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Hamster test

a test of the ability of a man's sperm to penetrate a hamster egg stripped of its outer membrane, the zona pellucida, Also called Hamster Zona-Free Ovum (HZFO) Test or Sperm Penetration Assay (SPA)

Hemizona assay

a laboratory test of the ability of sperm to penetrate into a human egg; first the egg is split in half, then one half is tested against the husband's sperm and the other half against sperm from a fertile man

Hirsutism

excessive hair growth

Hormone

a substance, produced by an endocrine gland, that travels through the bloodstream to a specific organ, where it exerts its effect

Host uterus procedure

a woman carries to term a pregnancy produced by an infertile couple through in vitro fertilization

Hostile mucus

cervical mucus that impedes the natural progress of sperm through the cervical canal

Human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)

the hormone produced early in pregnancy to keep the corpus luteum producing progesterone; may be injected to stimulate ovulation and progesterone production

Human menopausal gonadotropins(hMG)

see Pergonal

Hydrotubation

injection of fluid, often into the fallopian tubes to determine if they are open

Hyperandrogenismv

excessive production of androgens in women, frequently a cause of hirsutism and also associated with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD)

Hyperprolactinemia

excessive prolactin in the blood

Hyperstimulation

excessive stimulation of the ovaries that can cause them to become enlarged

Hypothalamus

the endocrine gland at the center of the brain that produces gonadotropin releasing hormone and controls pituitary function

Hypothyroidism

underactivity of the thyroid gland

Hysterectomy

surgical removal of the uterus

Hysteroscopy

examination of the inner cavity of the uterus through a fiberoptic telescope inserted through the vagina and cervical canal

Hysterosalpingogram(HSG)

an X-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes

Copyright 1996. The American Surrogacy Center, Inc.(TASC), Marietta, GA

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