Fertility Glossary
Glossary of Fertility Terms
- Capacitationsearch for term
- The changes that a sperm goes through to be capable of penetrating the layers covering the egg. It involves the sequentially timed release of a series of enzymes, which allows the sperm to digest a passage through those layers.
- Cervical Culturessearch for term
- The process of obtaining samples (of secretions) from the cervix and culturing them on special media for different types of infectious organisms such as Chlamydia, Gonococcus and Ureaplasma. These sexually transmitted diseases, if present, can cause infertility by damaging the fallopian tubes or can interfere with implantation of the embryo by infecting the lining of the uterus. They are easily treated with antibiotics.
- Cervical Mucussearch for term
- Cervical mucus is secreted by glandular cells that are present in the cervix. This mucus protects the uterus from invasion by bacteria present in the vagina. It also plays an important role in infertility. The cervical mucus, in response to the estrogen hormone, becomes thin and elastic at the time of ovulation. This allows the sperm to travel through the cervix and the uterus to reach the egg in the fallopian tube. It also helps the sperm to stay alive in the cervix for a longer period of time. A thick and dense mucus could prevent the passage of sperm through the cervix. The cervical mucus is checked by the Postcoital test.
- Cervical Stenosissearch for term
- Narrowing of the cervical canal in such a way that menstrual flow can partially or completely be impeded. It is often the result of cervical injury due to surgery such as cone biopsy done for an abnormal Pap smear. It can cause infertility by hampering the normal passage of sperm through the cervix, and can often be treated by intrauterine insemination that bypasses the cervix altogether.
- Cervixsearch for term
- The lower section of the uterus that protrudes into the vagina and dilates during labor to allow the passage of the infant.
- Chlamydiasearch for term
- A bacteria responsible for a sexually transmitted infection that can affect the tubes by causing permanent damage and thus infertility. Often occurs without significant symptoms.
- Chromosomesearch for term
- The nuclear structure of every living cell. Every human cell has normally 46 chromosomes. These chromosomes are made up of genes that govern all of the body's functions, and are also responsible for all the physical characteristics of an individual. Human gametes (i.e. eggs and sperm) contain only 23 chromosomes. When unified during fertilization, the total number of 46 chromosomes is thus restored. Abnormalities of chromosomes can result in miscarriages or congenital abnormalities. Age affects the quality of chromosomes in an egg and that is why infertility and miscarriages are more common in older women. For instance, the incidence of Down's Syndrome increases when a woman gets older.
- Clomiphene Citratesearch for term
- A commonly prescribed fertility drug that works by binding to the estrogen receptor, blocking it, and tricking the brain into thinking there is no estrogen. This results in more FSH release from the pituitary, which then stimulates specialized cells in the ovary to produce estrogen. The twin rate is about 10% due to the higher levels of FSH produced and therefore more eggs.
- Conceptionsearch for term
- When the sperm meets and penetrates the egg. Synonyms: fertilization
- Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulationsearch for term
- Stimulation of the ovaries with various hormonal medications in order to develop as many follicles as possible as well as to control the timing of ovulation. Synonyms: COH
- Corpus Luteumsearch for term
- A special gland that forms on the surface of the ovary at the site of ovulation and produces progesterone during the second half of the cycle. The follicle after it ruptures and releases the egg. It is necessary to prepare the uterine lining for implantation by the fertilized egg.
- Cryopreservationsearch for term
- A procedure used to preserve (by freezing) and store embryos or gametes (sperm). Synonyms: Embryo Freezing
- Ctyptorchidismsearch for term
- Testicles that are not descended into the scrotal sac.
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