PCOS Terms
Here are some terms that are associated with PCOS and the symptoms that accompany the disease. All of the terms listed here have affected me in some way during my struggles with PCOS...To view more extensive information, please visit the **INCIID WEBSITE**
Amenorrhea - The absence of menstruation. Primary Amenorrhea afflicts a woman who has never menstruated. Secondary Amenorrhea afflicts a woman who has menstruated at one time, but who has not had a period for six months or more.

Anovulation - The absence of ovulation.

Anteverted Uterus - Uterus that tips forward toward that bladder.

Artificial Insemination (AI) - Placing sperm into the vagina, uterus or fallopian tubes through artificial means instead of by coitus -- usually injected through a catheter or cannula after being washed. This procedure is used for both donor (AID) and husband's (AIH) sperm. This technique is used to overcome sexual performance problems, to circumvent sperm-mucus interaction problems, to maximize the potential for poor semen, and for using donor sperm.

Beta HCG Test - A blood test used to detect very early pregnancies and to evaluate embryonic development. A beta test usually refers to a quantitative hCG in which the units of hCG are counted, but it sometimes refers to a qualitative (yes/no) test that reads to an hCG level under 50 (level is lab dependent).

Blood Glucose (BG) - Blood sugar. Affected by food that is consumed.

Clomid - A brand name of clomiphene citrate.

Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid, Serophene) - A fertility drug that stimulates ovulation through the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland.

Clomiphene Citrate Challenge Test (CCCT, CCT) - This test entails the oral (by mouth) administration of 100 milligrams of clomiphene citrate on menstrual cycle days 5-9. Blood levels of FSH are measured on cycle day 3 and again on cycle day 10. Elevated blood levels of FSH on cycle day 3 or cycle day 10 are associated with very low pregnancy.

Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH) - Using fertility medications to stimulate the growth of multiple follicles for ovulation. Also called Superovulation.

Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) - Blood glucose levels taken after not eating or drinking anything other than water overnight. A normal level is under 110, over 110 shows impaired glucose tolerance or insulin resistance, and over 126 is diabetic. Its ratio in comparison to fasting insulin can also indicate insulin resistance.

Fertility Treatment - Any method or procedure used to enhance fertility or increase the likelihood of pregnancy, such as ovulation induction treatment, varicocoele repair, and microsurgery to repair damaged fallopian tubes. The goal of fertility treatment is to help couples have a child.

Fibroid (Myoma or Leiomyoma) - A benign tumor of the uterine muscle and connective tissue.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GD, GDM) - A temporary impairment of the ability to process sugar during pregnancy.

Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) - A screening test for insulin resistance, diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Usually blood is drawn at fasting, and then the patient drinks or eats a certain amount of glucose. Blood is drawn at one hour, two hours and three hours to check glucose levels. Some may have an additional blood draw at a half hour.

Hirsutism - The overabundance of body hair, such as a mustache or pubic hair growing upward toward the navel, found in women with excess androgens.

Hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar.

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 faloipian tubes.

Infertility (IF) - The inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse in women under 35, or after six months in women over 35, or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. Also included are diagnosed problems such as anovulation, tubal blockage, low sperm count, etc.

Menorrhagia - Heavy or prolonged menstrual flow.

Ovarian Cyst - A fluid-filled sac inside the ovary. An ovarian cyst may be found in conjunction with ovulation disorders, tumors of the ovary, and endometriosis.

Progestin - A synthetic progesterone (Provera).

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCO, PCOD, PCOS, or 'Stein-Leventhal Syndrome') - A condition found in women who don't ovulate, characterized by excessive production of androgens (male sex hormones) and the presence of cysts in the ovaries. Though PCOS can be without symptoms, some include excessive weight gain, acne and excessive hair growth.

Tipped Uterus - When the uterus is tipped toward a woman's back instead of tilting forward as is more common. This alone should not be considered a cause of infertility.