GIFT or gamete intrafallopian tube transfer (GIFT), developed in 1984, is similar to the in vitro fertilization procedure (IVF). Like IVF the woman's ovaries are stimulated by fertility drugs to produce multiple eggs. Unlike IVF these eggs are then harvested and mixed together with her partner's sperm in a syringe and inserted via laparoscopy directly into the woman's fallopian tube. This allows fertilization to occur within the body just as it does in a normal pregnancy. The developing embryos remain in the fallopian tube and then move to the uterus for implantation. Because fertilization takes place inside the patient's body GIFT is an excellent choice for patients with religious beliefs that prevent them from choosing conception outside the body.

GIFT takes less time, is less expensive than IVF, and has an excellent success rate. In order for GIFT to be considered, the woman must have at least one good fallopian tube and the partners semen must be normal.

One of the draw backs to selecting GIFT is that if pregnancy is not achieved the physician has no way of knowing if fertilization was not achieved because the egg could not be fertilized or if there are other factors involved.


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