TOPIC

Fertility

Assisted reproductive technology

Medically assisted procreation techniques (PMA) include both simpler techniques such as intrauterine insemination (the introduction of seminal fluid into the uterine cavity), and more complex techniques, where insemination and fertilization of the oocyte occurs outside the body, and then the developed embryo is transferred to the uterus.

These techniques can be applied in "fresh" cycles if both oocyte and non-cryopreserved or "thawing" embryos are used. The Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) collects data on centers authorized to apply PMA techniques on their efficacy and safety and outcome.