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CANDIDIASIS (YEAST) An infection that may be uncomfortable and itchy and may impair fertility.

CAPACITATION A process that sperm undergo as they travel through the womans reproductive tract. Capacitation enables the sperm to penetrate the egg.

CERVICAL STENOSIS A blockage of the cervical canal from a congenital defect or from complications of surgical procedures. See also "Cervix."

CERVICAL SMEAR A sample of the cervical mucus examined microscopically to assess the presence of oestrogen (ferning) and white blood cells, indicating possible infection.

CERVICAL MUCUS A viscous fluid plugging the opening of the cervix. Most of the time this thick mucus plug prevents sperm and bacteria from entering the womb. However, at midcycle, under the influence of estrogen, the mucus becomes thin, watery, and stringy to allow sperm to pass into the womb. See also "Cervix."

CERVIX The opening between the uterus and the vagina. The cervical mucus plugs the cervical canal and normally prevents foreign materials from entering the reproductive tract. The cervix remains closed during pregnancy and dilates during labor and delivery to allow the baby to be born.

CERVIX, INCOMPETENT A weakened cervix which opens prematurely during pregnancy and can cause the loss of the fetus. A

CERVICAL CERCLAGE is a procedure in which a stitch or two is put around the cervix to prevent its opening until removed when the pregnancy is to term.

CHOCOLATE CYST A cyst in the ovary that is filled with old blood; endometrioma. Occurring when endometriosis invades an ovary, it causes the ovary to swell. Frequently, patients with large endometriomas do not have any symptoms. If the cyst ruptures or the ovary containing the cyst twists, emergency surgery may be necessary. Usually treatment can be carried out through the laparoscope.

CHROMOSOME The structures in the cell that carry the genetic material (genes); the genetic messengers of inheritance. The human has forty-six chromosomes, twenty three coming from the egg and twenty three coming from the sperm.

CILIA Tiny hair like projections lining the inside surface of the fallopian tubes. The waving action of these 'hairs' sweeps the egg toward the uterus.

CLOMIPHENE CITRATE (CLOMID), A fertility drug that stimulates ovulation through the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland.

CONDOM THERAPY Therapy prescribed to reduce the number of sperm antibodies in the woman by using a condom during intercourse for six months or more and by the woman refraining from all skin contact with the husband's sperm. The woman's antibody level may fall to levels that will not adversely affect the sperm.

CONE BIOPSY A surgical procedure used to remove precancerous cells from the cervix. The procedure may damage the cervix and thus disrupt normal mucus production or cause an incompetent cervix, which may open prematurely during pregnancy.

CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA A congenital condition characterized by elevated androgens which suppress the pituitary gland and interfere with spermatogenesis or ovulation. Women may have ambiguous genitalia from the excess production of male hormone.

CORPUS LUTEUM The yellow pigmented glandular structure that forms from the ovarian follicle following ovulation. The gland produces progesterone, which is responsible for preparing and supporting the uterine lining for implantation. Progesterone also causes the half degree basal temperature elevation noted at midcycle during an ovulatory cycle. If the corpus luteum functions poorly, the uterine lining may not support a pregnancy. If the egg is fertilised, a corpus luteum of pregnancy forms to maintain the endometrial bed and support the implanted embryo. A deficiency in the amount of progesterone produced (or the length of time it is produced) by the corpus luteum can mean the endometrium is unable to sustain a pregnancy. This is called Luteal Phase Defect (LPD).

CUMULUS OOPHORUS The protective layer of cells surrounding the egg.

CUSHING'S SYNDROME A condition characterized by an over production of adrenal gland secretions. The person will suffer from high blood pressure and water retention as well as a number of other symptoms. A concurrent elevation of adrenal androgens will suppress pituitary output of LH and FSH and result in low sperm production or ovulatory failure. A woman may also develop male secondary sex characteristics, including abnormal hair growth. Cushings Disease is another condition in which these same symptoms occur, but as the result of a pituitary tumor.