Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT) is a procedure pioneered by Ricardo Asch in USA in which the eggs are mixed with sperm and the mixture is then injected into the Fallopian tube. It is suitable for women who have at least one healthy Fallopian tube. The aim of GIFT is to allow fertilization to occur in the right place and implantation at the right time.
To whom GIFT is advised?
There are selected groups of patients to whom gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) is recommended.
- Couples with unexplained infertility.
- Women with minimal endometriosis.
- Men with infertility problem (not severe).
- Couples who have had failed donor insemination.
- Where transcervical embryo transfer is impossible and the patient has one healthy tube.
- Where there are objections to IVF on religious or other reasons.
Although a number of clinics are licensed to offer GIFT and ZIFT, very few practise the procedure because demand is so low. GIFT and ZIFT constitute less than 1% of all ART treatment in the USA (SART 2005 Report).