CA125 |
A protein in the blood that is raised in ovarian cancer. It can also be raised in endometriosis, pregnancy and infection. |
Caesarean delivery |
An operation to deliver the baby by cutting through the wall of the abdomen and the uterus. It may be done as a planned (elective) or an emergency procedure. |
Cancer |
A disease of the cells. |
Candida albicans |
See vaginal thrush. |
Cardiotocography (CTG) |
A machine which traces the baby’s heart rate and the woman’s contractions before and during birth to assess the baby’s wellbeing. |
Catheter |
A small tube that can be passed through a part of the body, for example through the urethra (to empty the bladder). |
Cell |
The tiny building blocks which make up the organs and tissues of the body. |
Cephalhaematoma |
A bruise on the newborn’s head caused by a suction cup being used to help deliver the baby. |
Cervical screening |
An internal swab test to check your cervix is healthy. It is sometimes called a smear test. |
Cervix |
The entrance or neck of the womb, at the top of the vagina. |
Chickenpox |
A viral infection (also called herpes zoster, varicella or varicella zoster). If a pregnant woman catches chickenpox, it may cause problems for her baby. |
Chignon |
A swelling on the baby’s head as a result of a ventouse birth. It settles within a day or so. |
Chlamydia trachomatis |
A sexually transmitted infection which can damage the reproductive system of both men and women if it is not treated promptly. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Both partners require treatment. |
Cholesterol |
The name for a group of blood fats. It includes LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, which is ‘bad’ cholesterol; HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, which is ‘good’ cholesterol; and triglycerides (TG). A high level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for heart attack and indirectly increases your risk of stroke. |
Chocolate cysts |
Cysts which form on the ovaries in some women who have endometriosis. Also known as endometriomas. |
Chorioamnionitis |
An infection inside the uterus affecting the membranes (called the chorion and amnion) which surround the amniotic fluid. |
Chromosomal abnormality |
A different number or arrangement of chromosomes from the usual pattern. |
Chromosomes |
The genetic structures within cells which contain our DNA (the material that carries genetic information). A normal cell contains 46 chromosomes. See also gene. |
Chronic |
Something that persists or continues for at least six months. |
Clear margins |
When no cell changes are present along the edge of tissue removed during treatment for cervical cell changes. |
Clinical guidelines |
Statements based on properly researched evidence which help healthcare professionals and patients to make decisions about medical care and treatments. |
Clitoris |
A small organ under a fold of skin at the top of the vulva. The external part is about the size of a pea. When a woman is sexually aroused it swells with blood and produces feelings of sexual pleasure when stimulated. |
Colostrum |
The first breastmilk produced during pregnancy and in the first few days after your baby is born. |
Colposcope |
A type of microscope used to see the cervix in detail during colposcopy. It has a light attached and stays outside of the body. |
Colposcopist, colposcopy nurse specialist or nurse colposcopist |
A doctor or nurse who has completed medical or nursing training and continued onto colposcopy training. |
Colposcopy |
A hospital examination used to diagnose, monitor and treat cervical cell changes. |
Complementary therapy |
Treatments and therapies that are not part of conventional medicine. Examples include acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine. |
Complete miscarriage |
When all the tissue associated with a pregnancy has gone and the uterus is empty. |
Complications |
Problems that develop after an operation, treatment or illness. |
Conception |
When an egg is fertilised by sperm and then starts to grow in the womb. |
Condition |
A state of being, like being healthy or fit, or having a problem, such as a heart problem. |
Continence |
Having full control of the bladder and/or bowel. See also stress incontinence. |
Contraception |
Ways to avoid becoming pregnant. |
Corticosteroids |
A group of hormones which may be used to suppress the body’s immune response or to reduce inflammation. Also used during pregnancy in women who are thought may have their baby prematurely. They reduce the chance of the baby having problems from being born prematurely. See also steroids. |
Counsellor |
A trained professional who helps people to make sense of feelings and issues. |
Cystocele |
When the bladder bulges into the weakened wall of the vagina. A lump may be seen or felt. |