Glossary

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Implantation

The embedding of the embryo in the endometrium of the uterus.

In Vitro Fertilization

Literally, "in a glass." A method of assisted reproduction that involves surgically removing egg(s) (ova) from the ovary (by ultrasound-guided retrieval) after ovarian stimulation, combining it with sperm in a petri dish and, after fertilization, replacing the resulting embryo(s) in the woman.

Infertility

The inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy after one year (or approx. 6 months for women over the age of 36 years) of unprotected sexual intercourse, or the inability of the woman to carry a pregnancy to live birth. Primary infertility indicates that the patient has never achieved a pregnancy, whereas secondary infertility denotes that a previous pregnancy was achieved, regardless of outcome.

Insemination

The placement of semen/sperm into a woman’s cervix or uterus for the purpose of conception. See also artificial insemination.

Intracervical Insemination

The instillation of semen and sperm into the cervix. Usually done for cases of coital factor infertility where there is no contributing male factor.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

ICSI is a micromanipulation technique during which the zona pellucida and oolemma of the ovum is pierced with a sharp glass tool, and through which a single, selected sperm is introduced directly into the egg cytoplasm.

Intrauterine Insemination

The most common type of AI. Motile sperm are placed high in the endometrial cavity on the day of ovulation. Most commonly done in conjunction with superovulation / COS therapy.