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Hum. Reprod. Advance Access originally published online on November 18, 2004
Human Reproduction 2005 20(2):316-319; doi:10.1093/humrep/deh620
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Human Reproduction vol. 20 no. 2 © European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 2004; all rights reserved

Towards less confusing terminology in reproductive medicine

A counter proposal

Roy Homburg

Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vrije Universiteit Medisch Centrum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Corresponding address: Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vrije Universiteit Medisch Centrum, De Boelelaan 1117, postbus 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Email: r.homburg{at}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.

Key words: infertility/infertility investigation/infertility treatment/prognosis/terminology


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