- Cancelled cycle
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Discontinuation of the cycle due to one of the following: poor response, no oocyte recovery, or failed fertilization.
- Cannula
A hollow tube used, for example, to inseminate sperm artificially.
- Capacitation
The process by which sperm become capable of fertilizing an egg.
- Catheter
A flexible tube used for aspirating or injecting fluids.
- Cauterize
To destroy tissue with heat, cold, or caustic substances usually to seal off blood vessels or ducts.
- CBC
-
Complete Blood Count - A routine preoperative blood test that gives information regarding infection and anaemia.
- Centrifuge
High-speed spinning device used during the processing and washing of sperm for artificial insemination or ART procedures. Separates sperm from the semen using centrifugal force.
- Cervical mucus
Mucus produced by the cervix that undergoes complex changes in its physical properties in response to changing hormone levels during the reproductive cycle. These changes assist the survival and transport of sperm.
- Cervicitis
Inflammation of the cervix.
- Cervix
The lower portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
- Chemical pregnancy
-
A positive hCG level in the blood that fails to continue to rise and does not lead to a clinical pregnancy.
- Chlamydia
An STD caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, which is frequently transmitted sexually between partners. In women, chlamydial infection accounts for 25 to 50 percent of the pelvic inflammatory disease cases seen each year. Chlamydia is the most common STD in the United States today.
- Chorionic villus sampling
Taking a biopsy of the placenta, usually at the end of the second month of pregnancy, to test the fetus for genetic abnormalities.
- Chromosomal abnormalities
Genetic mutations involving changes in the number and structure of chromosomes. This can affect fertility through early fetal loss caused by genetic factors, impairment in the reproductive function in an adult caused by chromosomal abnormalities already present, or by genetic predisposition toward certain diseases, such as endometriosis.
- Chromosome
A rod-shaped body in a cell nucleus that carries the genes that convey hereditary characteristics.
- Cleavage
The stage of cell division that takes place immediately after fertilization and that lasts until the cells begin to segregate and differentiate and to develop into a blastocyst.
- Clomid
A fertility pill that stimulates ovulation through release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. CC is a commonly prescribed fertility drug, primarily used in patients with oligomenorrhea to promote increased gonadotropin secretion and stimulation of the ovary.
- Clomiphene citrate
A fertility pill that stimulates ovulation through release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. CC is a commonly prescribed fertility drug, primarily used in patients with oligomenorrhea to promote increased gonadotropin secretion and stimulation of the ovary.
- CMV
-
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) - A member of the herpes virus family. Active infection produces enlarged cells enclosing foreign matter. It is transmitted by sexual contact or infected body fluids. It can also be transmitted from mother to foetus. It rarely causes serious illness in healthy adults; however, it can lead to serious consequences, including blindness, in those with depressed immune systems. In newborns, even without spleen and liver enlargement (10% of cases), CMV is the most common infection and a major cause of congenital deafness; it may also induce retardation and blindness.
- COH
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
Stimulation of multiple ovulation with fertility drugs; also known as superovulation.
- Colposcopy
Examination of the cervix through a magnifying telescope to detect abnormal cells.
- Complete Blood Count
-
CBC (Complete Blood Count) - A routine preoperative blood test that gives information regarding infection and anaemia.
- Conceptus
The mass of cells resulting from the earliest stages of cell division of a zygote.
- Condom
A latex (rubber) device that fits over the penis to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
- Congenital
-
A characteristic or defect present at birth, acquired during pregnancy, but not necessarily hereditary.
