able to define metabolic pathways in increasing detail.
Metaphase: The stage in mitosis and meiosis when the chromosomes align themselves on the spindle in preparation for anaphase (the next stage). Often separated into two phases - Metaphase I and Metaphase II.
Micro-manipulation: Recent developments used (as an extension of IVF) to manipulate the embryo by blastomere biopsy, zona drilling etc.
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Micro-insemination: technique) where there is a problem with sperm (MIST) quality. The egg wall is opened making sperm penetration easier or an individual sperm is injected into the outer egg covering (SUZI, or injected directly into the egg - ICSI).
Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA): Sperm are aspirated from the testes and used in the IVF procedure. Can be simplified as PESA (peritoneal epididymal sperm aspiration) - RIGHT
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Miscarriage: The loss of a pregnancy before the fetus is twenty-eight weeks old. The medical terminology is abortion and is further clarified such as inevitable, incomplete, missed and recurrent.
Mittelschmerz: A German term used to describe the 'middle pain' which occurs in some women when they ovulate.
Morphology: Refers to the shape or form of cells – in particular of the sperm.
Motility: The power of movement. Usually used to describe sperm which move under their own power (as %).
Mucus (cervical): Fluid produced by specialized cells in the cervix. This changes under the influence of hormones. At ovulation time the mucus appears clear and stretchy (like uncooked egg white) it is then able to be penetrated by the sperm.
Mycoplasma:An infection that possibly causes fertility problems and miscarriage.
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| Necrospermia: A condition in which the semen contains only dead sperm. |
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OBGYN: A department in a hospital/clinic specializing in gynaecology and obstetrics.
Obstetrician: A doctor who specializes in the supervision of pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstructive & Non Obstructive: Terms used to define the absence of sperm in the semen - i.e. as a result of a blockage (obstructive) or as a result of lack of spermatogenesis (non obstructive).
Oestrogens (Estrogens): A term used to describe a group of hormones produced by the ovary and adrenal glands (Oestradiol/Estradiol, Oestriol and Oestrone). Can be detected in various ways – urine, blood, and more recently saliva.
OHSS: Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome: A rare but severe response to hormone stimulation requiring hospitalization. Upsets the fluid balance in the blood causing liver and kidney problems - reversed by IV transfusion of albumin. See also below.
Oligospermia: A condition in which there are fewer sperms in the ejaculate than are considered 'normal'.
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Oocyte: Female gamete or egg. In a natural cycle only one or perhaps two eggs are produced. Superovulation allows several follicles to develop so that at egg retrieval there may be typically up to 12 (or more)
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Orgasm: Sexual climax. In men this is usually accompanied by an ejaculation of semen.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome OHSS: A complication of gonadotrophin therapy in which there is excessive stimulation of the ovaries. There are three OHSS degrees of hyperstimulation namely mild, moderate and severe. In order to prevent OHSS women having treatment undergo frequent scans and hormone testing.
Ovaries: The female gonads which produce ova (eggs) and hormones. Situated in the pelvis near to the fimbrial ends of the fallopian tubes.
Ovulation: The production and release of an egg from the ovary. This usually occurs around 14 days before the onset of menstruation.
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Patent: Open, unobstructed. Used particularly in respect of the fallopian tubes and the main duct system.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection involving the pelvic organs e.g. ovaries and fallopian tubes. A common cause of infertility.
Penis: The male organ of intercourse and urination. The urethra also carries the seminal fluid during ejaculation. - see Male Reproductive Organs.
Pentoxyfyline: A drug (similar to caffeine) which has been shown to enhance sperm motility. It also appears to have the added benefit of promoting fertilisation.
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PESA= percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration.
Sucking the sperm from the epididymis |
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| Pessary: Medication inserted into the vagina – progesterone like drugs can be applied in this way. |
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PID=Pre-implantation diagnosis (PID)
- embryo biopsy - taking a single blastomere (cell) from an embryo for genetic screening. Still frame from video provided by Jamie Grifo. |
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Pituitary: An endocrine gland at the base of the brain that produces several hormones. It is the master gland of the endocrine system of the body. Receptor sites on secretory cells in the pituitary receive the GNRH signals from the hypothalamus and respond by secreting FSH and LH. Analogue agonists compete for these sites and downregulate their activity lowering the secretions. Anatgonists block the GNRH and hence prevent the secretions.
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Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD): Also known as Stein Leventhal Syndrome. A Condition where multiple small cysts appear in the ovary. Abnormal imbalance can arise causing problems in ovulation.
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Polyp: A nodule or small non-cancerous growth found on mucus membranes. Can occur in the cervix or uterus.
POST, Peritoneal Oocyte Sperm Transfer: Eggs and sperm are injected into the abdominal cavity in the hope that the fallopian tube will pick these up.
Post-coital test (PCT): A diagnostic test, which allows observation of semen/mucus interaction. A sample of mucus is taken from the woman's cervix at ovulation time, sexual intercourse having taken place some hours earlier.
Pre-menstrual tension: A collection of physical and emotional signs and Syndrome (PMS) symptoms, which appear during the post-ovulatory phase and disappear at the onset of menstruation. Most women in varying degrees experience premenstrual symptoms, but if they become severe it is recognized medically as the premenstrual syndrome.
Premature menopause: The occurrence of the menopause before the age of 40 affects between 1 and 2% of women. It may be caused by congenital reasons (Turner's Syndrome), nutritional disturbances auto-immune disease, hypogonadism, or following radio or chemotherapy. It is confirmed by blood hormone tests (elevated serum FSH) and by inactivity on ultrasound scanning.
Progesterone: A hormone produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation has occurred. The placenta also produces it in pregnancy.
Prolactin: A pituitary hormone produced during pregnancy and following delivery. This stimulates breast milk production. Some women experiencing infertility have a high prolactin level (totally unrelated to a pregnancy). This causes the hormone levels to become imbalanced and can stop ovulation. Treatment is possible using a drug called Bromocriptine.
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Pronuclei: The stage immediately after fertilisation before the gametes have fused. Usually only visible for a short time at 18-22 hours after fertilisation. After fusion the pronuclei are no longer visible & shortly after that stage cell division (cleavage) commences. Normal fertilisation showing 2 Pronuclei (LEFT): This is a 'Nomarski interference' image which has a three dimensional appearance - sperm can still be seen adhering to the outside of the zona pellucida. A multipronucleate embryo - which might occur in 1% of fertilisations is shown on the RIGHT. This embryo still has the cumulus cells adhering to the zona pellucida. .
Prostate: A gland, found only in men, that surrounds the first part of the urethra, as it leaves the base of the bladder, produces an alkaline fluid essential to the survival of sperms.
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Pseudocyesis: False pregnancy, a condition in which the woman believes herself to be and may even have some of the signs of being pregnant.
Psychodynamics: The way in which mind and body interacts.
Psychogenic: Of mental rather than physical origin. The term is often applied to symptoms or disorders thought to be related to problems in social or personal adjustment rather than of physical (organic) origin
Psychosomatics: A relationship between mind and body and to the apparent effct of mental and emotional factors which contribute towards distress and physical disorders. An indication that mind and body are not distint and separate entities.
Psychotherapist: Any purely psychological method of treatment for disorders - mental, emotional or physical. There are many schools of psychotherapy but results appear to suggest that the result depend on the personal qualities, experience and wisdom of the therapist than on the theoretical basis of the treatment, and on the confidence which exists between patient and therapist.
Puberty: The stage at which the reproductive organs begin activity
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Receptor sites: Sites on the surface of cells which are sensitive to particular hormone signals delivered in the blood. See discussion on GNRH, Analogues, Antagonists
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