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If you’ve ever dipped a toe into online fertility forums or apps, you’ve probably run into a sea of acronyms—TTC, DPO, CM… What does it all mean? The TTC (trying to conceive) community has developed its own shorthand to share support, experiences, and insights. While it can feel like learning a new language at first, we’ve got you covered.
This glossary breaks down the most common fertility acronyms so you can read, share, and engage with confidence.
Key Takeaway
Whether you’re new to the world of TTC or deep in the forums comparing DPO symptoms, knowing the language can help you feel more connected and confident. Bookmark this guide to navigate the journey with clarity—and remember, you’re not alone.
Fertility Acronyms A to Z: Explained
AF – Aunt Flow
A light-hearted term for your menstrual period.
AMA – Advanced Maternal Age
Refers to women who are 35 or older when trying to conceive or pregnant.
BBT – Basal Body Temperature
Your resting body temperature, often tracked daily to detect ovulation.
BCP – Birth Control Pills
Hormonal contraceptives used for birth control or cycle regulation.
BD – Baby Dance
A playful euphemism for having intercourse while trying to conceive.
CD – Cycle Day
The specific day of your menstrual cycle (CD1 is the first day of your period).
CF – Cervical Fluid
Fluid produced by the cervix, changes in consistency can indicate fertility.
CM – Cervical Mucus
Similar to cervical fluid, used to track ovulation signs.
DTD – Doing The Deed
Another fun way to say “intercourse.”
DPO – Days Past Ovulation
How many days it’s been since ovulation—often used when waiting to take a pregnancy test.
DPR – Days Past Retrieval
Number of days since egg retrieval in an IVF cycle.
DPT – Days Past Transfer / Days Past Trigger
Refers to the days following embryo transfer or an ovulation trigger shot.
E2 – Estradiol
A form of estrogen tested during fertility workups.
E3 – Estriol
Another form of estrogen, often tested during pregnancy.
EDD – Estimated Due Date
The predicted date of delivery for a pregnancy.
ENDO – Endometriosis
A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
ET – Embryo Transfer
A step in IVF where embryos are placed into the uterus.
FE – Frozen Embryo
An embryo preserved for future use in IVF cycles.
FET – Frozen Embryo Transfer
A transfer procedure using frozen embryos.
FHR – Fetal Heart Rate
Measured during prenatal appointments to check fetal health.
FM – Fertility Monitor
A device used to track ovulation and fertility hormones.
FMU – First Morning Urine
Typically used for home pregnancy tests, as hormone levels are most concentrated.
FSH – Follicle Stimulating Hormone
A hormone that stimulates follicle development in ovaries.
hCG – Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
The hormone detected by pregnancy tests.
HPT – Home Pregnancy Test
A urine test used to detect pregnancy at home.
HSG – Hysterosalpingogram
An X-ray procedure to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes.
ICSI – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
A fertility procedure where a single sperm is injected into an egg.
IM – Intramuscular Injection
Medication given directly into the muscle, common in IVF protocols.
IR – Insulin Resistance
May impact fertility, especially in conditions like PCOS.
IUI – Intrauterine Insemination
A procedure that places sperm directly into the uterus.
IVF – In Vitro Fertilization
A fertility treatment where eggs are fertilized outside the body and then transferred to the uterus.
LH – Luteinizing Hormone
Surges before ovulation, often detected via ovulation tests.
LPD – Luteal Phase Defect
A condition where the second half of the menstrual cycle is too short for implantation.
LSC – Low Sperm Count
One potential cause of male infertility.
LUFS – Luteinizing Unruptured Follicle Syndrome
A rare ovulatory disorder where the follicle doesn’t release an egg.
MC or M/C – Miscarriage
The loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks.
MF – Male Factor
Refers to infertility stemming from the male partner.
MMC – Missed Miscarriage
A pregnancy loss without immediate physical symptoms.
MS – Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting typically experienced during early pregnancy.
OHSS – Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
A complication of fertility treatments, where ovaries become swollen and painful.
OPK – Ovulation Predictor Kit
Tests that detect LH surges to predict ovulation.
PCOS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
A hormonal disorder affecting ovulation and fertility.
PID – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
An infection that can lead to infertility if untreated.
PNV – Prenatal Vitamins
Nutritional supplements taken before and during pregnancy.
POAS – Pee on a Stick
A common phrase referring to taking a pregnancy test.
POC – Products of Conception
Tissue resulting from fertilization, including the placenta and embryo/fetus.
POF – Premature Ovarian Failure
Also called primary ovarian insufficiency; early loss of normal ovarian function.
RE – Reproductive Endocrinologist
A fertility specialist trained in hormonal and reproductive health.
RI – Reproductive Immunologist
A specialist in immune-related fertility issues.
RPL – Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Experiencing two or more consecutive miscarriages.
SA – Semen Analysis
A lab test to evaluate male fertility.
SI – Secondary Infertility
Difficulty conceiving after a previous pregnancy.
TMI – Too Much Information
Used when sharing personal or graphic health details—often playfully.
TTC – Trying to Conceive
The journey and efforts to become pregnant.
TWW – Two-Week Wait
The time between ovulation and expected period or pregnancy test.
TW – Trigger Warning
Used to alert readers to sensitive or potentially upsetting content.
US – Ultrasound
An imaging test used to monitor reproductive organs or pregnancy.
