A doctor who delivers babies and specialises in the treatment of female reproductive organs.
Oestrogen
A hormone that stimulates secondary female sexual characteristics and controls the course of the menstrual cycle. Oestrogen is also produced in low quantities in males.
Oligospermia
A condition when a sperm sample contains less than 20 million spermatozoa per ejaculate. Many medical conditions reduce sperm concentration. The effects may be temporary or permanent. See also Azoospermia.
Outpatient
A Person undergoing a clinical procedure that does not require admission to hospital.
Ovarian failure
The failure of the ovary to respond to hormonal stimulation from the pituitary gland because of damage to or malformation of the ovary, or a chronic disease such as autoimmune disease or ageing process.
Ovarian follicle
The structure in which eggs are nurtured to maturation. Although in general only one egg is released at a time, somewhere between 10 and 20 follicles begin the process of maturation monthly. The excess ovarian follicles are reabsorbed before ovulation occurs.
Ovulation
The release of the matured egg or ovum from the ovarian follicle.
Ovum
A matured egg.
Ovulation Induction (OI)
Medical treatment carried out to initiate ovulation.
Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome
A condition characterised by enlargement of the ovaries, fluid-retention and weight gain. May occur when the ovaries are over-stimulated during assisted reproduction.
Ovaries, Ovary
Almond-sized organ(s) located on either side of the uterus, which produce and release mature egg cells and the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
Basal body temperature
The lowest temperature attained by the body, usually measured immediately after awakening and before any physical activity is undertaken. A rise in body temperature of about half a degree about 14 days into an average 28-day cycle suggests ovulation has taken place.
Biopsy
The removal of a small portion of body tissue for microscopic examination.
Biosynthesis
A process where chemical compounds are made in the body from simpler compounds or smaller molecules.
Bladder
The organ that collects urine excreted by the kidneys prior to disposal by urination.
Blastocyst transfer
A procedure whereby an embryo is left to develop for about 5 or 6 days to reach the ‘blastocyst stage’ before being transferred into the uterus for implantation.
