CAPACITATIONThe process that sperm must undergo in order to fertilize an oocyte (egg).
CERVICAL FACTOR INFERTILITYInfertility due to a structural or hormonal abnormality of the cervix. This can be induced by previous surgery on the cervix (such as a LETTZ or cone procedures) that leaves the cervical canal scarred or closed, termed stenosis. Also applied when there are factors associated with the cervix which inhibit sperm function such as thickened mucus which prevents the sperm from traveling through the cervix into the female reproductive tract. Cervical factor infertility can usually be overcome using inseminations of sperm past the cervix in to the uterus.
CERVICAL MUCUSNormal secretions of the cervix which change in volume and consistency throughout the menstrual cycle.
CERVIXThe lower section of the uterus which protrudes into the vagina and serves as a reservoir for sperm. Its anatomical functions include being a natural barrier to the inner uterus, and also keeping pregnancies from delivering prematurely.
CHEMICAL (OR BIOCHEMICAL) PREGNANCYA pregnancy where there is a positive pregnancy test, but the levels of βhCG are too low for ultrasound documentation of a pregnancy. Typically this definition refers to pregnancies that have low βhCG levels that spontaneously decline and end up as abortions.
CLEAVAGEThe division of one cell into 2, 2 into 4, 4 into 8, etc. This is observed in the embryology laboratory during IVF cycles.
CLINICAL PREGNANCYA pregnancy in which there is ultrasound documentation of a pregnancy in the form of a beating fetal heart.
CLOMIPHENE CITRATE (e.g. Clomid)An oral medication used to stimulate the ovaries and/or synchronize follicle development.
CONGENITAL ANOMALYA non-hereditary characteristic or defect developed before birth. This can be a very minor irregularity, such as curvature of the second toe so it overlaps the third toe or it can be a more major anomaly such as a heart defect.
CORPUS LUTEUMIt forms from the ovulated follicle in the ovary and it produces progesterone during the second half of the menstrual cycle, which is necessary to prepare the uterine lining for implantation. It also supports early pregnancies by secreting the necessary hormones until the placenta becomes fully functional between 8-10 weeks of gestation.
CRYOPRESERVATIONControlled freezing and storage. This may be employed for sperm, embryos and oocytes (eggs).
CYSTA fluid filled structure. Cysts may be found anywhere in the body, but in reproductive medicine we primarily refer to them in the ovaries. Ovarian cysts may be normal or abnormal depending on the circumstances. Often they are just follicles that have not been fully reabsorbed from previous menstrual or treatment cycles. They are very common in both natural and stimulated cycles.
