Terms used in this guideline
This section defines terms that have been used in a particular way for this guideline. For other definitions, see the NICE glossary and the Think Local, Act Personal Care and Support Jargon Buster.
Expectant management
A formal approach that encourages conception through unprotected vaginal intercourse. It involves supportively offering an individual or couple information and advice about the regularity and timing of intercourse and any lifestyle changes that might improve their chances of conceiving. It does not involve active clinical or therapeutic interventions.
Full cycle
This term is used to define a full in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, which should include 1 episode of ovarian stimulation and the transfer of any resultant fresh and frozen embryo(s).
Spontaneous conception
This term is used to describe when a pregnancy occurs without the aid of assisted reproductive technologies. Elsewhere, other terms may be used, such as natural conception, unassisted conception, or conception without treatment.
Suspected or known clinical cause of infertility
This includes history, symptoms and signs, for example:
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irregular or absent periods
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significant pelvic pain
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gynaecological condition such as endometriosis or chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
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history of ectopic pregnancy
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history of recurrent ovarian cystectomies
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history of multiple abdominopelvic surgeries
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history of undescended testes
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history of testicular cancer
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history of inguinal or scrotal surgery with atrophic testicle
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clinically significant varicocele
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history of orchitis including mumps orchitis (if occurred post-pubertally)
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any condition with loss of ejaculation
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history of chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy.
Natural cycle IVF
An IVF procedure in which 1 or more oocytes are collected from the ovaries during a spontaneous menstrual cycle without the use of drugs.