- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Condition that one is born with due to the lack of an enzyme needed by the adrenal gland. Normal products of the adrenal gland, therefore, are not produced; the body tries to stimulate the gland, and it enlarges (hyperplasia).
- Congenital defect
A birth defect.
- Conization
Surgical removal of a cone-shaped portion of the cervix, usually as a treatment for a precancerous condition.
- Contraindication
A reason not to use a particular drug or treatment.
- Contraindications
Reasons not to use a particular drug or treatment.
- Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation
Stimulation of the ovaries with various hormonal medications to develop as many ovarian follicles as possible and to control the timing of ovulation for egg recovery.
- Corpus luteum
A gland that forms on the surface of the ovary at the site of ovulation and produces progesterone during the second half of the menstrual cycle, in order to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy. The corpus luteum regresses if pregnancy does not occur.
- Cryocautery
Cautery by freezing.
- Cryopreservation
The preservation of sperm, embryos, and oocytes by freezing them at extremely low temperatures. Cryopreserved embryos can he thawed and used in future cycles.
- Cryptorchidism
Undescended testes. Failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. Occurs when a testis is not in its normal position in the scrotum. It may he in the groin or abdomen.
- Cul-de-sac
Pouch located at the bottom of the abdominal cavity between the uterus and rectum.
- Culdoscopy
Examination of the internal female pelvic organs through an incision in the vagina.
- CVS
Taking a biopsy of the placenta, usually at the end of the second month of pregnancy, to test the fetus for genetic abnormalities.
- Cycle
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Refers to the period in between the beginning and the completion of one infertility treatment.
- Cyst
A sac filled with fluid.
- Cystic fibrosis
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Inherited disorder of the exocrine glands, affecting children and young people. It is caused by a genetic abnormality in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that results in the disruption of chloride transfer across cell membranes and affecting mainly the pancreas, respiratory system, and sweat glands.
- Cytomegaloviru
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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.
