Z.I.F.T. Infertility Treatment
ZIFT, or Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer, is another option for achieving pregnancy in cases where infertility is unrelated to female organic pelvic disease. The process involves the transfer of one or more zygotes (fertilized eggs) or embryos directly into the mother's fallopian tubes during laparoscopy. The procedure may also be referred to as “Tubal Embryo Transfer.”
In ZIFT, the laparoscopy is performed to place fully formed embryos into the fallopian tube in the hope that they will find their way into the uterine cavity and implant. The ZIFT procedure requires an initial egg retrieval and fertilization of the eggs in the laboratory, quite similar to IVF. The zygotes or embryos are loaded into a thin catheter and injected into the outer third of one or both fallopian tubes during laparoscopy. The egg retrieval is performed through transvaginal needle-aspiration, and one or two days later zygotes are transferred to one or both fallopian tubes during the laparoscopic procedure.
ZIFT offers a bit more assurance than GIFT because the doctor will be able to confirm that the eggs have been fertilized before placing them in the Fallopian tubes. Also, this technique allows a developing embryo to travel into the uterus on its own, which may be important to those who wish their baby to develop as naturally as possible—although there are no medical reasons why natural fertilization is preferable to assisted fertilization.
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