During the first couple counseling interview they receive all the information related to the treatment. It is necessary to perform a series of preliminary examinations, which will allow the couple to follow the pathway and they will allow the fertility specialists to implement better the therapeutic plan. To find out which exams may be requested by the Specialists, it is possible to consult the list of preliminary exams (link examination)

1ST INTERVIEW: COUPLE ANAMNESIS AND A TREATEMENT PLAN
DURATION:1 DAY

OVARIAN STIMULATION AND FOLLICULAR MONITORING
It is a preparatory technique for Assisted Fertilization treatments aimed at increasing their chances of success. The patient is stimulated with drugs inducing ovulation which will lead to the simultaneous maturation of several follicles and then to the removal of more oocytes.
DURATION: 8-15 DAYS

OOCYTES COLLECTION, SEMINAL FLUID COLLECTION AND IVF
The oocyte retrieval is performed transvaginally, under ultrasound control, using very thin needles that reach the follicles. This surgical procedure is performed under anesthesia, so the procedure is absolutely painless. All the follicles present are aspirated and the obtained liquid is immediately checked in the laboratory, under a microscope, for the research of the oocytes.
Subsequently, the semen is prepared and used for in vitro fertilization. The seminal fluid for insemination is provided with an ejaculation or, when indicated, the material taken surgically from the seminal pathways (MESA – TESA) and / or cryopreserved is used.
DURATION: 1 DAY

EMBRYO CULTURE
The inseminated oocytes are placed in culture and after 15-20 hours the successful fertilization is evaluated. After checking the normal fertilization, the embryos are put back into the incubator and kept in culture until the day of the embryo transfer.
DURATION 3-6 DAYS
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (recommended step)
The pre-implantation genetic diagnosis allows to know the embryo’s health from the genetic and chromosomal point of view before the transfer in utero.
The PGD technique allows to identify the presence of any genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis or thalassemia.
The PGS technique allows instead to identify any chromosomal alterations such as Down Syndrome or Edward Syndrome.
They are techniques indicated for couples carrying genetic pathologies that can be transmitted to offspring, repeated abortions, repeated ICSI failures, patients carrying translocations in their chromosomal heritage.

EMBRYO TRANSFER
The intrauterine transfer method is generally simple and painless: it does not require any form of anesthesia or sedation and consists in introducing a very thin catheter inside the uterine cavity through the cervical canal. The entire procedure is performed in an ultrasound-guided manner to allow the patient to participate in the last step of this important path.
DURATION 1 DAY

PREGNANCY TEST
In the days following the embryo transfer it is almost always necessary to support the luteal phase with the administration of progesterone. After 10-12 days from the transfer a blood sample should be taken to evaluate the hormone dosage that signals the onset of pregnancy (ßHCG).
10-12 DAYS AFTER THE TRANSFER

ECOGRAPHIC VISUALIZATION OF THE GESTATIONAL SAC
The display in utero of a gestational sac is the first ultrasound sign of pregnancy establishment.
15 DAYS AFTER PREGNANCY TEST