Term
Meaning
Fertility preparation
Supporting reproductive and whole-body health before trying to conceive, starting IVF, freezing eggs, or preparing for pregnancy.
Preconception care
Health preparation before pregnancy begins.
Pregnancy preparation
Preparing the body, mind, and lifestyle before conception.
Prepregnancy counseling
A medical visit or guidance session before pregnancy to review health, risks, medications, vaccines, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Reproductive health
Health of the reproductive system, hormones, cycle, eggs, sperm, uterus, and related body systems.
Whole-body fertility
The idea that fertility is connected to overall health, not only reproductive organs.
Whole-health approach
A care model that considers the body, mind, lifestyle, emotions, environment, and root causes.
Reproductive vitality
A Health Youniversity-style phrase referring to strong, supported reproductive function.
Fertile health
Health Youniversity language for whole-body and reproductive health that supports conception and pregnancy.
Four Pillars of Fertility
Health Youniversity’s framework: Nutrition, Circulation, Lifestyle, and Emotional Support.
Nutrition
Food, hydration, and nutrients that support hormone balance, egg health, sperm health, and pregnancy readiness.
Circulation
Blood flow and nourishment to reproductive organs, especially ovaries and uterus.
Lifestyle
Daily habits such as sleep, movement, toxin reduction, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and stress patterns.
Emotional support
Tools that help reduce stress, isolation, fear, and emotional overwhelm during the fertility journey.
Medical readiness
Preparing with medical review, testing, medication review, and provider guidance.
Cycle awareness
Understanding menstrual cycle patterns, ovulation, and fertile timing.
Toxin reduction
Reducing avoidable exposure to chemicals or substances that may affect health or hormones.
Low toxic burden
A lower level of environmental and lifestyle exposures that may stress the body.
Fertility assessment
A review of fertility history, cycle patterns, labs, lifestyle, and next steps.
Fertility quiz
A Health Youniversity entry point to help users identify where they are in their fertility journey.
Term
Meaning
Natural conception
Pregnancy that happens without assisted reproductive treatments such as IUI, IVF, or ICSI.
TTC
Trying to conceive.
Menstrual cycle
The monthly hormonal cycle that includes menstruation, follicle growth, ovulation, and the luteal phase.
Cycle tracking
Recording cycle length, bleeding, ovulation signs, symptoms, and fertile window clues.
Cycle length
The number of days from the first day of one period to the first day of the next.
OvulationOvulation
Release of an egg from the ovary.
Fertile window
The days in the menstrual cycle when pregnancy is most likely.
Fertility awareness
Using body signs such as cervical mucus, ovulation tests, and cycle patterns to understand fertility timing.
Cervical mucus
Fluid from the cervix that can change around ovulation and help identify fertile days.
Ovulation predictor kit / OPK
A home test that detects hormonal changes before ovulation.
LH surge
Rise in luteinizing hormone before ovulation.
Basal body temperature / BBT
Resting body temperature tracked to help confirm ovulation after it happens.
Follicular phase
The first part of the menstrual cycle when follicles grow before ovulation.
Luteal phase
The phase after ovulation when progesterone rises and the body prepares for possible implantation.
Progesterone
A hormone important after ovulation and during early pregnancy support.
Estradiol
A form of estrogen involved in follicle growth and endometrial lining development.
Follicle
A small ovarian structure that contains an immature egg.
Egg
The female reproductive cell released during ovulation.
Sperm
The male reproductive cell that can fertilize an egg.
Fertilization
When sperm joins with an egg.
Embryo
The early stage of development after fertilization.
Implantation
When an embryo attaches to the uterine lining.
Endometrial lining
The lining of the uterus where implantation occurs.
Uterus
The organ where implantation and pregnancy development occur.
Fallopian tube
The tube where egg and sperm often meet during natural conception.
Ovaries
Organs that contain eggs and produce reproductive hormones.
Sperm transport
Movement of sperm through the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tube.
Intercourse timing
Planning sex during the fertile window to improve the chance that sperm is present near ovulation.
