Gamete
A reproductive cell; the sperm in men, the egg in women.

Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)
A method of assisted reproduction that involves surgically removing an egg from the ovary via laparoscopy, combining it with sperm and immediately placing the sperm/eggs into the fallopian tube, where fertilization may occur.

Gardnerella
A bacteria that may cause a vaginal infection.

Gene
The unit of heredity, composed of DNA; the building block of chromosomes.

Gestational carrier
A woman who gestates an embryo (carries a pregnancy for another couple which is not genetically related to her), and then turns over the childto its genetic parents (see Surrogate Gestational Carrier).

Gestational sac
A fluid-filled structure surrounding an embryo that develops within the uterine cavity early in pregnancy.

GIFT
See Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer.

GnRH analogs
Synthetic hormones similar to the naturally occurring gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH).

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
Hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that prompts the pituitary gland to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) into the bloodstream.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa)
An agonist for a hormone capable of stimulating the testicles or the ovaries to produce sperm or an egg, respectively.

Gonadotropins
The hormones produced by the pituitary gland that control reproductive function follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Gonads
Organs that produce the sex cells and sex hormones; testicles in men and ovaries in women.

Gonorrhea
A sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonococcus that can lead to infertility.

Grading of embryos
An assessment of the quality of embryos, as determined by a physician and embryologists at the time of transfer. Embryos are assigned a grade according to specific criteria, such as cell number, cell regularity of size, the degree of cellular fragmentation, and the clarity or granularity of the cell’s contents. Embryo grade has been shown to correlate with the likelihood of implantation of a fertilized ovum in the endometrium of the uterus, pregnancy, and the ability of the embryos to survive freezing and thawing.

Granuloma
A ball of inflamed tissue, commonly formed after vasectomy due to sperm leaking from the vas deferens.