GIFT and ZIFT Treatments for Infertility

The complete form of GIFT is Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer, and ZIFT is Zygote intrafallopian transfer. These GIFT and ZIFT Treatments are the modified version of IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization). These involve the same procedure as IVF, which comprises retrieving an egg from the woman, combining it with sperm in a lab, and then re-implanting it after manipulation.

However, the process of mixing sperm and egg and the transfer is faster than IVF. Women need to have at least one of the fallopian tube open and undamaged for these procedures.

Difference Between GIFT and ZIFT Treatments

In GIFT, sperm and egg are mixed and inserted immediately, whereas, in ZIFT, fertilized eggs, called zygotes, are inserted within 24hrs of the mixing.

In ZIFT, eggs and sperm are mixed together in a lab, and once the zygote is formed placed in the fallopian tubes rather than directly in the uterus.

In GIFT, fertilization takes place in the body rather than in a petri dish.

Advantages of this Procedure

The process used in GIFT and ZIFT treatments is similar to natural conception. These GIFT and ZIFT treatments are rarely helpful for those women who have not been able to get pregnant with IVF.

However, IVF is the most preferred choice in clinics because its process is more defined, whereas GIFT and ZIFT treatments require surgery, which IVF does not require.

Types of Infertility Treated by GIFT and ZIFT

Many types of infertility can be treated by GIFT and ZIFT treatments, except in cases where damage or abnormalities of the fallopian tubes cause infertility. GIFT and ZIFT treatments can also be used in case of mild male infertility as long as the sperm can fertilize an egg.

  • GIFT can also be used in a case where a woman is not capable of producing eggs, but their partner’s sperm is capable of fertilization.
  • They can get eggs from a donor, and with the help of GIFT, they can have a baby.
  • Those women with premature ovarian failure or a condition in which menopause has begun early might also consider a donor if they want to have a child.

Procedure for GIFT

The initial process of GIFT is the same as IVF, which involves treatment with injectable hormones and medications. And also, the process of egg and sperm collection is the same as the IVF procedure. But after this process differs.

  • In IVF, the embryo is at 3-5 days with a catheter inserted into the vagina placed in the uterus, which is a quick and straightforward procedure.
  • But in GIFT, an incision is made in the abdomen, and then eggs and sperm are placed in the fallopian tubes using a laparoscope.
  • As the eggs and sperm are placed in the fallopian tubes before conception, there is no way to know whether fertilization has occurred.

And as more eggs are used to ensure pregnancy, it increases the risk of multiple births.

Procedure of ZIFT

The process of ZIFT is similar to GIFT. The only difference is that in the ZIFT process, egg and sperm are mixed in a lab and placed in the fallopian tubes after the zygote formation. Thus, lowering the chances of multiple pregnancies. It is also a procedure performed by laparoscopy like GIFT.

Success Rates of GIFT and ZIFT Treatments

IVF, GIFT, and ZIFT form all procedures that constitute assisted reproductive technology (ART). So, there is no way to know the success rate of each technique. However, the combined report was published in 2017 based on data from 2015.

  • There is 29.3% of successful pregnancies for women who used their eggs or embryos.
  • 70% of successful pregnancies are from a single fetus.
  • 23% of the pregnancies accounted for multiple fetus. However, 7% of pregnancies cannot determine the number of fetuses.
  • Approximately 70% of the cycle did not result in a pregnancy.
  • 1% of all the cycles result in an ectopic pregnancy.
  • 82% of pregnancies resulted successfully in a live birth.
  • Pregnancies that resulted in miscarriage-induced abortion or stillbirth are approx. 18%.

Risk Associated with GIFT and ZIFT?

There is a higher risk of multiple pregnancies, which can affect both mother and baby. The chances of other risks are meagre, which include risks from laparoscopies, such as pelvic infection, damage to internal organs, and side effects from general anaesthesia.

Cost of GIFT and ZIFT Treatments

GIFT and ZIFT treatments are expensive and can cost between $15000 and $20000 per cycle. However, the cost of these procedures depends on many things, such as-

  • Amount of medication required
  • City you live in
  • Number of cycles required
  • Amount your insurance company will pay
  • Cost of treatment

Conclusion

Infertility is increasing and affecting thousands of couples. But advancement in science and technology has helped many couples achieve successful pregnancies and have a baby. Similarly, GIFT and ZIFT treatments are the modified version of assisted reproductive technology.

Suppose other infertility treatment does not work, then you can opt for this. Visit the clinic with experienced doctors and offer the best services possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The process of GIFT involves collecting the egg and sperm and placing it immediately in the fallopian tube, where fertilization takes place. In this treatment, a woman is given follicle-stimulating medicines, which increase her chance of producing multiple eggs.

ZIFT is more successful than GIFT because, in ZIFT, the egg and sperm are first fertilized and then placed in the fallopian tube. But in GIFT, fertilization occurs inside the body, and there is no way to know whether fertilization has occurred.

If only one fallopian tube is blocked or damaged, it won’t affect fertility because an egg can still travel through the unaffected tube.

Yes, laparoscopy is used in the GIFT process for injecting an egg and sperm into the fallopian tube after collecting both.

The similarity and differences are as follows: –

  • ZIFT and IVF are infertility treatments for women, such as damaged fallopian tubes.
  • In both, the procedure embryologist selects the best quality embryo for transfer.
  • In ZIFT, the fertilized embryo is transferred to the fallopian tube, whereas in IVF, a fertilized embryo is placed in the uterus.
  • In ZIFT, an extra surgical procedure, laparoscopy, transfers the embryo into the fallopian tube.

The difference between GIFT and IVF is as follows:

  • In GIFT, fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, whereas in IVF, the egg and sperm are fertilized in a lab and then placed in the uterus.
  • IVF can be used to get pregnant even if the fallopian tube is damaged.
  • In IVF, fertilization can be confirmed, and the best embryo quality can be selected, which is impossible in GIFT.

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