The Basics
Acronym | What It Means | Translation |
TTC | Trying to Conceive | You’re in baby-making mode |
AF | Aunt Flo | Your period |
BD | Baby Dance | Sex with the goal of conception |
BFP | Big Fat Positive | A positive pregnancy test (cue happy tears) |
BFN | Big Fat Negative | A negative test (ugh, we know) |
DPO | Days Past Ovulation | How many days it’s been since you ovulated |
CD | Cycle Day | Day of your menstrual cycle (CD1 = first day of your period) |
Hormones & Testing
Acronym | What It Means | Why It Matters |
AMH | Anti-Müllerian Hormone | Measures your egg reserve (ovarian reserve) |
FSH | Follicle Stimulating Hormone | High levels may indicate lower egg reserve |
LH | Luteinising Hormone | Spikes before ovulation—what ovulation kits detect |
E2 | Oestradiol (a form of oestrogen) | Helps track follicle development |
TSH | Thyroid Stimulating Hormone | Thyroid health can impact fertility |
P4 | Progesterone | The hormone produced after ovulation |
PRL | Prolactin | High levels can mess with ovulation |
hCG | Human Chorionic Gonadotropin | Pregnancy hormone measured in blood/urine |
Tests & Treatments
Acronym | What It Means | What It’s For |
OPK | Ovulation Predictor Kit | Pee stick that shows LH surge, indicating imminent ovulation |
IUI | Intrauterine Insemination | Sperm is placed directly into the uterus |
IVF | In Vitro Fertilisation | Eggs and sperm are combined in a lab (fertilized). Specifically, this means that the egg selects the sperm for fertilisation. |
ICSI | Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection | A single sperm is injected into an egg (used with IVF) |
ET | Embryo Transfer | Placing the embryo into the uterus |
BT | Blood Test | Used to confirm ovulation or pregnancy |
Other Good-to-Know Terms
Acronym | What It Means | When You’ll See It |
LNMP | Last Normal Menstrual Period | Used to estimate ovulation or the due date |
2WW | Two-Week Wait | The limbo between ovulation and testing (aka am I pregnant or not?!) |
MC | Miscarriage | A tough one, but important to understand |
GP | General Practitioner | Your first stop for referrals, tests, and support |
RE | Reproductive Endocrinologist | A fertility specialist (sometimes called FS in Aus) |
Summary
If you’re feeling acronym overload, you’re not alone. The fertility world loves a shortcut—but you don’t have to speak fluent “TTC” to advocate for your health.
CHARLI’s got your back with tracking tools, plain-language information and zero judgment.