Your A–Z guide to fertility acronyms and abbreviations

For many couples starting their TTC (trying to conceive) journey, the world of fertility can feel overwhelming. One of the first hurdles is understanding the alphabet soup of acronyms and abbreviations that flood online forums, articles, and even conversations with healthcare providers.

At Home Insemination Solutions, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way. Part of that commitment is equipping you with clear, practical information to make your fertility journey less daunting. This guide offers a concise, easy-to-understand overview of the most common fertility-related acronyms and abbreviations.

Acronyms and abbreviations

2WW - Two-Week Wait: The time between ovulation or embryo transfer and your expected period or pregnancy test.
AF - Aunt Flo: A lighthearted term for menstruation or your period.
AI - Artificial Insemination: A fertility treatment where prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation to boost conception chances
AMH - Anti-Müllerian Hormone: A blood test that estimates ovarian reserve (egg count).
ART - Assisted Reproductive Technology: Fertility treatments involving eggs, sperm, or embryos outside the body (e.g., IVF).
AWOL - A Woman on Lupron: Refers to those taking Lupron, a fertility medication that can cause temporary side effects.
BBT - Basal Body Temperature: A slight temperature rise can indicate ovulation.
BD - Baby Dance: A playful term for intercourse when trying to conceive.
Beta - Beta hCG Test: A blood test that measures hCG to confirm pregnancy after IVF or early conception.
BFP / BFN - Big Fat Positive / Negative: A positive or negative pregnancy test result.
BMS - Baby-Making Sex: Sex with the specific goal of conception.
CB - Cycle Buddy: A friend or TTC partner with a similar timeline, offering support.
CCT - Clomid Challenge Test: An ovarian reserve test predicting response to fertility medication.
CD - Cycle Day: Indicates a specific day of your menstrual cycle (e.g., CD1 = first day of your period).
CM - Cervical Mucus: Fluid produced by the cervix that changes with fertility phases.
DOR - Diminished Ovarian Reserve: Fewer or lower-quality eggs than expected for age.
DPO - Days Past Ovulation: Days since ovulation, helping time pregnancy tests.
E2 - Estradiol: A hormone measured during fertility testing.
EDD - Estimated Due Date: Predicted delivery date based on ovulation or LMP.
Endo - Endometriosis: A condition affecting fertility that can be managed with treatment.
ET - Embryo Transfer: The procedure of placing an embryo into the uterus.
EWCM - Egg White Cervical Mucus: Stretchy, clear mucus signaling peak fertility.
FSH - Follicle-Stimulating Hormone: Key hormone in egg maturation and fertility testing.
Frostie - Frozen Embryo: An embryo stored for future use.
HCG - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: Pregnancy hormone detected in tests.
HPT - Home Pregnancy Test: Detects hCG in urine.
HSG - Hysterosalpingogram: X-ray to assess the uterus shape and fallopian tube health.
IUI - Intrauterine Insemination: Sperm is placed directly into the uterus.
IVF - In Vitro Fertilization: Fertilizing eggs in a lab and transferring embryos to the uterus.
LH - Luteinizing Hormone: Triggers ovulation, detected with OPKs.
LMP - Last Menstrual Period: First day of your last period, used to estimate ovulation and due dates.
MS - Morning Sickness: Nausea or vomiting, common in early pregnancy.
Ob-Gyn - Obstetrician-Gynaecologist: Specialist in women’s reproductive health and childbirth.
OPK / OPT - Ovulation Predictor Kit/Test: Detects LH surge indicating ovulation.
PCOS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Hormone disorder causing irregular ovulation.
PGT / PGD / PGS - Preimplantation Genetic Testing: Screens embryos for genetic conditions.
PG - Pregnant: Common shorthand for pregnancy.
POF / POI - Premature Ovarian Failure / Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Conditions affecting egg supply and menopause timing.
POAS - Pee On A Stick: Slang for using a home pregnancy test.
RE - Reproductive Endocrinologist: Fertility specialist.
RPL - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Two or more miscarriages.
SA - Semen Analysis: Assesses sperm count, motility, and shape. Semen analysis test.
STIMS - Stimulation Hormones: Medications to help mature multiple eggs.
TESE - Testicular Sperm Extraction: Sperm retrieval procedure.
TTC - Trying To Conceive: Actively attempting to get pregnant.

Final thoughts

Understanding these acronyms can make your TTC journey feel less intimidating and far more empowering. With this handy glossary, you’ll be able to navigate fertility resources, community forums, and conversations with confidence.

At Home Insemination Solutions, we’re here to support your journey with knowledge, compassion, and the right tools to help make your dream of parenthood a reality.