Gamete Intra-fallopian Tube Transfer (GIFT)

Gamete Intra-fallopian Tube Transfer

The biggest challenge for me as an infertility expert is to identify the type of infertility. There are various aspects of it and normally we go through elimination mode. An assisted reproductive procedure is used while treating the infertility so that the process of fertilization takes place easily. This procedure is the external aid to the normal natural process. GIFT is a special technique of ART where eggs and sperms are kept in the fallopian tube as soon as the egg matures.

I need to talk to the female partner and explain her about the procedure in detail because she is going to play a major role in that. Although the procedure is not very complicated, still she has to be convinced with it. GIFT is similar to an IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). The ovaries of a female are stimulated with external methods to release more than one egg so that the chances of success are increased. The male partner or donor gives the sperm for the process. The eggs and the sperms are mixed in the dish. Up to this point, GIFT and IVF are similar.

We have counseling session with the couple to explain the procedure. In case of GIFT, the eggs and sperms are transferred in the fallopian tubes and the fertilization happens there. In case of IVF, the fertilization takes place in the laboratory, outside the female body. The embryo gets the most natural environment immediately after the fertilization.

ZIFT is also same as GIFT, the only difference is, and doctors transfer the zygote or the newly fertilized eggs that are returned to the fallopian tubes instead of eggs and sperms. This process involves more complexity because there are two separate procedures to retrieve the eggs and again to insert the embryo.