GIFT in fertility stands for Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer, a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer Explained
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) is a procedure in which a woman's eggs are collected from her ovaries and then mixed with sperm. Both the eggs and sperm (gametes) are then immediately placed into a fallopian tube. Fertilization, therefore, occurs inside the woman's body. This distinguishes it from in vitro fertilization (IVF), where fertilization happens in a laboratory.
How GIFT Works: A Step-by-Step Overview
- Ovarian Stimulation: The woman undergoes hormone therapy to stimulate the development of multiple eggs in her ovaries.
- Egg Retrieval: Using a procedure called laparoscopy or ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration, the eggs are retrieved from the ovaries.
- Gamete Preparation: The retrieved eggs are assessed for quality. Simultaneously, a sperm sample is collected, washed, and prepared.
- Gamete Transfer: The eggs and sperm are mixed together and then injected into the fallopian tubes using a laparoscope. The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen to access the fallopian tubes. Alternatively, they might use a catheter introduced through the cervix.
- Natural Fertilization: Fertilization occurs inside the fallopian tube. The resulting embryo(s) then travel to the uterus for implantation.
Comparison of GIFT vs. IVF
| Feature | Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) | In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) |
|---|---|---|
| Fertilization | Inside the fallopian tube | In the laboratory |
| Where Gametes are Placed | Fallopian tube | Uterus |
| Requirement | At least one healthy fallopian tube | Fallopian tubes not required for fertilization |
Advantages of GIFT
- Natural Fertilization: Allows fertilization to occur naturally within the woman's body.
- Religious Acceptance: Some religious beliefs prefer GIFT over IVF because fertilization occurs inside the body.
Disadvantages of GIFT
- Requires Laparoscopy: GIFT requires a surgical procedure (laparoscopy) to place the gametes into the fallopian tubes.
- Cannot Confirm Fertilization: Because fertilization occurs inside the body, doctors cannot confirm that fertilization has taken place.
- Less Common: IVF is more commonly practiced than GIFT due to technological advancements and higher success rates in certain cases.
When is GIFT Used?
GIFT might be considered when:
- The woman has at least one healthy fallopian tube.
- The couple has unexplained infertility.
- Religious or personal beliefs favor fertilization within the body.
In summary, Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) is an assisted reproductive technology where eggs and sperm are placed directly into a woman's fallopian tubes to allow fertilization to occur naturally within the body.
