Infertility Glossary: G-H
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This article is from the Health Articles series.
Infertility Glossary: G-H
Galactorrhea
A clear or milky discharge from the breasts associated with elevated prolactin.
Gamete
A reproductive cell: Sperm in men, the egg in women.
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
A technique that may be used in lieu of in vitro fertilization for women with patent (clear and open) tubes. After egg retrieval the eggs are mixed with the husband's sperm and then injected through the fimbria into the woman's fallopian tubes for in vivo fertilization.
Germ Cell
In the male the testicular cell that divides to produce the immature sperm cells; in the woman the ovarian cell that divides to form the egg (ovum). The male germ cell remains intact throughout the man's reproductive life; the woman uses up her germ cells at the rate of about one thousand per menstrual cycle, although usually only one egg matures each cycle.
Germ Cell Aplasia (Sertoli Cell Only)
An inherited condition in which the testicles have no germ cells. Since men with this condition have normal Leydig cells, they will develop secondary sex characteristics. May also be caused by large and/or prolonged exposure to toxins or radiation.
Gonad
The gland that makes reproductive cells and "sex" hormones: the testicles, which make sperm and testosterone, and the ovaries, which make eggs (ova) and estrogen.
Gonadotropins
ormones which control reproductive function: Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Leutenizing Hormone.
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GNRH)
The hormone which controls the production and release of gonadotropins. Secreted by the hypothalamus every ninety minutes or so, this hormone enables the pituitary to secrete LH and FSH, which stimulate the gonads. See FSH,LH.
Hamster Test
A test of the ability of sperm to penetrate a hamster egg which has been stripped of the Zona Pellucida (outer membrane). Also called Sperm Penetration Assay (SPA).
Hirsutism
The overabundance of body hair, such as a mustache or pubic hair growing upward toward the navel, found in women with excess androgens.
Host Uterus
Also called a "surrogate gestational mother." A couple's embryo is transferred to another woman who carries the pregnancy to term and returns the baby to the genetic parents immediately after birth.
Hostile Mucus
Cervical mucus that impedes the natural progress of sperm through the cervical canal.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
The hormone produced in early pregnancy which keeps the corpus luteum producing progesterone. Also used via injection (Profasi) to trigger ovulation after some fertility treatments, and used in men to stimulate testosterone production.
Human Menopausal Gonadotripin (HMG -Pergonal, Humegon)
A combination of hormones FSH and LH, which is extracted from the urine of post-menopausal women. Used to induce ovulation in several fertility treatments.
Humegon (HMG)
Similar to Pergonal: the lutenizing and follicle-stimulating hormones recovered from the urine of post-menopausal women. Used to stimulate multiple ovulation in some fertility treatments.
Hyperprolactinemia
A condition in which the pituitary gland secretes too much prolactin. Prolactin can suppress LH and FSH production, reduce male sex drive, and directly suppress ovarian function.
Hyperstimulation (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome - OHSS)
A potentially life- threatening side effect of Pergonal, Humagon or Metrodin ovulation induction. A woman's ovaries become enlarged and produce an overabundance of eggs. Blood hormone levels rise, fluid may collect in the lungs or abdominal cavity, and ovarian cyst may rupture, causing internal bleeding. Bloodclots sometimes develop. Symptoms include sudden weight gain and abdominal pain. Cycles stimulated with these drugs must be carefully monitored with ultrasound scans. OHSS may be prevented by withholding the hCG injection when ultrasound monitoring indicates that too many follicles have matured.
Hyperthyroidism
Overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. The resulting increased metabolism "burns up" estrogen too rapidly and interferes with ovulation.
Hypoestrogenic
Having lower than normal levels of estrogen.
Hypogonadotropic Hypopituitarism
A spectrum of diseases resulting in low pituitary gland output of LH and FSH. Men with this disorder have low sperm counts and may lose their virility;women do not ovulate and may lose their secondary sex characteristics .
Hypospermatogenesis
Low sperm production.
Hypothalamus
A part of the brain, the hormonal regulation center, located adjacent to and above the pituitary gland. In both the man and the woman this tissue secretes GnRH every ninety minutes or so. The pulsatile GnRH enables the pituitary gland to secrete LH and FSH, which stimulate the gonads. See also FSH; LH; Pituitary Gland
Hypothyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone. The resulting lowered metabolism interferes with the normal breakdown of "old" hormones and causes lethargy. Men will suffer from a lower sex drive and elevated prolactin (see Hyperprolactinemia), and women will suffer from elevated prolactin and estrogen, both of which will interfere with fertility.
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.
Hysteroscopy
A procedure in which the doctor checks for uterine abnormalities by inserting a fiber-optic device. Minor surgical repairs can be executed during the procedure.
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