Starting fertility care can be overwhelming, especially when you hear many new medical terms  during ultrasounds, lab work, and cycle monitoring. Understanding these commonly used terms  can help patients feel more informed and comfortable throughout their treatment. Below are  some terms you may hear during early consultations and monitoring visits, and what they mean  for your care.  

Ultrasound Measurements During a Consultation 

During new patient consultations, the physician may perform an ultrasound to evaluate several  things. This includes measuring the size of the uterus, the thickness of the uterine lining, the size  of the ovaries, and antral follicle count (AFC). Antral follicles are small follicles visible in the  ovary at the start of a cycle. Each follicle contains a potential egg, so this count helps physicians  estimate how the ovaries may respond during treatment.  

Uterine Position: Anteverted vs. Retroverted 

The physician will also determine whether the uterus is anteverted (AV) or retroverted (RV). An  anteverted uterus tilts forward toward the bladder, while a retroverted uterus tilts backward  toward the spine. Both are normal variations, but knowing the position can help guide  ultrasounds and procedures, such as an embryo transfer. 

AMH and Ovarian Reserve 

Before starting a cycle, it is also important to know a patient’s AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)  level. AMH is measured through a blood test that helps estimate ovarian reserve, or the number  of eggs remaining in the ovaries. This can help physicians estimate how many eggs the ovaries  may produce during a treatment cycle. However, AMH is not a direct measure of fertility.  Someone can have a normal or even high AMH and still experience infertility. Very high AMH  levels can sometimes be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can also  affect fertility. While many factors contribute to fertility, AMH remains an important value when  planning treatment.  

Cycle Priming

Doctors may also recommend “cycle priming” with medications such as birth control pills  (OCPs) or Estrace before starting a cycle. These medications temporarily quiet the ovaries, so  follicles start from a more even baseline. This helps follicles grow more evenly once stimulation  medications start and can also help with cycle timing and reducing cyst formation.  

Monitoring Follicle Growth During Treatment 

Throughout a treatment cycle, the diameter of ovarian follicles is measured during monitoring  ultrasounds to track progress. Fertility medications stimulate the follicles to grow, and measuring

their size helps physicians determine how the ovaries are responding. These measurements guide  medication dose adjustments and help determine when a patient may be ready for a trigger shot  to induce ovulation.  

Corpus Luteum

Sometimes, you may also hear the doctor mention a corpus luteum and provide a measurement in  millimeters, similar to how follicles are measured. The corpus luteum forms from a follicle after  it releases an egg during ovulation, so identifying and measuring it can give information about  where you are in your menstrual cycle. The corpus luteum produces progesterone, a hormone  that supports the uterine lining in early pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus  luteum eventually breaks down and progesterone levels fall. 

Conclusion

Fertility treatments involve many tests, ultrasounds, and medical terms that may feel unfamiliar at first. Understanding these common terms can help you better follow what your care team is monitoring and why certain decisions are made throughout your treatment. Knowledge is a powerful part of feeling confident and supported during this journey.

If you ever have questions about a term, a test result, or any part of your care, the Beverly Hills Fertility team is always here to listen, explain, and guide you every step of the way.