FAQ ON MEDICALLY ASSISTED PROCREATION – NEXTFERTILITY PROCREA

FAQ on Medically Assisted Procreation – Nextfertility Procrea

FAQ on Medically Assisted Procreation – Nextfertility Procrea

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FAQ on Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP) in Italy


Welcome to our comprehensive guide featuring FAQ procreazione medicalmente assistita, FAQ fecondazione assistita Italia, and FAQ infertilità. Whether you're exploring assisted reproductive technologies (ART), dealing with infertility, or navigating Italian regulations, this resource answers your questions with evidence-backed clarity.



1. What is Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP)?


MAP refers to medical techniques used to achieve pregnancy, including:



  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – eggs and sperm combined outside the body.

  • ICSI – injecting sperm directly into an egg.

  • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – sperm inserted directly into the uterus.

  • Egg/sperm donation, cryopreservation, and embryo transfer.


These techniques help overcoming infertility, a condition affecting around 15% of Italian couples :contentReference[oaicite:1]index=1.



2. How common is infertility in Italy?


In Italy, about 15% of couples experience infertility, matching the global average :contentReference[oaicite:2]index=2. Major contributing factors include:



  • Age: Women's fertility declines after age 32; men's sperm quality diminishes after 40 :contentReference[oaicite:3]index=3.

  • Health conditions: E.g., endometriosis (affecting 7–10% of women; 30–50% of them face infertility) :contentReference[oaicite:4]index=4.

  • Male factors: Low sperm count and quality.



3. What ART techniques are available in Italy?



  • IVF/ICSI: Standard and advanced methods handled by authorized clinics :contentReference[oaicite:5]index=5.

  • IUI: Less invasive; pregnancy success ~10.5% in 2021 :contentReference[oaicite:6]index=6.

  • Egg/Sperm Donation: Regulated under Italian law, with waiting lists :contentReference[oaicite:7]index=7.

  • Cryopreservation: Egg freezing is permitted; embryos frozen sparingly under Law 40/2004 :contentReference[oaicite:8]index=8.



4. What is IVF success rate by age?


IVF success depends on age and health. Globally, clinical pregnancy per cycle FAQ infertilità is ~47.5% for <35, declining to ~19% by 41–42 :contentReference[oaicite:9]index=9. Italy's IVF live birth rate is around 30%, similar to other countries :contentReference[oaicite:10]index=10.



5. Can single women access IVF in Italy?


As of May 2025, no: IVF is limited to heterosexual, married/cohabiting couples :contentReference[oaicite:11]index=11. Courts have suggested change, but current restrictions still stand.



6. Can separated or widowed women continue embryo transfers?


Yes. Italy now allows women who consented with a partner—now separated or widowed—to proceed with embryo implantation :contentReference[oaicite:12]index=12.



7. What do IVF regulations require under Italian law?



  • Law 40/2004 limits fertilization to 3 oocytes per cycle, all must be implanted; embryo freezing is restricted :contentReference[oaicite:13]index=13.

  • Informed consent is crucial and in ART must be irrevocable after fertilization :contentReference[oaicite:14]index=14.

  • Surrogacy is banned and punishable by law :contentReference[oaicite:15]index=15.



8. What is the role of psychological support in ART?


Emotional support during ART is crucial. In Italy, 14,364 ART births occurred in 2023 (3.7% of national births). Psychological distress affects 20% of patients :contentReference[oaicite:16]index=16. Counseling improves outcomes and resilience.



9. What are ART's new essential levels (LEA)?


As of Jan 2024, ART is included in Italy’s Essential Levels of Assistance (LEA), ensuring publicly funded access for:



  • Women up to age 46

  • Up to six ART cycles

  • Standard tariffs across regions :contentReference[oaicite:17]index=17



10. How much do treatments cost?


Costs vary. IVF ranges €5,000–6,000 per cycle; IUI between €900–1,500. Egg freezing is €1,600–3,500 :contentReference[oaicite:18]index=18. LEA coverage may reduce co-payment, depending on region.



11. What factors affect ART success?



  • Age: key factor—declining success after age 35 :contentReference[oaicite:19]index=19.

  • Health & BMI: obesity lowers chances and raises miscarriage risk :contentReference[oaicite:20]index=20.

  • Treatment protocol: number of oocytes, embryo quality.

  • Emotional wellbeing: stress impact; psychological support increases success by ~15% :contentReference[oaicite:21]index=21.



12. What causes infertility?


Infertility occurs when a couple fails to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sex (or 6 months if one partner is over 35) :contentReference[oaicite:22]index=22. Causes include:



  • Male factors: low sperm count/motility

  • Female factors: ovulation disorders, blocked tubes, endometriosis :contentReference[oaicite:23]index=23

  • Unexplained cases (~29%)

  • Combined factors ~17% :contentReference[oaicite:24]index=24



13. Can foreigners access IVF in Italy?


Yes. Foreign residents can access IVF and ICSI in approved public/private clinics under NHS :contentReference[oaicite:25]index=25. Surrogacy abroad is illegal for Italians but not foreigners returning to Italy, though controversial :contentReference[oaicite:26]index=26.



14. What support is provided under LEA?



  • Up to six ART cycles per eligible woman, outpatient-focused :contentReference[oaicite:27]index=27

  • Standardized tariffs and cost-sharing

  • Quality and safety standards set nationally



15. Are there ethical issues around post-mortem embryo transfers?


Yes — Italian guidelines allow posthumous transfers with prior consent :contentReference[oaicite:28]index=28. Ethical debates touch on child rights, consent, emotional wellbeing of family and child :contentReference[oaicite:29]index=29.



16. What’s the difference between 'sterility' and 'infertility'?


According to WHO and Italian law, 'sterility' is the permanent inability to conceive, while 'infertility' is failure to conceive after a year (or 6 months if aged >35), often treatable :contentReference[oaicite:30]index=30.



17. What new legal changes are pending?


Italy’s Constitutional Court upheld IVF restrictions for single women, but Parliament may consider changes. IVF access is now also open to separated or widowed women with prior consent :contentReference[oaicite:31]index=31.



Summary & Next Steps


If you're exploring fecondazione assistita or struggling with infertilità, Italy has a robust and evolving ART landscape:



  • MAP includes IVF, ICSI, IUI, and more

  • Infertility affects ~15% of couples

  • IVF success varies with age; psychological support helps

  • LEA inclusion ensures NHS coverage for eligible women

  • The legal framework is adapting: embryo consent, post-mortem transfers


Consult Nextfertility Procrea’s FAQ page for tailored guidance and support in your fertility journey.

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