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GIFT is a technique devised to achieve pregnancy in couples who have not been able to conceive using other infertility treatments. The letters G-I-F-T represent Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer. Gamete is the scientific name for the reproductive cells, that is the sperm and egg. As the acronym implies, the gametes are transferred to the inside of the fallopian tubes and fertilization occurs inside the women’s body. Then the embryo travels down the fallopian tube into the uterus and implantation occurs 3 to 5 days later.
Generally, GIFT is approved by the Roman Catholic Church as long as the sperm are collected during intercourse using a special condom with a very small hole in the end to allow some sperm to enter the vagina. The sperm used for the GIFT are removed from the condom.
The GIFT procedure consists of the following phases:
1) Ovarian Stimulation and Follicular Development
This phase of GIFT is exactly the same as with IVF. See IVF page.
2) Laparoscopy for Egg Retrieval and Gamete Transfer
Approximately two hours before scheduled laparoscopy, the husband will be asked to collect a semen sample. It will be taken to the laboratory and prepared by washing the sperm free of bacteria and suspending them in a special nutrient fluid. Egg removal from the ovaries will be performed under direct visualization by laparoscopy through a small incision in the navel. This is an outpatient procedure, but does require a general anesthetic. Two other small, ¼ inch incisions will also be made in the abdomen to allow the introduction of the instruments necessary for the aspiration of the eggs from the follicular cysts on the ovaries. After the eggs are removed from the ovaries, they will be examined under the microscope to determine their degree of maturity. Only mature eggs can be placed in the fallopian tube for fertilization. Up to four eggs will returned to the patient depending on the age of the patient. The number will be determined by the patient and her husband prior to the procedure. Eggs and a concentration of sperm are placed in a small catheter in the laboratory. The catheter is then taken into the operating room where it is placed into the fallopian tube(s) and the fluid containing the eggs and sperm are gently injected into the fallopian tube through the catheter.
The transferred gametes come together in the fallopian tube(s) where the fertilization process is allowed to happen naturally. The resulting embryos are matured in the tubes and then move down into the uterus for implantation.
Because this technique is designed to be used only in women who have healthy fallopian tubes, the chances of an ectopic, tubal pregnancy are greatly diminished but not eliminated. If, at the time of laparoscopy, the tubes are diagnosed as abnormal or the eggs are immature, then in vitro fertilization is the only option. This would mean embryo transfer would take place 3 to 5 days later. If the couple does not want to proceed with IVF, then the sperm and eggs will be discarded.
A pregnancy test is typically done in 12 days.
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