Decoding fertility lingo

Since this is the first post since my introduction, I’d like to start by providing some information that I think anyone trying to conceive and using online forums should find useful: a list of abbreviations!  It’s amazing how many terms are abbreviated in fertility-focused online communities.  It’s a bit like learning another language!  Try not to get discouraged, though – the more you see these abbreviations in context, the more you will get used to them.  And you can always come here and look up any you don’t recognize – hopefully I’ll have what you seek!

This is not a complete list, but it should be enough to get you started:

Acu=acupuncture

Acu-baby=baby resulting from a cycle with acupuncture treatments

AF=Aunt Flo (menstruation/period)

AI=artificial insemination

AMH= anti-mullerian hormone

ART=assisted reproductive technology

BB(s)=boob(s)/breast(s) OR baby/babies (depending on context)

BBT=basal body temperature

BCP=birth control pills

BD=baby dancing (intercourse)

Beta= number resulting from a quantitative hCG blood test

BF=breastfeeding

BFN=big fat negative (negative pregnancy test)

BFP=big fat positive (positive pregnancy test)

BW=bloodwork

CBD=Clear Blue Digital (pregnancy test)

CBE=Clear Blue Easy fertility monitor

CD=cycle day (usually followed by a number; CD1 is 1^st day of full menstrual flow)

CM=cervical mucus

CP=cervical position

D&C = dilation & curettage

DD=dear daughter

DF=dear fiance

DH=dear husband

DOR=diminished ovarian reserve

DP=dear partner (male or female)

DPIUI=days past IUI

DPO=days past ovulation

DPR=days past retrieval (of eggs)

DPT=days past transfer (of an embryo) OR days past trigger (hCG injection)

DS=dear son

DSS/DSD=dear stepson/dear stepdaughter

DTD=do the dance (intercourse)

Dx=diagnosis

E or E2=estrogen/estradiol

EDD=estimated due date

Embies=embryos

Endo=endometriosis

EPO=evening primrose oil

EPT=early pregnancy test

EWCM=egg-white cervical mucus

FET=frozen embryo transfer

FF=Fertility Friend (website)

FMU=first morning urine

FRER=First Response Early Result (pregnancy test)

FSH=follicle stimulating hormone

FX=fingers crossed

GIFT=gamete intrafallopian transfer

GL=good luck

GP=general practitioner

hCG= human chorionic gonadotropin

HPT=home pregnancy test

HRT=hormone replacement therapy

HSG= hysterosalpingogram

HTH=hope that helps

IC=internet cheapies (cheap pregnancy tests purchased online)

ICSI=intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection

IF=infertility

IUD=intrauterine device

IUI=intrauterine insemination

IVF=in-vitro fertilization

KO=knocked up (pregnant)

KUP=keep us posted

KWIM=know what I mean

LAP=laparoscopy

LH=luteinizing hormone

LMP=last menstrual period (usually 1^st day of full flow)

LO=little one (baby/child)

LPD=luteal phase defect

M/S=morning sickness

MC or m/c=miscarriage

MFI or MF=male factor infertility

MMC=missed miscarriage

Morph=morphology (usually referring to sperm quality)

MTHFR=Methylene-Tetra-Hydro-Folate-Reductase gene

NP=nurse practitioner

O=ovulation

O-3=3 days before ovulation (not counting O day), could be any number; O+1 is 1 day after ovulation

OB/GYN=obstetrician/gynecologist

OPK=ovulation predictor kit

OTC=over the counter (non-prescription pharmacy items)

P or P4=progesterone

PCOS=polycystic ovarian syndrome

PCP=primary care provider

PG=pregnant

PI=primary infertility

PMS=premenstrual syndrome

POAS=pee on a stick (take a pregnancy test)

RE=reproductive endocrinologist

Rx=prescription

SA=semen analysis

SI=secondary infertility

SMEP=Sperm Meets Egg Plan

SMH=shaking my head OR scratching my head (depending on context)

SMU=second morning urine

SO=significant other

STD=sexually transmitted disease

TCOYF=Taking Charge of Your Fertility (book & website)

THB=take-home baby (as opposed to a loss)

TI=timed intercourse

TIA=thanks in advance

TL=tubal ligation

TMI=too much information

TR=tubal reversal

TTC=trying to conceive

TWW=two week wait (time between ovulation and menstruation, or pregnancy confirmation, in an average cycle, actual length varies)

UR=urologist

US or u/s=ultrasound

UTI=urinary tract infection

V=vasectomy

VR=vasectomy reversal

WTO=waiting to ovulate

WTT=waiting to test (for pregnancy)

XH=ex-husband

XO=kisses & hugs

Hopefully now we're all speaking the same "language"!  I will probably end up using a number of these abbreviations in my posts, so this should serve as a quick alphabetical reference.  There are plenty more where that came from (and I think some are invented on the spot as well), so don’t be surprised if I add to this list from time to time.  I hope you find it helpful!