Two-week wait
The waiting period between ovulation or embryo transfer and pregnancy testing.
Postcoital
After intercourse.
Supine after intercourse
Lying on the back after sex; the Natural Conception guide notes this is not strongly supported as a fertility strategy.
Fecundability
The chance of becoming pregnant in a single menstrual cycle.
Term
Meaning
ART
Assisted reproductive technology; treatments where eggs or embryos are handled to help achieve pregnancy.
ART
In vitro fertilization; eggs are retrieved, fertilized in a lab, and embryos are transferred into the uterus.
In vitro fertilization
Full form of IVF; “in vitro” means fertilization happens outside the body in a lab.
IUI
Intrauterine insemination; prepared sperm is placed into the uterus around ovulation.
ICSI
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection; one sperm is injected directly into one egg.
PGT
Preimplantation genetic testing; testing embryos for chromosomal or inherited genetic concerns.
FET
Frozen embryo transfer; transfer of a previously frozen embryo into the uterus.
Fresh embryo transfer
Embryo transfer that happens shortly after egg retrieval and fertilization.
Frozen embryo transfer
Embryo transfer that happens in a later cycle after embryos have been frozen.
Egg retrieval
Procedure to collect eggs from the ovaries.
Ovarian stimulation
Use of medications to help multiple follicles grow.
Stimulation medications
Fertility medications used during IVF or egg freezing to mature multiple eggs.
Monitoring
Ultrasounds and bloodwork used to track follicle growth and hormones.
Trigger shot
Medication used to help eggs complete final maturation before retrieval.
Embryo transfer
Placement of an embryo into the uterus.
Embryo culture
Lab process of growing embryos for several days after fertilization.
Embryo development
Growth of a fertilized egg into an embryo.
Embryo freezing
Freezing embryos for future use.
Embryo cryopreservation
Medical term for freezing and storing embryos.
Freeze-all cycle
An IVF cycle where all viable embryos are frozen instead of transferred fresh.
Donor eggs
Eggs from another person used for IVF.
Donor sperm
Sperm from another person used for fertility treatment.
Gestational carrier
A person who carries a pregnancy created from an embryo that is not genetically theirs.
Surrogacy
Broader term often used when another person carries a pregnancy.
Genetic testing
Testing embryos, parents, or pregnancy-related risks for genetic concerns.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome / OHSS
A possible complication of fertility medications where the ovaries over-respond.
Live birth rate
The percentage of treatment cycles that result in a live-born baby.
Pregnancy test
Blood or urine test used to check for pregnancy after trying, IUI, IVF, or embryo transfer.
Beta hCG
Blood pregnancy hormone test often used after fertility treatment.
Retrieval recovery
The short recovery period after egg retrieval.
IVF cycle
One round of IVF treatment, including stimulation, retrieval, fertilization, and transfer or freezing.
Advanced reproductive therapies
A broader phrase used in the files for medical fertility treatments such as IVF and egg freezing.
Term
Meaning
Egg freezing
Freezing mature eggs for possible future use.
Oocyte cryopreservation
Medical term for egg freezing.
Oocyte
Medical term for an egg cell.
Fertility preservation
Medical or planned steps to preserve reproductive options for the future.
Planned fertility preservation
Egg freezing done because pregnancy is being delayed for personal, career, relationship, or timing reasons.
Medical fertility preservation
Egg freezing done before medical treatment that may affect fertility.
Mature egg
An egg that is ready to be frozen or fertilized.
Egg yield
The number of eggs retrieved during a cycle.
Expected egg yield
The number of eggs a clinic estimates may be retrieved based on age, labs, and ovarian reserve.
Vitrification
Rapid freezing method used for eggs or embryos.
Thaw
Warming frozen eggs or embryos for future use.
Storage
Keeping frozen eggs or embryos in a fertility lab or storage facility.
Ovarian reserve
An estimate of the remaining egg supply or how ovaries may respond to stimulation.
Diminished ovarian reserve / DOR
Lower-than-expected ovarian reserve for age.
