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What is a gamete intrafallopian tube transfer?

A gamete intrafallopian tube transfer (GIFT) is a laparoscopic procedure where eggs are removed by laparoscopy, mixed outside the body with sperm, and injected into the fallopian tube with a catheter. The procedure can be completed in one day.

What happens during the procedure?

GIFT is a procedure that involves:

  1. Stimulating a woman's eggs using medication
  2. Performing a laparoscopy to remove eggs  
  3. Mixing the eggs with sperm outside the body inside a dish
  4. Placing the sperm/egg mixture immediately into the fallopian tube with a small catheter.

Today, GIFT is considered outdated because IVF has a higher success rate and does not involve laparoscopic surgery.

What are the differences between GIFT and IVF?

  • GIFT has a lower success rate than IVF and requires functioning fallopian tubes.
  • GIFT does not involve embryo culture. This enables some patients to try getting pregnant without addressing the ethical concern about how many embryos to create or transfer.
  • IVF is more appropriate for women who have more severe infertility concerns such as low sperm count and fallopian tube problems.
  • In an IVF procedure, the best quality embryos can be selected on day 3 or day 5 for transfer, whereas GIFT places unfertilized eggs and sperm in the tubes.
  • In the GIFT procedure, the transfer of gametes into the tube requires an extra surgical procedure called laparoscopy.

Read More:
Infertility Treatment Options
Why Can't I Get Pregnant?