|
Terminology |
Explanation |
| Calendar
calculation |
A
technique of calculating the pre-ovulatory relatively
infertile phase based on previous cycle lengths
|
| Cell |
The basic
unit of all living organisms. Complex organisms such as
humans are composed of somatic (body) cells and germ line
(reproductive) cells |
| Cervical
crypts |
Complex
pouches in the mucus-secreting lining of the cervix in which
sperm may collect prior to ovulation. |
| Cervical
ectropian (erosion) |
Also
called cervical eversion:- A condition of the cervix in
which the mucus membrane lining the cervical canal turns
outwards over the lip of the cervix. This may result in a
continuous mucus discharge |
| Cervical
mucus |
The
secretions surrounding the cervical canal. The amount and
texture changes during ovulation to allow sperm penetration |
| Cervix |
The narrow
passage at the lower end of the uterus (womb), which
connects to the vagina |
| Chatline |
Within
COTS a person that contact members on a regular basis to
help and support them. |
|
Chemotherapy |
Treatment
of a disease by chemical means
|
| Chlamydia |
A sexually
transmitted disease which can cause damage to the female and
male reproductive systems resulting in infertility.
Chlamydia may remain undetected for long periods of time |
| Chorion |
The outer
membrane tissue of the primitive placenta |
| Chorionic
villus sampling or C.V.S. |
A
procedure, usually between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy, by
which a small amount of the chorionic villi from the
placenta is biopsied for genetic analysis |
|
Chromosomes, sex |
The
chromosomes in the human cell that determine the sex.
Females have two 'X', chromosomes and males have one 'X' and
one 'Y' chromosome |
| Cleavage |
The
process of division or splitting which occurs to the zygote
(cell formed by fertilisation) to result in a blastocyst. |
| Clinical
Pregnancy |
A
pregnancy that occurs with the assistance of clinical
intervention |
| Clomid |
A drug
used in stimulated DI and IUI cycles |
| Clomiphene |
A
fertility drug which stimulates the production of one or
more follicles and therefore increases the chances of
pregnancy |
| Cloning |
Producing
genetically identical individuals |
| Colostrum |
The first
thick yellow milk secreted by the breasts in the last few
weeks of pregnancy and the first two to three days after
childbirth, until lactation is established. Colostrum
contains high levels of protein, and antibodies |
| Colposcopy |
A
procedure used to examine the vagina and cervix under
magnification through an instrument known as a colposcope.
It is of particular value in the early detection of cancer
of the cervix |
| Conceive |
To become
pregnant. |
| Conception |
Fusion of
the sperm and the egg cell. |
| Condom |
A sheath
of thin rubber worn over the erect penis to prevent
conception |
| Congenital
Abnormalities |
Malformations, deformities, diseases etc. are those which
are either present at birth, or which, being transmitted
direct from the parents, show themselves soon after birth |
|
Contraception |
The
prevention of conception. |
|
Contraceptive pill |
Synthetic
hormone(s) taken orally to prevent pregnancy |
| Corpus
luteum (yellow body) |
The
endocrine gland, formed in the ruptured follicle after
ovulation, which produces progesterone |
|
Counselling |
A
discussion session with a professional therapist that aims
to enable patients to understand the implications of
infertility treatment, to give emotional support and to help
the patient cope with the consequences of treatment.
This also applies to organisations who deal with surrogacy
etc. |
| Criminal
Record Checks |
A body
that carries out police checks on individuals.
Compulsory within COTS |
| Curettage |
A surgical
procedure used to scrape out the lining of the uterus or
womb with an instrument called a curette. |
| Cyclogest |
A drug
which can be taken rectally or vaginally and supports the
hormone levels of patients undergoing fertility treatment
following insemination |
|
Cryopreservation |
The
storage of gametes or embryos by freezing at low
temperatures |
| Cyst: |
An
abnormal sac-like structure containing fluid or semi-solid
material, which may present as a lump in various parts of
the body. |
| Cystic
Fibrosis |
this
hereditary disease affects numerous organs in the body,
namely the lungs, the pancreas, the intestines and the
liver. |
|
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) |
A member
of the herpes groups of viruses. Most adults and children
who catch CMV have no symptoms, although some people may get
a fever, sore throat, fatigue and swollen glands. CMV is of
most risk to unborn children of women who get CMV for the
first time during pregnancy. About 7 to 10% of these babies
will have symptoms at birth or will develop disabilities
including mental retardation, small head size, hearing loss,
and delays in development. |
