The premature termination of a pregnancy; may be induced or spontaneous (miscarriage)
Abortion
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
A fatal disease caused by a virus that destroys the immune system's ability to fight off infection
Acrosome
The packet of enzymes in a sperm's head that allows the sperm to dissolve a hole in the coating around the egg, which allows the sperm to penetrate and fertilize the egg
Acrosome Reaction
A chemical change that enables a sperm to penetrate an egg
Adhesion
A union of adjacent organs by scar tissue
Adrenal Glands
The endocrine gland on top of each kidney
Aerobic Bacteria
The bacterial organisms that require relatively high concentrations of oxygen to survive and reproduce
Agglutination
Occurs when sperm clump or stick together. This may occur when either man or woman develops immunity to the sperm.
Amenorrhea
The absence of abnormal cessation of menstruation due to a number of factors including dietary, emotional, hormonal, and exercise
Amniocentesis
The aspiration of amniotic fluid from the uterus, usually performed at three to three and one-half months of pregnancy, to test the fetus for genetic abnormalities
Anaerobic Bacteria
Bacterial organisms that survive in relatively low oxygen concentrations
Androgens
Male sex hormones
Andrologist
A specialist who treats male fertility and sperm problems
Anovulation
The absence of ovulation
Antibody
A protective agent produced by the body's immune system in response to a foreign substance
Antigen
Any substance that induces the formation of an antibody
Antisperm Antibodies
Antibodies that can attach to sperm and inhibit movement of sperm or fertilization
Artificial Insemination (AI)
The process in which sperm is placed into the female reproductive tract for the purpose of producing a pregnancy
ASA
American Society of Andrology
Aspiration
The application of light suction to the ovarian follicle during the egg retrieval procedure to remove the eggs for use in in vitro fertilization (IVF). In the male, techniques are used to suck sperm out of the testis or out of a blocked epididymis.
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