Fertility Resources
Fertility Terms
There is a lot of information coming your way, sometimes we forget that fertility terms aren’t common terms.
Your ‘Day 1’ and why you (and your fertility team) need to know it
Your ‘Day 1’ is the first day of full flow, bright red bleeding of your menstrual cycle.
Your Day 1 is important because testing, medications and other aspects of fertility care depend on your Day 1 date.
It is so important, it has its own reporting line and we will ask you to “Call in your Day 1” so your care plan can proceed as soon as your cycle begins. Delaying, unfortunately, may result in having to wait until your next Day 1 to begin testing or fertility care.
If you do not menstruate regularly, we will help you determine the best time to initiate testing and treatment.
NCP = Natural Conception Program
Our Natural Conception Program (NCP) is the largest of its kind in Canada, designed to support individuals and couples who want to conceive with minimal intervention. In NCP, conception occurs in vivo, which means in your body. As much as possible, we rely on your body’s cues to guide your natural conception. Our program honours family diversity and provides a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for those who want to build a family. While the NCP team’s goal is to help each of our patients achieve a pregnancy, we recognize that sometimes this will not be possible with natural conception. In these instances, we work with our Reproductive Endocrinologists (REIs) to transition care towards other methods.
IVF = In vitro fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method of assisted reproduction in which sperm and eggs are combined in a laboratory setting to allow for fertilization outside of the body. This is followed by the transfer of an embryo back into the uterus.
Hannam Fertility is the only Canadian clinic partnered with the internationally renowned IVF lab CCRM Fertility. Being backed by the best lab, means we can offer you the best quality fertility care in Canada
IUI = Intrauterine Insemination
IUI is an integral part of our Natural Conception Program. Intrauterine insemination may be of particular help to couples who have difficulty with intercourse, as well as individuals using frozen-thawed samples, such as donor sperm. IUI does not enjoy the same success rates as IVF, but can provide a less expensive adjunct to care.
We focus on at-home treatment as much as possible, minimizing time in the clinic and maximizing success rates when you do come in to work with our andrology lab, which is accredited through the College of American Pathologists, and our experienced clinical team.
Egg Freezing
Egg Freezing is an option if you want to press pause until you’re ready to start your family. You can be your own egg donor—when you’re ready—by combining advanced egg-freezing techniques (in our top-notch CCRM Fertility lab) with our world-leading IVF treatments.
Donor Egg Program
Donor egg treatment is an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle in which an individual uses the eggs of another person (the donor) to build and extend their own family. The protocols involved are well established and safe for both you and the donor. Our program offers partnership options with specific clinics, your care team will guide you on which option is best for you.
Cycle Monitoring
Cycle Monitoring is the term used for tracking details like your uterine lining, follicle development and ovulation during fertility care with blood work and ultrasound.