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What do IVF acronyms mean?

IVF has many acronyms: TWW (two-week wait), BFP (big fat positive/pregnant), BFN (big fat negative), DPO (days past ovulation), DPT (days past transfer), ET (embryo transfer), ER (egg retrieval), FET (frozen embryo transfer), PGT (preimplantation genetic testing), and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).

Last updated: December 2025

IVF Glossary & Acronym Decoder

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IVF and fertility treatment is full of confusing acronyms and medical terms. Use this searchable glossary to decode what everything means. Click any term to see translations in Chinese, Spanish, and French.

Showing 41 of 41 terms

TWWTwo-Week Wait
Timeline

The waiting period between embryo transfer and pregnancy test, typically 10-14 days.

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BFPBig Fat Positive
Results

A positive pregnancy test result.

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BFNBig Fat Negative
Results

A negative pregnancy test result.

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DPODays Past Ovulation
Timeline

Number of days since ovulation occurred. Used to track early pregnancy.

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DPTDays Past Transfer
Timeline

Number of days since embryo transfer. Example: 5dp5dt = 5 days past 5-day transfer.

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CDCycle Day
Timeline

Day of menstrual cycle. CD1 = first day of period.

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IVFIn Vitro Fertilisation
Procedures

Fertility treatment where eggs are fertilised outside the body and embryos transferred to uterus.

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IUIIntrauterine Insemination
Procedures

Fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation.

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ICSIIntracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Procedures

Single sperm injected directly into egg. Used for male factor or fertilisation issues.

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EREgg Retrieval
Procedures

Surgical procedure to collect eggs from ovaries, done under sedation.

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ETEmbryo Transfer
Procedures

Procedure to place embryo(s) into the uterus. Quick and usually painless.

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FETFrozen Embryo Transfer
Procedures

Transfer of previously frozen embryo, done in a separate cycle from egg retrieval.

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HSGHysterosalpingogram
Procedures

X-ray test using dye to check if fallopian tubes are open and uterus shape is normal.

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SISSaline Infusion Sonogram
Procedures

Ultrasound using saline to see inside the uterus. Also called sonohysterogram.

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PGT-APreimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy
Testing

Tests embryos for chromosome number abnormalities. Previously called PGS.

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PGT-MPreimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic disorders
Testing

Tests embryos for specific inherited genetic diseases.

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AMHAnti-Müllerian Hormone
Testing

Blood test measuring ovarian reserve. Higher = more eggs remaining.

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AFCAntral Follicle Count
Testing

Ultrasound count of small follicles in ovaries. Indicates egg supply.

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FSHFollicle Stimulating Hormone
Testing

Hormone that stimulates egg development. Tested on day 3 of cycle.

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LHLuteinizing Hormone
Testing

Hormone that triggers ovulation. LH surge = ovulation within 24-36 hours.

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HCGHuman Chorionic Gonadotropin
Testing

Pregnancy hormone measured in beta tests. Also used as trigger shot.

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SASemen Analysis
Testing

Test measuring sperm count, motility, and morphology.

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StimsStimulation Medications
Medications

Injectable hormones (Gonal-F, Follistim, Menopur) that stimulate multiple egg growth.

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PIOProgesterone in Oil
Medications

Intramuscular progesterone injection for luteal support after transfer.

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BCPBirth Control Pills
Medications

Often used before IVF to suppress ovaries and schedule cycle timing.

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PCOSPolycystic Ovary Syndrome
Diagnoses

Common hormonal condition causing irregular ovulation and multiple small ovarian cysts.

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DORDiminished Ovarian Reserve
Diagnoses

Reduced quantity or quality of remaining eggs. Often shows as low AMH.

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MFIMale Factor Infertility
Diagnoses

Fertility issues related to sperm count, motility, or morphology.

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RPLRecurrent Pregnancy Loss
Diagnoses

Two or more pregnancy losses. May require additional testing.

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OHSSOvarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Diagnoses

Complication where ovaries over-respond to stimulation. Causes bloating and discomfort.

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BlastBlastocyst
Embryos

Day 5-6 embryo with 100+ cells. Preferred stage for transfer.

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MorulaMorula
Embryos

Day 4 embryo stage, before blastocyst. Ball of 16-32 cells.

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5AAEmbryo Grading
Embryos

Grading system for blastocysts. First number = expansion, letters = inner cell mass and trophectoderm quality.

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SETSingle Embryo Transfer
Embryos

Transferring one embryo to reduce multiple pregnancy risk.

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REReproductive Endocrinologist
People

Fertility specialist doctor who performs IVF.

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TTCTrying to Conceive
Community

Actively attempting to get pregnant.

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AFAunt Flo
Community

Slang for menstrual period.

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BDBaby Dance
Community

Euphemism for intercourse when trying to conceive.

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OPKOvulation Predictor Kit
Testing

Home test that detects LH surge before ovulation.

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HPTHome Pregnancy Test
Testing

Urine pregnancy test taken at home.

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BetaBeta HCG Test
Testing

Blood test measuring pregnancy hormone. More accurate than HPT.

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Medical Review: IVFPath Medical Content Team • Last reviewed: December 2025

Disclaimer: This glossary is for educational purposes. Medical terms may have specific meanings in your clinic's context. Always ask your healthcare provider if you're unsure about terminology.