GIFTGift stands for gamete intra-fallopian transfer. A gamete is the technical term for the basic contribution from each partner to form a new baby: a sperm or an egg. GIFT is similar to IVF in that the woman’s ovaries are stimulated and the eggs are collected in just the same way. The main difference is that fertilisation occurs inside rather than outside the body. Once egg collection has taken place, up to three eggs are mixed with the man’s sperm and the eggs and sperm are then immediately placed in the woman’s fallopian tube in the same operation. GIFT is done either via a laparoscopy under general anaesthetic, or by using a catheter passed through the cervix, for which a local anaesthetic and sedation can be used. Once the transfer is complete, the cycle then proceeds as for IVF. GIFT is often used when:
However, it is not recommended for women who have already had an ectopic pregnancy (and perhaps lost one fallopian tube) because of the risk of another. The success rates for GIFT are higher than those for IVF (in some clinics it can be as high as 30 per cent). This may be partly because any resulting embryos develop in the natural surroundings of the fallopian tube, just as they would in a naturally occurring pregnancy. However, one disadvantage is that if it doesn’t work, it is more difficult to ascertain the reason why not: it is impossible even to tell if fertilisation took place. Some couples are therefore recommended IVF as a first option in order to establish the ability of the sperm to fertilise the eggs. If fertilisation does occur in vitro, GIFT may be appropriate if future treatment is needed. One advantage of GIFT is that it does not require a license from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) (unless donor eggs or sperm are used) so couples may find more centres offering this treatment in their local area. Also, as embryo culture is not required, it can be a less expensive option than IVF.
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