What is Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer?

Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) is a type of infertility treatment similar to embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization. Your doctor may also refer to this procedure as tubal embryo transfer (TET). For ZIFT to work, you will have to have healthy fallopian tubes, but this procedure is generally more successful than gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT).

When Should Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer Be Performed and Avoided?

If you and your partner have been trying to have a baby for at least a year and have not become pregnant after going through five to six ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination cycles, ZIFT may be for you. You should talk to your doctor. Infertility treatments can be both physically and mentally taxing, so always make sure you are fully physically and mentally ready before going ahead with them.

Certain infertility problems will prevent you from being able to use ZIFT as an infertility treatment. These include tubal blockage, an anatomic issue with your uterus, significant tubal damage or sperm bring unable to penetrate an egg.

How is Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer Performed?

You will begin by taking medications to stimulate your ovaries. This will increase the chance of you producing several eggs. You will then go into your doctor's office and your doctor will perform an aspiration procedure to collect the eggs you produced. The eggs are then taken to a laboratory and fertilized. You will then have a laparoscopic procedure and your doctor will place a catheter deep into your fallopian tube and will inject the fertilized eggs. In about two weeks, you will be able to take a pregnancy test. Your doctor will likely perform a blood test to test for pregnancy. One cycle takes four to six weeks to complete. The average success rate per cycle is about 26 percent, though there are a variety of factors that influence this rate.

Are There Any Risks with Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer?

There are some risks involved with this infertility treatment. Ectopic pregnancy is possible and this can be serious and will require treatment. Taking fertility drugs may cause what is known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in some women. Symptoms may include fullness, bloating and weight gain. You may also experience dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, vomiting and pelvic pain. If you experience any of these symptoms you should have someone take you to the closest emergency room because in rare cases this condition is life-threatening.

Resources

Johns Hopkins Fertility Center: Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer