gamete intrafallopian transfer

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 tubes, 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Many specialists in infertility would look at GIFT as a procedure that is outdated (2004) as pregnancy rates in IVF tend to be equal or better and do not require laparoscopy.^{[citation needed]}

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 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.^[1] This is a semi invasive procedure and requires laproscopy .

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 [1], with a third of those being multiple pregnancies. The First GIFT baby in the UK was Todd Holden born on the 23rd October 1986 in the Peterborough District Hospital.

Bioethical issues

Gamete intrafallopian transfer is not technically in vitro fertilisation because with GIFT, fertilisation takes place inside the body, not on a petri dish. The Catholic Church nevertheless is concerned with it because "some theologians consider this to be a replacement of the marital act, and therefore immoral."^[2][3]

References

1. ^ Dr. Richard Paulson. (2007). Assisted Reproductive Technology. VideoJug. http://www.videojug.com/interview/assisted-reproductive-technology-2#what-is-a-gamete-intra-fallopian-transfer-or-gift. 
2. ^ Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)
3. ^ Haas, John M., Ph.D., S.T.L.. "Begotten Not Made: A Catholic View of Reproductive Technology". http://www.usccb.org/prolife/programs/rlp/98rlphaa.shtml. Retrieved 2008-11-25. 

See also

• Zygote intrafallopian transfer