What is intra fallopian transfer?

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Midwest Fertility Center- couple, pregnant woman

Intra fallopian transfer (GIFT) is similar to IVF but it is a natural process. The doctor places the egg and sperm in your fallopian tubes and fertilization occurs naturally from there. However, more people use IVF and GIFT only accounts for less than 1% of the procedures that assist in reproduction.

Even though it is more rare, GIFT is still a great option to consider if you have endometriosis, ovulation problems, cervical problems or an unexplained fertility issue. GIFT is also a good option if the man has a low sperm count.

The first steps in GIFT are similar to IVF. Those steps include ovary stimulation (usually through medication) and gathering of the eggs. Where GIFT differs from IVF is the fertilization process. After the eggs are retrieved, the doctor or embryologist combines the eggs and sperm in a long tube also called a catheter. The doctor next takes the catheter and inserts the eggs and sperm into the fallopian tube during a surgery called laparoscopy. There is a small incision and a lighted microscope involved. Usually three or four eggs are inserted but it depends on the age and health of the woman. The woman can be sore after the surgery. Extra fertilized eggs can be frozen for later use.

If the sperm fertilizes the implanted egg, then the procedure is considered a success. The fertilized egg becomes an embryo and travels to the uterus to grow into a fetus. And after nine months, there is a baby, just like a natural birth. If more than one egg is implanted, the chance for a baby increases but so do the chances of twins, triplets or more multiple births.

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