The Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer is a procedure that is very similar to the in vitro fertilization. However, the major difference between these 2 assisted reproductive techniques is that in the case of Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer, the fertilization takes place inside the woman’s body. The GIFT can be combined with a few assisted reproductive techniques to facilitate the fertilization of the egg. There are also options to freeze the eggs and perform the GIFT at a later date, if the patient would like to delay the fertilization process.
1. Clomid Treatment
Clomid is a medication treatment used to stimulate ovulation. It is used to treat anovulation. This will induce ovulation and this treatment can be safely combined with a Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer.
2. Egg Freezing
Egg freezing is a procedure that involves extracting the eggs from the ovaries of a woman and freezing these, so as to be able to use the eggs at a later date. This procedure is recommended for women that will go through a cancer treatment in the reproductive system area, which is very likely to destroy the eggs.
The egg freezing is also recommended for women that are over the age of 35 and would like to have a baby in the following years, but haven’t found a partner or would like to delay motherhood. Women with a history of premature menopause are also good candidates for egg freezing. When the eggs are thawed, these can go through the GIFT procedure.
3. Ovarian Tissue Freezing
The ovarian tissue freezing is similar to the egg freezing, but in this case an entire ovary is being extracted and frozen. The ovarian tissue freezing may be combined with GIFT. After the ovarian tissue is thawed, the eggs can be mixed with the sperm and planted into the woman’s fallopian tube.
4. Partial Zona Dissection (PZD)
The partial zona dissection is recommended for women that have eggs with a shell that is too hard or difficult to penetrate. The shell is an accumulation of proteins that can be harder in certain women. The shell can harden also due to egg freezing.
The PZD is a miniature surgery that will cut into the egg, making the fertilization more likely. The PZD will be performed prior to adding the sperm to the egg.
5. Sub Zonal Insemination (SUZI)
The sub zonal insemination is a procedure that will also involve the micro manipulation of the egg, just like PZD. Before the egg is mixed with sperm and transferred into the fallopian tube, it will be dissected. The shell will be opened, so that the sperm will have easier access. This procedure may be recommended for frozen eggs or eggs that have a harder shell.
6. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
The intracytoplasmis sperm injection can be used combined with GIFT to make sure the fertilization happens. ICSI will involve the injection of sperm directly into the egg.
