Gamete intrafallopian transfer
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2008-07-12T04:15:32Z
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'''Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)''' is a tool of [[assisted reproductive technology]] against [[infertility]]. Eggs are removed from a woman's ovaries, and placed in one of the [[Fallopian tube]]s, along with the man's sperm. The technique, which was pioneered by endocrinologist [[Ricardo Asch]], allows fertilization to take place inside the woman's body.
Many specialists in infertility would look at GIFT as a procedure that is outdated ([[2004]]) as pregnancy rates in [[IVF]] tend to be equal or better and do not require [[laparoscopy]].{{Fact|date=March 2007}}
==Method==
It takes, on average, four to six weeks to complete a cycle of GIFT. First, the woman must take a fertility drug to stimulate egg production in the [[ovary|ovaries]]. The doctor will monitor the growth of the ovarian follicles, and once they are mature, the woman will be injected with [[Human chorionic gonadotropin]] (hCG). The eggs will be harvested approximately 36 hours later, mixed with the man's sperm, and placed back into the woman's [[Fallopian tubes]] using a [[laparoscope]].
==Indications==
A woman must have at least one normal fallopian tube in order for GIFT to be suitable. It is used in instances where the fertility problem relates to sperm dysfunction, and where the couple has idiopathic (unknown cause) infertility. Some patients may prefer the procedure to [[IVF]] for ethical reasons, since the fertilization takes place inside the body.
==Success rate==
As with most fertility procedures, success depends on the couple's age and the woman's egg quality. It is estimated that approximately 25-30% of GIFT cycles result in pregnancy [http://www.child.org.uk/html/malta.php/factsheets/79/], with a third of those being [[multiple birth|multiple pregnancies]].
==See also==
*[[Zygote intrafallopian transfer]]
{{Pregnancy}}
[[Category:Fertility medicine]]
[[Category:Human reproduction]]