Glossary
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.
Cervix
The tube-like lowermost portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina. "Cervicitis" refers to inflammation of the cervix.
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.
Chlamydia
A kind of bacteria that is responsible for infections of the genital tract, especially through sexual transmission.
Clinical Pregnancy
A pregnancy that has reached the point at which the fetus has a detectable heartbeat as determined by ultrasound.
Conception
The fertilization of a woman's egg by a man's sperm resulting in the formation of an embryo.
Contraception
The conscious use by sexually active people of chemicals (spermicides), drugs (hormones), devices (condoms, diaphragms, intrauterine devices), surgery, or withdrawal to prevent pregnancy.
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. \r\n
