Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) aimed at helping individuals or couples facing infertility to conceive. Unlike in vitro fertilization (IVF), GIFT involves placing both the sperm and eggs directly into a woman's fallopian tubes, allowing fertilization to occur naturally within the body. This method appeals to those who prefer a natural fertilization process rather than fertilization occurring outside the body, as in IVF.
During GIFT, the eggs are first retrieved from the woman’s ovaries through a minimally invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy. A small incision is made near the abdomen to access the ovaries, from which multiple mature eggs are extracted. Simultaneously, sperm is collected from the male partner or donor. The collected eggs and sperm are then combined in a catheter, which is inserted into the fallopian tubes to allow fertilization to take place within the body.
One of the primary distinctions of GIFT from other ART methods is the natural fertilization that occurs within the body rather than in a lab. This method requires that the woman has at least one functioning fallopian tube, as the procedure relies on the natural reproductive environment for fertilization. GIFT is often recommended for patients with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or specific religious or ethical concerns around in vitro fertilization.
Procedure Duration
The GIFT procedure consists of several stages, each with varying time commitments. The first phase involves ovarian stimulation, where the woman takes hormone medications to stimulate the production of multiple mature eggs. This stimulation phase usually lasts about 10-14 days, during which regular ultrasounds and hormone monitoring are conducted to assess follicle development.
The actual GIFT procedure itself is generally completed in a single day. After administering anesthesia, the egg retrieval process is performed, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes. During this procedure, the doctor uses a laparoscope to collect eggs from the ovaries through a small incision. Once collected, the eggs are combined with sperm in a catheter, which is then placed into the fallopian tubes. This entire procedure typically takes around one to two hours, including preparation and recovery time.
Following the GIFT procedure, patients can often return home the same day after a brief recovery period. The post-procedure recovery typically spans one to two days, during which mild discomfort may be experienced at the incision site. Most women can resume their normal activities within a couple of days, but it is advised to avoid strenuous activities for about a week to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Benefits
- Natural Fertilization: The fertilization process occurs within the body, which can be appealing for individuals who prefer a natural conception method.
- Reduced Lab Intervention: GIFT reduces the extent of laboratory intervention compared to IVF, making it suitable for patients with ethical concerns regarding lab-based fertilization.
- Effective for Certain Types of Infertility: This procedure is particularly effective for couples with unexplained infertility or mild male factor infertility.
- Higher Success Rate for Select Cases: In specific cases, GIFT may present a higher success rate due to the natural fertilization setting within the fallopian tubes.
- Minimal Invasive Technique: The laparoscopic technique for egg retrieval is minimally invasive, offering faster recovery and minimal scarring.
Potential Destinations
1. Spain
Known for its advanced reproductive technology centers, Spain offers high standards in fertility treatments, including GIFT. The country’s regulatory environment, combined with world-class medical infrastructure, makes it a popular choice for fertility tourism.
2. Turkey
With a reputation for affordable, quality healthcare, Turkey has become a hub for assisted reproductive technologies. Turkish fertility clinics are known for their success rates, experienced professionals, and high-quality care, making it a top destination for medical tourists seeking GIFT.
3. Thailand
Thailand has a long-standing reputation in medical tourism, and its fertility clinics are no exception. Patients are drawn to Thailand for its highly trained specialists, modern medical facilities, and holistic approach to care, combined with a relaxing post-procedure recovery environment.
4. Mexico
Proximity to North America, lower costs, and reputable fertility clinics make Mexico an appealing destination for GIFT. Clinics in Mexico are often well-equipped and cater to international patients with staff who are fluent in English, ensuring a smooth experience for medical tourists.
5. India
India’s fertility treatment facilities are known for affordability and high success rates, attracting many international patients. Medical tourists benefit from the availability of well-established reproductive centers with experienced fertility specialists and advanced technology for GIFT.
Risks & Considerations
- Surgical Risks: Since GIFT involves a laparoscopy, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, or injury to surrounding organs.
- Multiple Pregnancy Risk: GIFT often involves transferring multiple eggs to increase the chances of success, which raises the risk of multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins or triplets).
- Ectopic Pregnancy: There is a small risk that an embryo may implant outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube, leading to an ectopic pregnancy.
- No Guarantee of Fertilization: Since fertilization occurs within the body, there is no visual confirmation as in IVF, and fertilization may not always take place.
- Anesthesia Complications: The procedure requires anesthesia, which can pose risks such as adverse reactions or breathing complications, though these are rare.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When selecting a doctor and hospital for the GIFT procedure, it's essential to prioritize facilities that specialize in reproductive treatments and offer a comprehensive, patient-centered approach. Begin by researching clinics with experienced fertility specialists and a strong track record in assisted reproductive technologies. Look for accreditations from reputable medical bodies, as well as patient reviews and success rates for GIFT, which can provide insight into the clinic's reputation and quality of care.
It’s also beneficial to arrange a consultation with potential clinics to discuss the procedure in detail. During the consultation, ask about the clinic's protocols, support services, and aftercare options, as these can significantly influence your overall experience and success in your fertility journey.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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