Infertility Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Infertility, including details on male and female infertility, treatment, causes, pregnancy.

Towards less confusing terminology in reproductive medicine: a counter proposal.

Homburg R

Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vrije Universiteit Medisch Centrum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. R.Homburg@vumc.nl

Less confusing terminology in reproductive medicine was the goal of a recent proposal the basis of which was to drop the term 'infertility' and replace it with a description. It also contained a prognostic grading system. The present article, arguing against most of these proposals, should not be regarded as nihilism but as constructive criticism to attain more clarity and common understanding. A counter proposal is suggested and includes retention of the term 'infertility', disposal of the terms 'subfertility' and 'sterility' with practical suggestions of when difficulties in conceiving should be investigated and treated.

Published 25 January 2005 in Hum Reprod, 20(2): 316-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Infertility Research Today. All Rights Reserved.