AMH
Anti-Müllerian hormone; a blood marker often used to estimate ovarian reserve.
Antral follicle count / AFC
Number of small follicles seen on ultrasound, used to help estimate ovarian reserve.
Primordial pool
The earliest pool of resting immature eggs in the ovaries.
Antral follicle phase
Stage when follicles are visible and growing toward possible ovulation or retrieval.
Folliculogenesis
The process of follicle growth and development.
Cohort
A group of follicles growing in a cycle.
Embryo freezing
Freezing fertilized embryos rather than unfertilized eggs.
Egg freezing vs. embryo freezing
Comparison between freezing unfertilized eggs and freezing fertilized embryos.
Future-use planning
Planning how frozen eggs may be thawed, fertilized, and used later.
Storage fees
Ongoing fees for keeping frozen eggs or embryos stored.
Consent decisions
Legal and medical decisions about storage, use, donation, or disposal of eggs or embryos.
Term
Meaning
Infertility
Difficulty achieving pregnancy after a defined period of regular, unprotected intercourse.
Subfertility
Reduced fertility where pregnancy may still be possible with time, support, or treatment.
Primary infertility
Difficulty achieving a first pregnancy.
Secondary infertility
Difficulty achieving pregnancy after a prior pregnancy.
Unexplained infertility
When standard testing does not identify a clear reason pregnancy has not happened.
Female factor infertility
Fertility challenges related to ovulation, eggs, fallopian tubes, uterus, hormones, or pelvic factors.
Male factor infertility
Fertility challenges related to sperm count, movement, shape, ejaculation, hormones, or anatomy.
Combined factor infertility
When more than one fertility factor is involved.
Ovulatory factors
Fertility challenges related to irregular or absent ovulation.
Ovulatory dysfunction
When ovulation is irregular, unpredictable, or absent.
Tubal factors
Fertility issues related to blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
Uterine factors
Fertility issues related to the uterus or uterine lining.
Endometriosis
A condition where tissue similar to uterine lining grows outside the uterus and may affect fertility.
Endometrioma
An ovarian cyst associated with endometriosis.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome; a hormonal condition that can affect ovulation and fertility.
Recurrent miscarriage
Multiple pregnancy losses.
Recurrent pregnancy loss
Medical term for repeated pregnancy loss.
Age-related fertility decline
Decline in fertility associated with increasing reproductive age.
Advanced reproductive age
Often used when fertility conversations involve age 35 or older.
Diminished ovarian reserve
Lower ovarian reserve that may affect egg numbers or treatment response.
Thyroid dysfunction
Thyroid imbalance that may affect cycles, ovulation, or pregnancy.
Hyperprolactinemia
Elevated prolactin levels that may affect ovulation.
Hypothalamic amenorrhea
Missing periods due to disrupted brain-ovary signaling, often linked with stress, low energy intake, or excessive exercise.
Perimenopause
Transitional stage before menopause when cycles and hormones begin to shift.
Pelvic inflammatory disease / PID
Infection-related inflammation that can damage reproductive organs.
Pelvic adhesions
Scar tissue in the pelvis that may affect fertility.
Ectopic pregnancy
Pregnancy that implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube.
Fibroids
Noncancerous uterine growths that may affect fertility depending on size and location.
Polyps
Growths in the uterine lining that may affect bleeding or implantation.
Uterine septum
A congenital uterine shape difference that may affect pregnancy.
Scar tissue
Tissue that forms after injury, infection, surgery, or inflammation and may affect reproductive anatomy.
Chronic inflammation
Ongoing inflammation that may affect reproductive or whole-body health.
Low sperm count
Lower-than-expected number of sperm.
Low motility
Reduced sperm movement.
Abnormal morphology
Sperm shape differences.
Varicocele
Enlarged veins near the testicle that may affect sperm quality.
Ejaculation problems
Difficulties with sperm release that may affect conception.
Pelvic pain
Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis that may suggest reproductive or pelvic conditions.
Painful periods
Menstrual pain that may sometimes be associated with endometriosis or other concerns.
