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| Calendar Method (Rhythm Method) |
| A traditional method of natural family planning. The fertile phase of the menstrual cycle is determined by calculating the length of at least six previous menstrual cycles. The beginning of the fertile phase is determined by subtracting 18 to 20 from the length of the shortest menstrual cycle. The end of the fertile phase is determined by subtracting 10 or 11 from the longest menstrual cycle. When used alone, the calendar method may be unreliable, especially for women with irregular menstrual cycles, and may be overly restrictive for some couples. |
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| Capacitation |
| The process of preparing sperm by artificial means so that their chances of fertilizing an egg are enhanced. |
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| Cervical Crypts |
| Pockets in the cervical canal that contain mucus-producing cells and store sperm. |
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| Cervical Mucus |
| A fluid of varying consistency produced by the cells in the cervical crypts. The secretion of cervical mucus is controlled by estrogen and progesterone. |
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| Cervix |
| The tube-like lowermost portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina. "Cervicitis" refers to inflammation of the cervix. |
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| Chemical Pregnancy |
| A positive pregnancy test as determined by the presence of hCG in blood or urine. HCG is the hormone produced by the embryo, but its presence does not guarantee that the pregnancy will continue to a stage of viability. |
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| Chlamydia |
| A kind of bacteria that is responsible for infections of the genital tract, especially through sexual transmission. |
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| Chlomiphene |
| A fertility drug (marketed as Clomid or Serophene) that stimulates ovulation. |
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| Clinical Pregnancy |
| A pregnancy that has reached the point at which the fetus has a detectable heartbeat as determined by ultrasound. |
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| Conception |
| The fertilization of a woman's egg by a man's sperm resulting in the formation of an embryo. |
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| Contraception |
| The conscious use by sexually active people of chemicals (spermicides), drugs (hormones), devices (condoms, diaphragms, intrauterine devices), surgery, or withdrawal to prevent pregnancy. |
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| Corpus luteum |
| A structure that forms at the site of an ovarian follicle after it releases an egg. The corpus luteum releases estrogen and progesterone, two hormones necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum functions for five or six months. If pregnancy does not occur, it stops functioning.
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| Cryopreservation |
| Storage of organs or tissues at very low temperatures. Embryos that are not used in an ART cycle can be cryopreserved for future use. |
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