Gamete intrafallopian transfer, or GIFT, is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) similar to in vitro fertilization. The main difference is that fertilization occurs inside the woman’s body, rather than in a laboratory environment. GIFT is also generally more expensive than IVF, costing around $15,000 - $20,000.
Gift is one of the less common methods of ART, used in only about 2% of all cases. It is generally used when a couple has religious or moral objections to fertilization occurring outside of the body. It may also be used in cases where the woman has ovulatory disorders or cervical problems.
In order to be a candidate for GIFT, a woman must have at least one functioning fallopian tube, as fertilization occurs within the fallopian tube.
The procedure for GIFT is virtually identical to that used in IVF. The difference comes in where the egg is fertilized and implanted. In IVF, the egg is fertilized in a controlled laboratory environment. In GIFT, the egg(s) and sperm are placed in the fallopian tube using a surgical procedure called “Laparascopy”. Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube.
Laparoscopy is a minor surgical procedure where a lighted viewing instrument is inserted into the lower abdomen through a small incision. The abdomen is inflated with gas, which pushed the wall of the abdomen away from the organs so that the doctor can see them more clearly. It leaves a very small scar, and is much less risky than traditional surgery. The recovery time is also very short, and a patient will generally be fully recovered in less than a week.
One disadvantage of GIFT, is that if the procedure fails, the doctor is unable to learn about the sperm’s ability to fertilize the eggs, as fertilization occurs inside the body. Also, the embryos cannot be assessed as they can with IVF. There is also a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants itself somewhere other than the uterine lining.
A similar procedure exists which combines GIFT and IVF. It is called zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT). The procedure is the same as for GIFT, with the difference being that the eggs are fertilized in a controlled laboratory environment and then inserted into the fallopian tubes.
There are no reasonable estimates of success rates available, as the procedure is rarely used. Still, gamete intrafallopian transfer can be a viable option for infertile couples.
