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I

ICSI INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION A procedure in which a single sperm is injected into an egg. See intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection article.

IMMATURE SPERM (GERMINAL CELL) A sperm that has not matured and gained the ability to swim. In the presence of illness or infection such sperm may appear in the semen in large numbers.

IMPLANTATION (EMBRYO) The embedding of the embryo into tissue so it can establish contact with the mothers blood supply for nourishment. Implantation usually occurs in the lining of the uterus; however, in an ectopic pregnancy it may occur elsewhere in the body.

IMPOTENCE The inability of the man to have an erection and to ejaculate.

INFERTILITY The inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term.

INHIBIN A male feedback hormone made in the testicles to regulate FSH production by the pituitary gland.

INHIBIN F (FOLLICULOSTATIN) A female feedback hormone made in the ovary to regulate FSH production by the pituitary gland.

INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION (ICSI) A micromanipulation procedure where a single sperm is injected into the egg to enable fertilisation with very low sperm counts or with nonmotile sperm.

INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION (IUI) A relatively "lowtech" ART which deposits "washed" sperm directly into the uterus, bypassing cervical mucus and depositing the sperm more closely to the fallopian tubes, where fertilisation occurs. Used to bypass hostile cervical mucus and to overcome sperm count and motility problems. See Artificial Insemination.

IN VITRO FERTILISATION (IVF) Literally means "in glass." Fertilisation takes place outside the body in a small glass dish.