Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Cancellation

Ovulation induction/augmentation cycles for ART are occasionally cancelled because of a poor response (not enough follicles or low estradiol levels) or hyperstimulation (too many follicles with a high estradiol level).

Capacitation

The alteration of sperm during the passage through the female reproductive tract that gives them the capacity to penetrate and fertilize the ovum.

Cervical factor

Infertility secondary to problems with the cervix. Typically this is because of a deficiency of cervical mucus. With insuffient mucus, sperm are less able to access the upper reproductive tract of the woman. Cervical factor is treated by intrauterine insemination.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus that protrudes into the vagina and dilates during labor to allow the passage of the fetus.

Chromotubation

The injection of saline (salt water) with dye through the fallopian tubes during laparoscopy. Also known as hydrotubation. Used to determine whether fallopian tubes are anatomically normal and open.

Clinical Pregnancy

A pregnancy that reaches the stage when ultrasound can confirm a gestational sac within the uterus or with an increasing level of human chorionic gonadotropin.

Clomiphene Citrate

A synthetic hormone medication used in ovulation induction/augmentation.

Coital Factor

Infertility caused by a couple’s inability to have effective intercourse. This might include male factors such as premature ejaculation or inability to obtain/maintain an erection, or female factors such as vaginismus.

Conception

The fertilization of a woman’s ovum (egg) by a man’s sperm to form a zygote.

Controlled Ovarian Stimulation

Pharmacologic stimulation of the ovaries, generally with gonadotropins and/or clomiphene citrate, with the objective of stimulating the development of multiple follicles.

Corpus Luteum

A special gland that forms on the surface of the ovary at the site of ovulation and produces progesterone (and estrogen) during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Its function is necessary to prepare the endometrium for implantation by the embryo.

Cryopreservation

Maintaining the viability of cells or tissue by storage at very low temperatures (freezing). It is used to preserve and store embryos or gametes.

Cytoplasm

The inside of a cell excluding the nucleus. In the case of ova the cytoplasm can be thought of as the "egg-white" as compared to the nucleus which can be thought of as the "egg-yolk." The nucleus contains most of the genetic information; the cytoplasm contains many structures important for proper cell division during early development.