Term
Meaning
Fertility evaluation
Testing and review to understand why pregnancy has not happened or what support is needed.
Fertility testing
Medical tests that evaluate ovulation, sperm, hormones, ovaries, tubes, uterus, and other factors.
Reproductive hormones
Hormones involved in ovulation, cycle health, egg development, and pregnancy.
AMH
Anti-Müllerian hormone; commonly used to estimate ovarian reserve.
FSH
Follicle-stimulating hormone; involved in follicle growth.
LH
Luteinizing hormone; rises before ovulation.
Estradiol
Estrogen hormone often checked in fertility workups.
Progesterone
Hormone checked to confirm ovulation or support luteal phase/pregnancy.
TSH
Thyroid-stimulating hormone; used to screen thyroid function.
Complete thyroid panel
Expanded thyroid testing beyond TSH.
Thyroid antibodies
Immune markers that may show autoimmune thyroid activity.
Vitamin D
Nutrient often reviewed in fertility and preconception care.
Iron
Mineral important for blood and pregnancy health.
Ferritin
A marker of stored iron.
Prolactin
Hormone that can affect ovulation if elevated.
A1c
Blood test reflecting average blood sugar over several months.
Semen analysis
Lab test measuring sperm count, movement, shape, and volume.
Sperm analysis
Another term for semen analysis.
Ovarian reserve testing
Testing used to estimate ovarian response and egg supply indicators.
Antral follicle count
Ultrasound count of small ovarian follicles.
Ultrasound
Imaging tool used to view ovaries, follicles, uterus, or pregnancy.
Transvaginal ultrasound
Internal ultrasound commonly used in fertility care.
HSG
Hysterosalpingogram; imaging test used to check whether fallopian tubes are open.
SHG
Saline sonohysterogram; ultrasound using saline to evaluate the uterine cavity.
Saline sonogram
Another name for SHG.
Saline hysterosonogram
Another term for saline-based uterine cavity imaging.
Hysteroscopy
Procedure using a small camera to look inside the uterus.
Tubal patency
Whether the fallopian tubes appear open.
Uterine cavity
Inside space of the uterus where implantation occurs.
Genetic carrier screening
Testing to see whether parents carry genes for inherited conditions.
Vaccine status
Review of immunizations before pregnancy.
Immunization
Vaccination to help prevent infections.
MMR
Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Varicella
Chickenpox vaccine or immunity.
Tdap
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine.
Hepatitis B
Vaccine or infection screening relevant to pregnancy planning.
Influenza vaccine
Flu vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccine
Vaccine often reviewed in pregnancy planning.
Term
Meaning
Preparing for pregnancy
fasfasdfSupporting health before conception to improve readiness for pregnancy.asdfasd
Pregnancy readiness
fasfasdBeing physically, emotionally, medically, and nutritionally prepared before conception.fasdfasd
Preconception visit
A visit with a provider before trying to conceive.
Prenatal care
Medical care during pregnancy.
Prenatal vitamin
Supplement formulated to support pregnancy-related nutrient needs.
Folic acid
B vitamin recommended before pregnancy to help reduce neural tube defect risk.
Methylfolate
A form of folate used in some prenatal supplements.
Neural tube defects
Serious birth defects of the baby’s brain or spine.
Fetus
Developing baby after the embryonic stage.
Neonate
Newborn baby.
Early fetal development
Early growth and formation that begins very early in pregnancy.
Postpartum
The period after birth.
Pregnancy after loss
Preparing for pregnancy after miscarriage or pregnancy loss.
Pregnancy after infertility
Preparing for pregnancy after difficulty conceiving.
Pregnancy after 35
Pregnancy planning or care when maternal age is 35 or older.
Medication review
Checking medications and supplements for safety before conception or pregnancy.
Supplement review
Reviewing vitamins, herbs, and supplements with a provider.
Family history
Health conditions in relatives that may matter for pregnancy or genetics.
Genetic risks
Inherited or family-related risks that may affect pregnancy or baby health.
