Common Abbreviations in Assisted Reproductive Technology, Fertility & Pregnancy
Understanding the many abbreviations and terms used in assisted reproductive technology (ART), fertility treatment, gynecology, and obstetrics can be overwhelming — especially when you’re navigating a journey to parenthood. This list is designed to help you make sense of the common language used in medical settings, online communities, and fertility discussions.
Please note: this list is not exhaustive. If there’s a term or abbreviation you’d like to see included, please email us at hello@asmbc.au — we’d love to add it!
🔬 Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) & Fertility
ACCESS – Australian National Fertility Support Network
AI – Artificial Insemination
AMH – Anti-Müllerian Hormone (indicates ovarian reserve/approx egg count)
ANZARD – Australian and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database
ANZICA – Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counselling Association
AO – Anovulatory (absence of ovulation)
ART – Assisted Reproductive Technology
ARTFA – Assisted Reproductive Technology Families Australia
ASAB – Anti-Sperm Antibodies
ASMBC – Australian Solo Mothers By choice
Beta hCG / BHCG – Quantitative Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (pregnancy hormone)
CF – Cystic Fibrosis
Clomid – A medication used to stimulate ovulation
DC- Donor Concieved
DET – Double Embryo Transfer
DH / SO / DS / DD – Dear Husband / Significant Other / Dear Son / Dear Daughter
DNA – Deoxyribonucleic Acid
E2 – Estradiol (Estrogen)
EPU / OPU / TVOPU – Egg Pick-Up / Oocyte Pick-Up (egg retrieval procedure)
ET – Embryo Transfer
FA – Freeze All
FET – Frozen Embryo Transfer
FS – Fertility Specialist
FSA – Fertility Society of Australia
FSB – Fertility Solutions Bundaberg
FSH (fSH) – Follicle Stimulating Hormone
FSSC – Fertility Solutions Sunshine Coast
GP – General Practitioner
GnRH – Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
HSG – Hysterosalpingogram
HyCoSy – Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography
HRT – Hormone Replacement Therapy
ICSI – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
IMSI – Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection
IRL – In Real Life (often used in support groups)
IUI – Intrauterine Insemination
IVF – In Vitro Fertilisation
IYKWIM – If You Know What I Mean
LH – Luteinising Hormone
LOR – Lack of Response
LSP – Low Sperm Parameters / Low Sperm Count
MESA – Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration
MF – Male Factor Infertility
Metformin – Insulin-lowering medication used in PCOS
NPSU – National Perinatal Statistics Unit
OB / OB-GYN – Obstetrician / Obstetrician-Gynecologist
OI – Ovulation Induction
OHSS – Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
OPK – Ovulation Predictor Kit
P4 – Progesterone
PCO – Polycystic Ovaries
PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PESA – Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration
PICSI – Physiological ICSI
PUPO – Pregnant Until Proven Otherwise
RE – Reproductive Endocrinologist
RI – Reproductive Immunologist
RTAC – Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee
SA – Semen Analysis
SET – Single Embryo Transfer
SFA – Sperm Functional Assessment
SSC – Surgical Sperm Collection
TB – Testicular Biopsy
TESA – Testicular Epididymal Sperm Aspiration
TESE – Testicular Sperm Extraction
Trigger – hCG shot to induce ovulation
TSH – Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
TTC – Trying to Conceive
TWW – Two Week Wait
🤰 Pregnancy & Obstetric
APH – Antepartum Hemorrhage (before birth)
CVS – Chorionic Villus Sampling
EDD / EDC / EDB – Estimated Due Date / Estimated Date of Confinement/Birth
FHR – Fetal Heart Rate
GDM – Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
LUSCS – Lower Uterine Segment Caesarean Section
NVD / NVB / SVD / SVB – Normal/Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery/Birth
PET – Pre-Eclamptic Toxaemia
PHTN / PIH – Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
PPH – Postpartum Hemorrhage
ROM / PROM – Rupture of Membranes / Premature Rupture of Membranes
VE – Vacuum Extraction / Vaginal Examination
NT – Nuchal Translucency Scan
🧬 Cycle Tracking & Testing
BD – Baby Dance (intercourse for conception)
BT – Blood Test
CD – Cycle Day
CM – Cervical Mucus
CP – Cervical Position / Chemical Pregnancy
DTD – Did The Deed
DPO / DPT – Days Post Ovulation / Days Post Transfer
HPT – Home Pregnancy Test
LMP / LNMP – Last (Normal) Menstrual Period
O – Ovulation
OCP – Oral Contraceptive Pill
POAS – Pee on a Stick
STM – Sympto-Thermal Method
TTP – Time to Pregnancy
US / USS / TVUSS – Ultrasound / Transvaginal Ultrasound
🧠 Gynecology & Reproductive Health
Adenomyosis – Endometrial tissue in the uterine muscle
Blocked Tubes – Tubal Occlusion
Dysmenorrhea – Painful Periods
Dyspareunia – Painful Sexual Intercourse
Dysuria – Painful Urination
Endo – Endometrium or Endometriosis
Endometrial Hyperplasia – Thickened endometrial lining
Fibroids / Leiomyoma – Benign Uterine Tumors
Menorrhagia – Heavy/Prolonged Periods
Myometrium – Muscle layer of the uterus
PID – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PMS – Premenstrual Syndrome
STD / STI – Sexually Transmitted Disease / Infection
PV – Per Vagina (route of medication administration)
Hello@ARTFA.org.au
Hello@ASMBC.au
Michelle Galea
0411 605 598
Acknowledgement of Country
ARTFA & ASMBC acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work, and build our families. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present, and we honour the strength, knowledge, and enduring connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to family, community, culture and Country.
