Must-Know Fertility Words for Every Stage of Your Journey, Part 2: Preparing for Treatment

Starting fertility treatment can be both hopeful and overwhelming. You’re not just managing appointments, medication schedules, and emotions—you’re also encountering new terms that can feel confusing at first. But knowing what those words mean, and why they matter, can bring a real sense of clarity and confidence as you move forward. 

This glossary is designed to ease that transition. It focuses on the language used during the early planning phase of fertility care—before procedures begin. These are the conversations where cycle calendars are built, medication plans are explained, and hormone levels are tracked. You’ll see terms connected to diagnostics, medications, and early treatment support. 

This is Part 2 of our 4-part glossary series, built to guide and encourage you throughout your fertility experience. 

Glossary of Fertility Terms: Preparing for Treatment 

The terms below often come up during treatment consultations, calendar overviews, and medication prep. Each one includes not just a definition, but also when and where you might hear it—so you can feel ready when it comes up in real time. 

Clomifene Citrate 

Clomifene Citrate is a commonly prescribed oral medication used to help stimulate ovulation. It's often part of early fertility treatment plans like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or timed intercourse, especially for individuals with irregular cycles or diagnosed ovulatory disorders. You might first hear about it during your planning meeting, particularly after bloodwork indicates ovulation isn't happening regularly. 

Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) 

Controlled Ovarian Stimulation, or COS, refers to the use of injectable hormones to prompt the development of multiple eggs in one cycle. It’s a standard part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and sometimes IUI cycles. This term may come up during medication orientation or when finalizing your monitoring schedule. 

Downregulation 

Downregulation is the process of temporarily suppressing your body’s natural hormone cycle with medication, often to allow for better control over ovulation during IVF. You may hear about it in the context of a long protocol plan, or if your physician wants more predictability in timing for egg retrieval. 

Embryo Freezing 

Embryo freezing refers to storing fertilized embryos for future use. It's frequently discussed during IVF when multiple embryos are created but not all are transferred right away. Freezing can offer more flexibility in your timeline and opens the door for future embryo selection based on quality or genetic results. Conversations around how embryos are graded or embryo genetic testing often happen at the same time. 

Fertility Preservation 

Fertility preservation includes services like egg, sperm, or embryo freezing, often recommended for people who aren’t ready to try conceiving now or who are facing medical treatments that could impact fertility. This term comes up during early conversations about long-term planning or before starting chemotherapy, radiation, or certain surgeries. Our team provides knowledgeable support and guidance for anyone exploring these fertility solutions. 

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Trigger Shot 

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, commonly known as the HCG trigger shot, is used to prompt the final maturation and release of an egg. It's often the final step of stimulation in IUI or IVF cycles. Your fertility specialist may introduce this term once your follicles reach the right size, usually just before your procedure is scheduled. 

Luteal Phase Support 

Luteal phase support involves taking progesterone to help thicken the uterine lining, which supports potential embryo implantation. It typically begins after ovulation or embryo transfer and is a common part of both IUI and IVF cycles. Pills, injections, or vaginal suppositories may be discussed based on your protocol. 

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) 

OHSS is a rare side effect where the ovaries swell and retain fluid after stimulation medications. While mild symptoms are common and treatable, more severe reactions can require additional monitoring. It’s most often discussed during medication overviews—especially if your hormone levels suggest a higher risk. 

Ovulation Induction 

Ovulation induction refers to the use of medications that help stimulate ovulation in people who don’t ovulate regularly on their own. It’s often part of the first step in fertility treatment and can involve oral or injectable medications. You may hear this phrase when talking through options like Clomifene Citrate or Letrozole. 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal condition that often impacts ovulation. It’s a frequent diagnosis during initial fertility testing and can influence treatment options like ovulation induction. Your doctor might mention PCOS when reviewing your ultrasound results or labwork that shows elevated androgens or irregular cycles.