Trying to Conceive Terminology

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Home > Fertility Basics > Trying to Conceive Terminology

TTC Terminology and Trying to Conceive Abbreviations

If you have ever visited a trying to conceive message board, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of new terms and bizarre acronyms. You may see the abbreviation DH (Dear Husband) aka DP (Dancing Partner). Dancing you may ask? Well, this dance is called the BD - or "Baby Dance".... When you are surfing the boards and TTC forums, make sure that you book mark this page so you don't confuse your DH for your DPO (days past ovulation)!

See the abbreviations below after the TTC definitions section.

TTC Terminology and Definitions

Conception
The successful union of a sperm and an ovum.

Corpus luteum
A structure that develops in the ovary and secretes progesterone, which is vital to maintain a uterine environment capable of supporting pregnancy. When the corpus luteum stops functioning, and if a fertilized ovum does not embed in the uterine lining and the placenta begins producing hormones of its own, hormone levels quickly decrease and menstruation begins.

Cycle
One complete menstrual cycle. Most women menstruate on a 21 to 35 day cycle. During a 28-day cycle, ovulation will typically occur on day 14 and in a 35-day cycle, ovulation may occur on day 21.

Fertilization
The penetration of the egg by the sperm and the resulting fusion of genetic material that develops into an embryo.

Follicle
It is a fluid-filled sac in the ovary that sustains the developing egg, and from which the egg is released during ovulation. The follicle is stimulated to release the ovum by a hormone called FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), which is made by the pituitary gland.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is necessary to achieve pregnancy because it stimulates the maturation of a follicle (within the ovary), allowing for the process of ovulation.

hCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin (or hCG) is the hormone that prolongs the lifespan of the corpus luteum as well as stimulates production of progesterone, another hormone essential to maintain the pregnancy. This is also the hormone pregnancy tests (blood and urine) detect.

Implantation
When the fertilized egg (blastocyst) settles into the thick uterine lining (endometrium). This occurs approximately 6-10 days after conception.

LH Surge
The increase in luteinizing hormone in your urine. You are most likely to become pregnant if you have intercourse within 24-48 hours after you detect your LH surge, with 36 hours marking your peak fertility time.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)
A female hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, necessary to regulate ovarian function.

Mittelschmerz
"Middle pain" - an ache or twinge in the lower abdomen - caused by ovulation.

Ovary
One of the two female reproductive organs in which eggs are formed.

Ovulation
The release of the egg (ovum) from the ovary. Ovulation usually occurs approximately 14 days before the next menstrual period is due.

Ovulation Test, OPK, Ovulation Predictor Tests
A home ovulation test detects a woman's LH-Surge - or the time a woman ovulates, allowing a determination of when conception is most likely to take place (period of peak fertility).

Pregnancy Test, HPT, hCG Home Pregnancy Test
Pregnancy tests detect in urine the hormone your body makes during pregnancy: hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). The amount of pregnancy hormone increases as pregnancy progresses. The FIRST RESPONSE® Test is so sensitive that most women have enough hCG to be detected as early as three days before their expected period, which is four days before any other at-home test.

Progesterone
One of the female sex hormones, which is produced by the ovary and placenta. Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus, for implantation of a fertilized egg, and helps maintain the pregnancy.

Sperm
The male reproductive cell. Healthy male sperm can survive approximately 72 hours in a woman's body.

Uterus
A hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ where implantation takes place and the fetus develops.

Vagina
The passage leading from the uterus to the outside of the female body.

Zygote
The single cell formed by when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

TTC Abbreviations

Fertility Basics

Comments

Just thought I would post up a note for whatever it is worth . . . TTC 2nd baby for 9 months (now 9wks pg). We were getting a little discouraged since 1st child only took 2 months (yes, I know it is pretty normal). However, on this website somewhere I came across a suggestion to use an Instead Soft cup after intercourse to keep s close to the cervix for a longer period of time. 1st time we tried it - pg! No medical studies or claims, but I thought it odd that it worked for us the first time around after 8 unsuccessful months of trying. Hope it helps someone . . . and the softcups are only $2.99 for a pack of 6. You find them in the femine products aisle. Happy bm!

Anonymous - Jul 30, 2009

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First Day of Last Period:

Cycle Length:

Luteal Phase Length:

Ovulation:
Due Date:
Fetal Age:
Note that you are most likely to get pregnant if you time your lovemaking to occur on the days right before - and on - your ovulation date. Keep in mind that the projected ovulation date above is simply a “best guess” estimate based on your cycle date information. The most accurate way to pinpoint your most fertile time is through the use of urine-based ovulation tests or with a fertility monitor. We have partnered with Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com, the Internet’s leading supplier of preconception products since 2001, to offer low-cost, FDA-approved pregnancy and ovulation tests – with free same-day shipping. Now that you’ve calculated your ovulation date using our ovulation calculator, we have a number of other helpful tools you can use to help increase your chances of conceiving. Create your own personalized ovulation calendar! You can even provide an email address so that you receive email alerts of your most fertile days, when you can begin testing for pregnancy, and more. Create your own personalized fertility chart! This is a highly accurate way to pinpoint your ovulation date that relies primarily on basal temperature charting. (Visit Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com for an accurate, inexpensive basal thermometer.) Connect with others at our online community! If you have questions about trying-to-conceive – or if you just want to vent a bit – we have a wonderful, vibrant community of people who’d just love to hear from you.

Find your most fertile time.