Birth defects
Structural or functional differences present at birth.
Early pregnancy
The first weeks of pregnancy, often before many people know they are pregnant.
Maternal-fetal health
Health of the pregnant person and developing baby.
Birth planning
Planning for labor and delivery.
Pregnancy complications
Health concerns that arise during pregnancy.
Term
Meaning
Blood sugar balance
Stable glucose levels that support energy, hormones, and metabolic health.
Hormone balance
Healthy communication and function among reproductive and metabolic hormones.
Inflammation balance
Supporting the body so inflammation does not become excessive or chronic.
Metabolic health
How the body manages blood sugar, insulin, energy, weight, and inflammation.
Insulin resistance
When cells do not respond well to insulin, sometimes linked with PCOS and metabolic health.
Protein
Nutrient needed for tissue repair, hormones, and steady blood sugar.
Healthy fats
Fats that support hormones, cells, and nutrient absorption.
Fiber-rich carbohydrates
Carbohydrates such as beans, vegetables, fruit, oats, and whole grains that support digestion and blood sugar.
Slow-digesting carbs
Carbohydrates that digest more gradually, such as beans and legumes.
Low-mercury seafood
Fish lower in mercury and often used as a pregnancy-prep nutrition choice.
Hydration
Adequate fluid intake.
Supplementation
Use of vitamins, minerals, or other supplements.
Prenatal nutrients
Nutrients often needed before and during pregnancy.
Iron
Mineral important for oxygen transport and pregnancy health.
Iodine
Nutrient important for thyroid health.
Vitamin D
Nutrient involved in immune, bone, hormone, and reproductive health.
B12
Vitamin important for blood, nerves, and pregnancy health.
Choline
Nutrient important for fetal brain and nervous system development.
Omega-3s
Fatty acids that support inflammation balance and pregnancy health.
Zinc
Mineral involved in immunity, fertility, and reproductive health.
Selenium
Mineral involved in thyroid and antioxidant support.
Ferritin
Stored iron marker.
Antioxidant-rich foods
Foods that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Fertility-supportive nutrition
Eating pattern that supports hormones, blood sugar, inflammation, egg health, sperm health, and pregnancy readiness.
Cycle-specific nutrition
Eating in a way that supports different phases of the menstrual cycle.
Organic foods
Foods grown without many conventional pesticides.
Pesticide-free foods
Foods grown without pesticide exposure.
Hormone-free meat proteins
Meat proteins raised without added hormones, mentioned in the Preconception Plan FAQ.
Gentle detoxification
A nourishing, non-extreme approach to reducing toxic burden.
Detoxification pathways
Body systems involved in processing and eliminating substances.
Methylation pathways
Biochemical pathways involved in detoxification, hormones, DNA function, and nutrient metabolism.
Term
Meaning
Environmental exposure
Contact with chemicals, pollutants, toxins, or substances in daily life or work.
Toxic exposure
Exposure to substances that may harm health.
Hormone-disrupting chemicals
Chemicals that may interfere with hormone signaling.
Endocrine disruptors
Another term for hormone-disrupting chemicals.
BPA
A chemical found in some plastics and food packaging.
Phthalates
Chemicals used in plastics and fragrances that may affect hormones.
Synthetic fragrance
Artificial fragrance chemicals found in personal care or home products.
Product swaps
Replacing higher-toxin products with lower-toxin options.
Low-toxin living
Reducing avoidable environmental chemical exposure.
Sleep hygiene
Habits that support healthy sleep.
Wake-sleep pattern
Daily rhythm of waking and sleeping.
Restoration
Body repair and recovery.
Smoking cessation
Stopping smoking.
Vaping cessation
Stopping vaping.
Alcohol reduction
Reducing alcohol intake before conception or during TTC.
Caffeine moderation
Keeping caffeine intake moderate.
Recreational drugs
Nonmedical drug use that may affect fertility or pregnancy readiness.
Marijuana use
Cannabis use; discussed as a lifestyle factor in fertility preparation.
Heat exposure
Heat from hot tubs, saunas, or other sources that can affect sperm health.
