Immune system
The body’s defense against any injury or invasion by a foreign substance or organism.

Immunoglobulins
A class of proteins endowed with antibody activity; antibodies.

Immunosuppressive drug
A drug that interferes with the normal immune response.

Immunotherapy
A medical treatment for an immune system disorder that involves transfusing donor white blood cells into a woman who has had recurrent miscarriages.

Implantation
The embedding of the fertilized egg in the endometrium of the uterus.

Impotence
Inability of a man to achieve an erection or ejaculation.

In utero
While in uterus during early development.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
A process in which an egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish to facilitate fertilization. If fertilization occurs, the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus.

Incompetent cervix
Cervix with the inability to remain closed throughout an entire pregnancy; a frequent cause of premature birth.

Infertility
Inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy or to carry a pregnancy to term after one year of unprotected intercourse.

Inflammation
A response to some type of injury such as infection, characterized by increased blood flow, heat, redness, swelling, and pain.

Insemination
The installation of semen into a woman’s cervix or uterus for the purpose of conception.

Intracervical insemination (ICI)
Artificial insemination of sperm into the cervical canal.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
Direct injection of a single sperm into an egg.

Intramuscular Injection (IM)
A long-needle injection of medication that is given deep into the muscle. Common recommended sites for intramuscular injections are the upper outer quadrants of the buttocks.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
Artificial insemination of sperm, which have been washed free of seminal fluid, into the uterine cavity.