If you've just started your fertility journey, you might feel like you've entered a whole new world—one with its own language. Between online communities, doctor's offices, and fertility apps, you'll encounter abbreviations like TTC, DPO, and BFP. Don't worry. We're here to decode them for you.
Understanding fertility abbreviations helps you navigate your journey with confidence, connect with others who understand what you're going through, and communicate clearly with your healthcare provider. Let's break down the most important abbreviations you'll encounter.
The Core Fertility Abbreviations
TTC – Trying to Conceive
This is the umbrella term for your entire fertility journey. When someone says they're "TTC," they mean they're actively attempting to get pregnant. You'll see this abbreviation everywhere in fertility communities, from online forums to support groups. It's a simple way to describe where you are in your life right now.
DPO – Days Past Ovulation
DPO tracks how many days have passed since you ovulated. For example, if you ovulated on December 1st and today is December 8th, you're 7 DPO. This matters because it helps you understand where you are in your cycle and when pregnancy tests become reliable. Most pregnancy tests work best after 12-14 DPO, when hCG levels are high enough to detect.
Arva's Take: Tracking DPO can feel obsessive, and that's normal. Many people find it helpful to know where they stand, but remember—your cycle is unique. Don't compare your DPO timeline to someone else's.
TWW – The Two Week Wait
The TWW is the period between ovulation and when you either get your period or a positive pregnancy test. It typically lasts about 14 days, though it can range from 9-14 days depending on your individual cycle. This is often the most emotionally challenging part of the TTC journey—waiting, wondering, and managing the uncertainty.
BFP – Big Fat Positive
A BFP is a positive pregnancy test result. The term comes from the fertility community and reflects the joy and relief many people feel when they see those two lines. It's celebratory language that acknowledges the emotional significance of that moment.
BFN – Big Fat Negative
A BFN is a negative pregnancy test result. While the term might sound lighthearted, the experience often isn't. A BFN can bring disappointment, grief, or frustration. If you're experiencing repeated BFNs, know that you're not alone—and it's worth talking to a fertility specialist.
Cycle Tracking Abbreviations
AF – Aunt Flo
This playful term refers to your menstrual period. You might see someone write, "AF arrived today" or "Still waiting for AF." It's community slang that makes discussing periods feel less clinical and more relatable.
CD – Cycle Day
Cycle Day 1 is the first day of your period. From there, you count forward: CD 2, CD 3, and so on. This helps you track where you are in your menstrual cycle and predict ovulation. Most people ovulate around CD 12-16, though this varies.
CM – Cervical Mucus
Cervical mucus changes throughout your cycle and can indicate fertility. Around ovulation, it becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery—often described as "egg white cervical mucus" (EWCM). This is a sign your body is preparing for ovulation. Tracking CM is a natural, hormone-free way to monitor fertility.
LMP – Last Menstrual Period
Your LMP is the first day of your last period. Healthcare providers use this date to calculate your due date and track pregnancy progression. It's one of the most important dates in early pregnancy care.
Pregnancy Testing & Medical Abbreviations
HCG – Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
HCG is the pregnancy hormone. Your body produces it after a fertilized egg implants in your uterus. Blood tests measure HCG levels in mIU/mL:
- Less than 5 mIU/mL = Not pregnant
- 25+ mIU/mL = Pregnant
- Levels double every 2-3 days in early pregnancy
Home pregnancy tests detect HCG in urine, which is why they're most reliable after 12-14 DPO when levels are higher.
HPT – Home Pregnancy Test
An HPT is the at-home pregnancy test you buy at a pharmacy. These tests detect HCG in urine and are generally reliable when used correctly, especially after your missed period.
OPK – Ovulation Predictor Kit
An OPK detects the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that happens 24-48 hours before ovulation. Using OPKs helps you identify your fertile window and time intercourse or fertility treatments. They're available as urine tests or digital monitors.
Fertility Treatment Abbreviations
IUI – Intrauterine Insemination
IUI is a fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into your uterus around the time of ovulation. It's less invasive than IVF and often a first step for couples with certain fertility challenges.
IVF – In Vitro Fertilization
IVF involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and transferring embryos into your uterus. It's a more comprehensive fertility treatment used when other methods haven't worked or for specific diagnoses.
Emotional & Community Terms
Baby Dust
"Baby dust" is fertility community slang for good wishes and positive vibes. When someone says "sending you baby dust," they're wishing you success on your TTC journey. It's a warm, supportive gesture unique to fertility communities.
Rainbow Baby
A rainbow baby is a child born after a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. The term symbolizes hope and beauty after a difficult storm. If you've experienced loss, this term honors both your grief and your resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do people use these abbreviations instead of just saying the words?
A: Abbreviations create a sense of community and make discussions feel less clinical. They also allow people to discuss sensitive topics more privately in public spaces. Plus, they're just faster to type!
Q: Is it normal to feel overwhelmed by all this terminology?
A: Absolutely. Your fertility journey is already emotionally complex—learning a new language on top of that is a lot. Give yourself grace. You don't need to memorize everything at once. Bookmark this guide and refer back as needed.
Q: Should I use these abbreviations when talking to my doctor?
A: Your doctor will understand most fertility abbreviations, but it's fine to use plain language too. Say "I'm tracking ovulation" instead of "I'm monitoring my DPO" if that feels more natural. Clear communication matters more than perfect terminology.
Q: Where can I find more fertility abbreviations?
A: Online fertility communities, fertility clinic websites, and apps like Flo or Natural Cycles often have glossaries. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) also publishes an International Glossary of fertility terms.
Moving Forward
Understanding fertility abbreviations is your first step toward feeling more confident and connected on your TTC journey. These terms exist because thousands of people have walked this path before you—and they've created a language to support each other through it.
Arva's Take: Remember, you don't need to become fluent in fertility speak overnight. Your journey is personal, and you get to define it in whatever language feels right to you. Whether you're using medical terminology or community slang, what matters most is that you feel informed, supported, and heard.
If you have questions about your fertility or want personalized guidance, reach out to a fertility specialist or your OB-GYN. You deserve care that's tailored to your unique situation.
Sources
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). (2017). The International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): Purpose & Levels.
- Flo Health. (2022). Fertility Abbreviations: TTC, DPO, BFP, TWW, BFN Explained.
- Natural Cycles. (2025). 1-12 DPO Symptoms: What to Expect & When to Test.
- RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Infertility Acronyms.