Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

Before GIFT can be performed, the Fallopian tubes have to be normal and patent. This type of ART was commonly used for patient with unexplained infertility and certain mild male infertility cases. However, it is not as popular as IVF today, because it involves laparoscopic surgery and general anaesthesia. It is now an uncommon practice at all infertility centres. It is still used when the laboratory facility is inadequate for IVF and in cases of repeated IVF failure.

The procedure of GIFT starts with ovarian stimulation to produce multiple mature follicles. At Metro IVF, when the leading follicle reaches 18mm, hCG injection is given to trigger final maturation and ovulation of the eggs. 34 hours after hCG injection, the mature eggs are collected using the laparoscopy and they are mixed with washed sperm in culture media. Soon after that, the mixture of sperm and eggs is left in the ampula end of the Fallopian tubes through the laparoscope and fertilisation is allowed to occur naturally (see video below). After gametes transfer, luteal phase support is given to help in implantation and the developement of the embryos. Two weeks after gamates transfer, the doctor can confirm the pregnancy by urine or serum hCG. The GIFT procedure will leave two scars which are half inch in length each; one on the umbilical zone, another one above the pubic.

 

GIFT video