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U

ULTRASOUND See Sonogram.

UMBILICAL CORD Two arteries and one vein encased in a gelatinous tube leading from the baby to the placenta. Used to exchange nutrients and oxygen from the mother for waste products from the baby.

UNDESCENDED TESTICLES (CRYPTORCHIDISM) The failure of the testicles to descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum by one year of age. If not repaired by age six, may result in permanent fertility loss.

UNICORNATE UTERUS An abnormality in which the uterus is "one sided" and smaller than usual.

UREAPLASMA (MYCOPLASMA) An infection that may cause the formation of sperm antibodies and an inflammation of the uterine lining, either of which may interfere with implantation of the embryo.

URETHRA The tube that allows urine to pass between the bladder and the outside of the body. In the man this tube also carries semen from the area of the prostate to the outside.

UROLOGIST A physician specializing in the genitourinary tract.

UTERUS The hollow, muscular organ that houses and nourishes the fetus during pregnancy.