Towards less confusing terminology in reproductive medicine: A proposal

J. Dik F. Habbema; John Collins; Henri Leridon; Johannes L.H. Evers; Bruno Lunenfeld; Egbert R. Te Velde

doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.04.024

Towards less confusing terminology in reproductive medicine: A proposal

J. Dik F. Habbema
, John Collins
, Henri Leridon
, Johannes L.H. Evers
, Bruno Lunenfeld
, Egbert R. Te Velde

Department of Chemistry

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

The use of the term 'infertility' and related terms in reproductive medicine is reviewed. Current terminology is found to be ambiguous, confusing, and misleading. We recommend that the fertility investigation report of a couple should consist of statements concerning description, diagnosis, and prognosis. The description concerns the duration of nonpregnancy before consulting the clinician. A system for prognostic grading is proposed. The fertility investigation report forms the basis for further action, including the possibility of waiting with treatment in case of almost normal or only slightly reduced fertility. The use of the terms 'infertility', 'subfertility', and 'fecundity' is not necessary, and it is recommended to avoid them.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	36-40
Number of pages	5
Journal	Fertility and Sterility
Volume	82
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.04.024
State	Published - Jul 2004

Keywords

Fecundity
infertility
prognostic grading system
subfertility
terminology

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10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.04.024

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title = "Towards less confusing terminology in reproductive medicine: A proposal",

abstract = "The use of the term 'infertility' and related terms in reproductive medicine is reviewed. Current terminology is found to be ambiguous, confusing, and misleading. We recommend that the fertility investigation report of a couple should consist of statements concerning description, diagnosis, and prognosis. The description concerns the duration of nonpregnancy before consulting the clinician. A system for prognostic grading is proposed. The fertility investigation report forms the basis for further action, including the possibility of waiting with treatment in case of almost normal or only slightly reduced fertility. The use of the terms 'infertility', 'subfertility', and 'fecundity' is not necessary, and it is recommended to avoid them.",

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AU - Leridon, Henri

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AU - Lunenfeld, Bruno

AU - Te Velde, Egbert R.

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AB - The use of the term 'infertility' and related terms in reproductive medicine is reviewed. Current terminology is found to be ambiguous, confusing, and misleading. We recommend that the fertility investigation report of a couple should consist of statements concerning description, diagnosis, and prognosis. The description concerns the duration of nonpregnancy before consulting the clinician. A system for prognostic grading is proposed. The fertility investigation report forms the basis for further action, including the possibility of waiting with treatment in case of almost normal or only slightly reduced fertility. The use of the terms 'infertility', 'subfertility', and 'fecundity' is not necessary, and it is recommended to avoid them.

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KW - prognostic grading system

KW - subfertility

KW - terminology

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Towards less confusing terminology in reproductive medicine: A proposal

Abstract

Keywords

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