Pregnancy after Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) is a small laparoscopic procedure for infertility where the woman’s eggs are removed, mixed with the sperm and are immediately placed in the fallopian tube (in a special catheter) for fertilization. This procedure is more or less similar to the zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), except in ZIFT, the fertilized eggs and sperm are mixed and placed in the fallopian tube before the cellular division (zygote). However, in GIFT, unhampered eggs and sperms (gametes) are mixed and placed in the fallopian tube to allow natural surroundings for fertilization.

Prevalence over IVF

Gamete Intrafallopian transfer is considered a better option than the InVitro fertilization (IVF) because the success rates of pregnancy are slightly higher than with IVF, around 25-30%. Both IVF and GIFT enable fertilization through assisted procedures. However, they vary in nature. While the fertilization takes place in the laboratory through embryo culture in IVF, the fertilization process happens within the woman’s fallopian tube in GIFT.  GIFT is far less expensive than IVF and takes about less than one third the time. Nevertheless, the only criterion for GIFT option is a good fallopian tube, normal semen and positive postcoital test (PCT).

Ideal Candidates for GIFT

GIFT is an ideal procedure for couples who do not have severe infertility issues and for those who have personal (or religious) reasons to avoid IVF. It is the best kind of treatment in cases where the sperm count is low, there is poor sperm motility or unexplained infertility.

Pregnancy after GIFT

One of the major reasons for couples to choose GIFT is because fertilization takes place in the natural surroundings (in the woman’s body) rather than in a laboratory. The woman’s body can provide a natural environment to incubate and fertilize eggs. However, the success of these best scenarios depend on the specific fertility concern each woman has and the age factor.

The GIFT has equal potential risks like IVF. One of the possible risks is that the fertilization process under GIFT cannot be observed. There are chances that no fertilization takes place at the cost of laparoscopy incurred; and the reasons for such failures cannot be ascertained. Another potential risk is the possibility of multiple pregnancies, as more eggs are produced through ovarian stimulation. Multiple pregnancies pose risks in GIFT cases, as there are high incidences for miscarriages or other associated complications. The third form of risk is chances for ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo is formed within the fallopian tube rather than the uterus.

These risks do not mean that GIFT is not a workable procedure. Successful pregnancies do take place, provided the female reproductive organs do not have major problems. In cases of women having healthier eggs, the success rates are higher, close to 35%, after one cycle of GIFT. And for pregnancy to carry to the full term, the success rate is around 27%.

Pregnancy Discomforts

Pregnancy discomforts are prevalent in GIFT cases because of the intake of fertility drugs. Some of the common symptoms are: nausea, insomnia, hot flashes and depression. However, when these issues are governed under proper medical supervision, GIFT is still a higher choice of assisted procedure for infertility.

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR

All Article Categories

Suggested Doctors

Sorry, there are no matching doctors in your area
Please choose a different location

,

,

See more Suggested Doctors

Recently Asked Questions