Family-Building Glossary

Medical & Procedures

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)

A medical procedure where eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus.

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

A fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to increase the chance of pregnancy.

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

An advanced IVF technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to aid fertilization, often used when sperm count or motility is low.

Embryo Transfer

The final step of IVF where a fertilized embryo is placed into the uterus. Can be done with fresh or frozen embryos.

Embryo Donation

The process of donating unused embryos from IVF to another person or couple for implantation and pregnancy.

Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)

A fertility preservation method where eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use, allowing individuals to delay childbearing.

Fertility Preservation

Medical procedures to protect reproductive potential for the future, including egg freezing, sperm banking, and embryo cryopreservation.

Sperm Washing

A lab procedure that separates sperm from seminal fluid, concentrating healthy motile sperm for use in IUI or IVF.

Home Insemination

Self-insemination performed at home using donor sperm and a syringe kit, without a clinic visit. Common among co-parents and known-donor arrangements.

Ovulation Tracking

Monitoring the menstrual cycle to predict the fertile window using methods like basal body temperature, OPKs (ovulation predictor kits), or ultrasound.

TWW (Two-Week Wait)

The period between ovulation or embryo transfer and when a pregnancy test can reliably detect results — typically 10 to 14 days.

Sperm Motility

A measure of how well sperm can move toward and penetrate an egg. A key factor in male fertility assessments and donor screening.

Testing & Screening

PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing)

Genetic screening of embryos created through IVF before transfer, used to detect chromosomal abnormalities or inherited genetic conditions.

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)

A blood test that measures ovarian reserve — the number of eggs remaining. Used to assess fertility potential and plan treatment timing.

HSG (Hysterosalpingography)

An X-ray procedure that checks whether the fallopian tubes are open and the uterine cavity is normal, often one of the first fertility tests performed.

Genetic Carrier Screening

A blood or saliva test that checks whether a person carries genes for inherited conditions like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, or Tay-Sachs.

Donor & Surrogacy

Sperm Donor

A person who provides sperm to help someone conceive a child, either through a clinic or a private arrangement.

Egg Donor

A person who donates eggs (oocytes) to help another individual or couple achieve pregnancy through assisted reproduction.

Known Donor

A sperm or egg donor who is personally known to the intended parent(s), as opposed to an anonymous donor from a bank or clinic.

Sperm Bank

A facility that collects, screens, stores, and distributes donor sperm for use in artificial insemination or IVF treatments.

Open Donation

A donor arrangement where the donor agrees to be identifiable and potentially contacted by donor-conceived offspring once they reach adulthood.

Anonymous Donation

A donor arrangement where the donor's identity is not disclosed to the recipient or the child. Regulations on anonymity vary by country.

Gestational Surrogacy

A surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate carries an embryo created from the intended parent(s)' or donor's egg and sperm, with no genetic link to the surrogate.

Traditional Surrogacy

A surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate's own egg is used, making her the biological mother of the child she carries.

Surrogacy Agency

An organization that matches intended parents with surrogates, coordinates legal agreements, medical procedures, and provides support throughout the journey.

Surrogate Compensation

Payment made to a surrogate beyond medical expenses. Varies widely by country and state — some jurisdictions only permit altruistic (unpaid) surrogacy.

General Terms

Co-Parenting

A parenting arrangement where two or more adults share the responsibilities of raising a child, often without being in a romantic relationship.

Platonic Co-Parenting

A co-parenting arrangement between individuals who are not romantically involved but share parenting duties as friends or partners in parenthood.

Co-Parenting Agreement

A legal document outlining each co-parent's rights, responsibilities, financial obligations, and custody arrangements for raising a child together.

Intended Parent(s)

The person or people who plan to raise the child, regardless of genetic connection. They initiate the surrogacy or donor arrangement.

Solo Parent by Choice

An individual who deliberately chooses to become a single parent, often through donor conception, adoption, or surrogacy.

Donor Conception

The process of conceiving a child using donated sperm, eggs, or embryos, either through a fertility clinic or private arrangement.

Donor-Conceived Person

An individual who was conceived using donated sperm, eggs, or embryos. Many seek information about their biological origins as they grow up.

Donor Sibling

Individuals conceived from the same sperm or egg donor who are biologically half-siblings, often connected through donor registries.

Fertility Clinic

A medical facility specializing in diagnosing and treating fertility issues, offering services like IVF, IUI, egg freezing, and donor programs.

RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist)

A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating infertility. REs perform procedures like IVF, IUI, and egg retrieval.