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Laparoscopy
A surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic in which a fibreoptic
telescope is passed through a small incision near the belly-button. The
telescope used with a light source helps to visualise uterus, ovaries, tubes
and surrounding organs. Operative procedures can be performed under
laparoscopic guidance through a small additional incision.
Laparotomy
An open surgical procedure in which an abdominal incision is made to enter into
the abdominal cavity. Hysterectomy can be performed through a laparotomy. An
exploratory laparotomy is carried out to identify a cause for pain or other
symptoms.
Leucocyte
White blood cells are present in the blood and tissue with a role to combat
infection. High levels in sperm samples may indicate infection.
LFT
Liver Function Test. A blood test to check several chemicals to monitor liver
function
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LH
Luteinising Hormone. It is produced by the pituitary gland and helps to ripen
the egg and trigger ovulation. In men, it stimulates testosterone production
LH RH
Luteinsing Hormone Releasing Hormone. It is produced by the hypothalamus and
controls the release of LH.
LH surge
A spontaneous surge of high levels of LH that occurs approximately 36 hours
before ovulation. This is used in urine ovulation kits
Lupron
A chemical similar to LH RH agonist. It is given as a single injection under the
skin to cause suppression of ovarian hormones
Luteal phase
The second half of menstrual cycle after ovulation
Luteal phase support
Drugs are sometimes given in luteal phase of assisted treatment cycles to help
implantation of embryo. Progesterone or hCG is used for this purpose
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