IVF, GIFT or ZIFT

With in vitro fertilization (IVF), the eggs are collected by guiding a needle through the vaginal wall with ultrasound. No abdominal incisions are needed to collect the eggs or transfer the embryos into the uterus.

However, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and zygote embryo transfer (ZIFT) usually require the woman to have a laparoscopy. Couples usually opt for GIFT for religious reasons. ZIFT involves placing the fertilized egg or embryo into the fallopian tube during laparoscopy.

These treatments are useful in women who have anatomical problems with their cervix or uterus which make conventional IVF difficult (transferring the embryos through the cervix) or in other unusual circumstances.

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