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Laparoscopy   Visualization of the ovaries and the exterior of the Fallopian tubes and uterus by means of the inserting a surgical instrument through a small incision below the naval; one or two other punctures may be made through which additional instruments can be inserted and manipulated.   Laparotomy   Abdominal surgery.   LH   Luteinising Hormone   LH rise   The increase in LH that precedes and causes ovulation   LH surge   Same as the LH rise   Live Birth   The delivery of one or more babies.   Live Birth Rate   The number of live births achieved from every 100 treatment cycles commenced.   Luteal phase   The second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation when the corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone; receptivity of the endometrium to implantation of a fertilized egg depends on progesterone produced in the luteal phase.   Luteal phase defect   A shorter than normal luteal phase described as suboptimal production of progesterone or a lag in endometrial development.   Luteal phase protocol   A LH-RH (GnRH) agonist is administered in the luteal phase of the prior cycle to cause pituitary down-regulation. The exogenous gonadotropins administered are the only stimulation given to cause follicles to develop. This protocol does not utilize the "flare" potential of a LH-RH agonist.   Luteinizing hormone (LH)   The hormone that normally triggers ovulation and stimulates the corpus luteum to secrete progesterone it is produced and released by the pituitary gland. In the male, it stimulates testosterone production.