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WAHM- In This Feature
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- The Acronyms
- Inducing Ovulation
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
- The Fertility Guide: The ART Procedures
- Retrieving the Eggs
- GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer)
- ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer)
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
- Cryopreservation of Eggs
- Decision-Making Guidance for Couples
- Summary and Perspective
ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer)
ZIFT is kind of a combination of IVF and GIFT. Egg retrieval is performed via the ultrasound guided vaginal approach. The eggs are placed in the incubators, and a sperm sample obtained. The eggs are inseminated in the laboratory and are evaluated after 14 to 18 hours. If they have been fertilized, there will be evidence of this in the form of two pronuclei (the nucleus of the egg and the nucleus of the sperm)—this is a zygote.
Approximately 24 hours after the egg retrieval, a laparoscopy is performed (under general or local anesthesia) and an appropriate number of zygotes returned to the fallopian tubes.
With a ZIFT procedure, fertilization is accomplished and documented in the laboratory, and the zygotes are then placed back into the fallopian tubes and nature takes over. ZIFT procedures are useful in cases of decreased sperm counts, in cases where there is question about the fertilizing capacity of the sperm and in cases of anti-sperm antibody production.