Sedentary patterns
Low movement or prolonged sitting.
Movement
Physical activity used to support circulation, metabolism, stress, and overall health.
Fertility yoga
Gentle yoga used to support relaxation, circulation, body awareness, and nervous system regulation.
Breathwork
Intentional breathing practices used for stress and nervous system support.
Term
Meaning
TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
A whole-person medical system using acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, movement, and lifestyle practices.
Chinese Medicine
Often used interchangeably with TCM in Health Youniversity materials.
Functional Medicine
A root-cause approach focused on restoring optimal physiological function.
Integrative Medicine
A care approach that combines conventional medicine with complementary evidence-informed approaches.
Natural Medicine
Supportive approaches such as nutrition, herbs, lifestyle, and non-drug therapies.
Lifestyle medicine
Health care focused on food, movement, sleep, stress, environment, and daily habits.
Acupuncture
Use of fine needles at specific points to support body function.
Fertility acupuncture
Acupuncture used to support fertility, IVF, pregnancy preparation, or reproductive health.
Acupoint
A specific point used in acupuncture or acupoint stimulation.
Acupoint stimulation
Stimulating acupuncture points without necessarily using needles.
TEAS
Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation; electrical stimulation of acupoints through the skin.
Qigong
Gentle movement, breath, and awareness practice from Chinese medicine traditions.
Guided imagery
A mind-body practice using mental images to support relaxation and healing.
Guided visualization
Similar to guided imagery; using visualization for nervous system and mindset support.
Binaural beats
Audio tones used in some relaxation or meditation practices.
Nervous system regulation
Supporting the body’s stress-response system to feel safer and more balanced.
Stress reduction
Practices that help reduce stress load.
Chronic stress
Long-term stress that may affect sleep, hormones, digestion, mood, or health.
Mind-body awareness
Awareness of the connection between thoughts, emotions, sensations, and physical health.
Emotional mindset
Emotional patterns, beliefs, and stress response during the fertility journey.
Monkey mind
Informal term for anxious, racing, repetitive thoughts.
Subconscious
Mental patterns or beliefs outside conscious awareness.
Energetic balance
TCM-style term for balanced vitality and body function.
Root cause
Underlying reason behind symptoms or imbalance.
Homeostasis
The body’s internal balance.
Microcosm
Health Youniversity phrase suggesting reproductive organs reflect whole-body health.
Holistic IVF
IVF support that combines medical treatment with whole-body health preparation.
Optimum Health
Phrase used in professional endorsements to describe whole-body preparation before or alongside IVF.
Maximum Science
Phrase used in professional endorsements to describe advanced fertility medicine paired with whole-body health.
Ancient wisdom meets modern science
Health Youniversity positioning phrase for blending TCM and modern fertility science.
Acronym / Term
Meaning
DACM
Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist.
FABORM
Fellow of the Acupuncture & TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine.
TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine.
ASRM
American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
PCRS
Pacific Coast Reproductive Society.
ACOG
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
WHO
World Health Organization.
SART
Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology.
AUA
American Urological Association.
NBHWC
National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching.
OB-GYN
Obstetrician-gynecologist.
Reproductive endocrinologist
Fertility specialist physician trained in hormones and reproductive medicine.
Urologist
Physician who may evaluate male fertility and urinary/reproductive concerns.
Midwife
Pregnancy and birth care provider.
Oncologist
Cancer specialist; relevant when fertility preservation is needed before cancer treatment.
Primary care provider
General medical provider who may support preconception health review.

Fertility Coach/Expert, Founder of Health Youniversity
Dr. Susan Fox, DACM, L.Ac., FABORM, is a fertility coach, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and Founder of Health Youniversity. She has 24 years of experience supporting women ages 30–45 navigating natural conception, IVF, IUI, PCOS, endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve, and unexplained infertility. Her work blends Traditional Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine, fertility education, nutrition, circulation support, lifestyle medicine, and emotional well-being to help women prepare their bodies for conception and pregnancy.
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