What is GIFT?
Gamete
intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) is
a type of assisted reproductive technology
(ART). The procedure is similar to
in
vitro fertilization (IVF), except
that the egg and sperm are not fertilized
in the laboratory. Instead, they are
inserted into the fallopian tubes
so that they might fertilize there.
The procedure has a slightly higher
rate of success than traditional IVF,
at about 35 percent.
Who
is a candidate for GIFT?
Typical
candidates for GIFT are couples with
unexplained infertility.
As opposed to other infertility treatments
that are intended to overcome specific
conditions, GIFT merely improves the
chances of conception in the fallopian
tubes by ensuring that both the sperm
and the mature eggs arrive there simultaneously.
The female must have at least one
functional fallopian tube and the
male must have adequate sperm content
in his semen.
How
is the procedure performed?
As in most forms of
ART, patients of GIFT meet with the
fertility surgeon a few weeks before
the surgery. At this meeting, the
woman is started on fertility drugs
to promote production of eggs. This
continues over the following weeks,
until the day of surgery. The surgeon
also usually tells the couple what
behaviors are good and which ones
should be avoided leading up to surgery.
To begin the procedure,
the fertility specialist collects
a sperm sample from the male. This
can be accomplished either through
ejaculation or surgical means, such
as testicular biopsy (removal through
the testes). In either case, the sperm
is removed from the semen and set
aside. The surgeon then extracts the
eggs from the female’s ovaries.
The ovaries are accessed either through
laparoscopy or by transvaginal removal.
Laparoscopy uses a small incision
in the abdomen, through which a small
telescopic device and tiny surgical
instruments are inserted. Transvaginal
removal uses a needle, inserted through
the cervix and guided by a sonogram
image.
Finally, the eggs
and sperm are put into a catheter
and inserted via laparoscopy into
the woman’s fallopian tubes
under general anesthetic. Usually,
doctors put no more than two eggs
into each fallopian tube.
After the surgery,
the woman must rest quietly and may
have to refrain from normal activities
for a few days. She returns in a few
weeks for a pregnancy test.
GIFT carries risks
similar to those of other ART procedures:
multiple pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation,
complications from laparoscopy, and
reactions to general anesthesia. Multiple
pregnancy is risky to both mother
and fetus, with effects such as increased
risk of birth defects and miscarriage.
Severe ovarian hyperstimulation can
damage organs such as the heart, lungs,
and liver. Laparoscopy has been known
to result in infection of the abdomen
and puncture of internal organs.
If
you are interested in learning more
about GIFT, you may want to contact
a fertility
specialist.
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