| Ectopic Pregnancy |
| A pregnancy outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. Such a pregnancy can rarely be sustained, and often leads to decreased or complete loss of function in the affected tube. Methotrexate is now used to dissolve the pregnancy without causing major damage to the tube. |
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| Egg |
| The mature female gamete, also called an oocyte. |
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| Egg Retrieval |
| A procedure used to obtain eggs from ovarian follicles for use in in-vitro fertilization. The procedure may be performed during laparoscopy or by using a long needle and ultrasound to locate the follicle in the ovary. |
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| Electrolysis |
| A hair removal technique, which utilizes a hair-thin metal probe, which is slid into a hair follicle. Electricity is delivered to the follicle through the probe, which causes localized damage to the areas that generate hairs. If done properly, insertion does not puncture the skin and hair removal is permanent. |
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| Embryo |
| The early products of conception; the undifferentiated beginnings of a baby; the conceptus. |
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| Embryo transfer |
| Placement of embryos through the cervix into the uterine cavity under ultrasound guidance. The final step in in-vitro fertilization cycle. |
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| Endocrine Glands |
| Glands that release hormones into the bloodstream. They affect how the body uses food (metabolism). They also influence other body functions. One endocrine gland is the pancreas. It releases insulin so the body can use sugar for energy. |
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| Endocrinologist |
| A doctor who treats people who have problems with their endocrine glands. Insulin resistance is an endocrine disorder. |
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| Endometrial ablation |
| Outpatient surgical procedure to destroy the lining of the uterus so that it is no longer able to bleed. Indicated for women no longer interested in childbearing in whom excessive menstrual bleeding is a problem. |
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| Endometrial biopsy |
| Office procedure in which a small amount of cells lining the uterine cavity are removed and sent for pathologic evaluation. |
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| Endometrioma |
| "Chocolate" ovarian cyst, lined by endometriosis. |
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| Endometriosis |
| A condition where endometrial tissue is located outside the womb. The tissue may attach itself to the reproductive organs or to other organs in the abdominal cavity. Each month the endometrial tissue inbreeds with the onset of menses. The resultant irritation causes adhesions in the abdominal cavity and in the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis may also interfere with ovulation and with the implantation of the embryo. |
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| Endometrium |
| The lining of the uterus, which grows and sheds in response to estrogen and progesterone stimulation; the bed of tissue designed to nourish the implanted embryo. |
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| Endogenous |
| Having a source from within. |
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| Endorphins |
| Natural narcotics manufactured in the brain to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress. |
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| Enzymes |
| A special type of protein. Enzymes help the body's chemistry work better and more quickly. Each enzyme usually has its own chemical job to do such as helping to change starch into glucose (sugar). |
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| Epinephrine |
| One of the secretions of the adrenal glands. It helps the liver release glucose (sugar) and limit the release of insulin. It also makes the heart beat faster and can raise blood pressure; also called adrenalin. |
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| Essential Fatty Acids |
| Acids found in omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil. |
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| Estradiol (E2) |
| The type of estrogen produced by the dominant follicle during the first half of the menstrual cycle. Estradiol levels rise prior to ovulation. At midcycle the peak estrogen level triggers the release of the LH spike from the pituitary gland. The LH spike is necessary for the release of the ovum from the follicle. Fat cells in both obese men and women can also manufacture estrogen from androgens and interfere with fertility. |
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| Estrogen |
| Female sex hormone. |
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| Euglycemia |
| A normal level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. |
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| Evening Primrose Oil |
| For PMS symptoms, irritability, breast tenderness and bloating. Is a good source of essential fatty acids. |
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| Exogenous |
| Having an external source. |
