Zygote intrafallopian transfer

Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) is an infertility treatment where a blockage in the fallopian tubes prevents the normal binding of sperm to the egg. Egg cells are removed from a woman's ovaries, and in vitro fertilised. The resulting zygote is placed into the fallopian tube by the use of laparoscopy. The procedure is a spin-off of the gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) procedure. ZIFT has a success rate of 64.8% in all cases.

Procedure

The average ZIFT cycle takes five weeks to complete. First, the female must take a fertility medication to stimulate egg production in the ovaries. The doctor will monitor the growth of the ovarian follicles, and once they are mature, the woman will receive an injection containing human chorionic gonadotropins (HCG or hCG). The eggs will be harvested approximately 36 hours later, usually by transvaginal ovum retrieval. After fertilization in the laboratory, the resulting early embryos or zygotes are placed into the woman's fallopian tubes using a laparoscope.

Indications

ZIFT has been used in infertility situations where at least one fallopian tube is normal and other treatments have failed; however, the need for two interventions and the fact that IVF results are equal or better (as of 2004), leaves few indications for this procedure. Accordingly, the number of ZIFTs performed has been declining.^[1]

Criticism

ZIFT, like IVF, is considered controversial because it makes preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) possible, which allows potential parents to select the genetic makeup of their child prior to its implantation. Despite fears about possible negative social implications of PGD (such as those depicted in the dystopian science fiction film Gattaca), PGD is still commonly practiced alongside IVF.

References

1. ^ Toner JP (2002). "Progress we can be proud of: U.S. trends in assisted reproduction over the first 20 years.". Fertil Steril. 2002 Nov;78(5):943-50. 78 (5): 943–50. PMID 12413976.