Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) places eggs and sperm together inside a fallopian tube, so fertilisation can happen in the body rather than in the lab. It was developed in the 1980s, in the early years of IVF. Today it is rarely used, and this page explains why.
What it is
In GIFT, the ovaries are stimulated and eggs are collected, as in IVF. The eggs are then mixed with sperm in a thin catheter and placed straight into a fallopian tube. Fertilisation, if it happens, takes place inside the tube.
A short history: GIFT was first performed in 1984. Early results looked better than the IVF of that time, so many centres adopted it, moving from open surgery to laparoscopy in the late 1980s.
| Feature | IUI | GIFT | IVF |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is placed | Washed sperm only | Eggs and sperm | Embryo |
| Where | Womb | Fallopian tube | Womb |
| Fertilisation | In the body | In the body | In the lab |
| Egg collection | No | Yes | Yes |
| Surgery | No | Laparoscopy | No |
| Open tube needed | Yes | Yes | No |
Who it's for
- People with at least one working fallopian tube
- People whose religious beliefs do not allow fertilisation in a laboratory
- Rarely, people whose cervix is too narrow for a catheter to reach the womb
Experts now suggest GIFT may be worth considering only in a small group of people, because a more invasive treatment should offer clearly better chances to be justified, and IVF usually does not need surgery.
GIFT is not suitable if both tubes are blocked or damaged. In that case IVF is usually the option discussed.
GIFT is only possible if you have at least one working fallopian tube, because the eggs and sperm are placed directly into the tube.
Step by step
- Ovarian stimulationHormone medicines help several eggs develop, with monitoring along the way.
- Egg collectionMature eggs are collected from the ovaries.
- Sperm preparationA sperm sample is prepared and mixed with the eggs in a thin catheter.
- LaparoscopyUnder general anaesthesia, a camera is passed through a small cut in the abdomen to guide the catheter to the tube.
- Transfer into the tubeThe eggs and sperm are released into the fallopian tube, where fertilisation may occur.
| Compare | GIFT | ZIFT | IVF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where fertilisation happens | Inside the fallopian tube | In the lab | In the lab |
| What is transferred | Eggs and sperm | Fertilised eggs | Embryos |
| Where to | Fallopian tube | Fallopian tube | Uterus |
| Laparoscopy needed | Yes | Yes | No |
In outline: hormones stimulate the ovaries to produce several eggs, the eggs are collected, then eggs and sperm are loaded together into a catheter and placed into a fallopian tube during laparoscopy.
What it feels like
Because GIFT uses laparoscopy, it involves general anaesthesia and an operating room, unlike IVF embryo transfer or IUI. You will not feel the procedure itself, but you should expect recovery time after surgery and anaesthesia.
The injection and egg collection phases are similar to IVF, with clinic visits for monitoring.
The transfer is done by laparoscopy under general anaesthesia, so it is a surgical procedure rather than a quick clinic visit. Plan for recovery from both egg collection and keyhole surgery.
How to prepare
- Ask why GIFT is suggested instead of IVF or IUI
- Make sure your tubes have been checked
- Ask how many eggs will be transferred and the twin risk
- Arrange someone to take you home after anaesthesia
- Don't assume a more natural method means better chances
- Don't eat or drink before anaesthesia unless told you may
Write down your questions before the consultation, including how the eggs and sperm are prepared, how long you will stay in hospital, and when you can return to work.
Risks, and why it is rarely used
| Risk | What to know |
|---|---|
| Surgery and anaesthesia | Pelvic infection, injury to internal organs, side effects of general anaesthesia |
| Multiple pregnancy | More likely, with higher risks for mother and babies |
| Tubal (ectopic) pregnancy | Risk rises when several eggs or embryos are placed |
- IVF does not need laparoscopy or general anaesthesia, so it is less invasive
- IVF lets the lab confirm fertilisation and watch embryo development
- As IVF labs improved, IVF results caught up with and passed GIFT; a randomised trial found higher pregnancy rates with IVF
- By 2004, GIFT made up less than 1% of assisted reproduction cycles in reported data
- Pelvic infection.
- Puncture of internal organs during laparoscopy.
- Side effects of general anaesthesia.
- Higher chance of multiple pregnancy, which is high-risk for mother and babies.
Compared with IVF, GIFT has higher costs and risks linked to laparoscopy, and it gives no information about how embryos develop, because fertilisation happens out of sight inside the body.
How DBN does it
DBN lists IUI and GIFT together on its IUI page. GIFT is priced at consultation, because suitability depends on your tubes, medical history and personal wishes.
The first consultation is free, and the doctor can explain whether GIFT, IUI or IVF fits your situation.
When to see a doctor
- You have been told about GIFT and want to compare it with IVF
- Religious beliefs affect which treatments you can accept
- You do not know whether your tubes are open
- You have pain, fever or bleeding after a procedure
Questions & answers
Is GIFT the same as IVF?
No. In IVF, fertilisation happens in the lab and an embryo goes into the womb. In GIFT, eggs and sperm go into the tube.
Why is GIFT rarely offered?
It needs surgery and anaesthesia, gives no information about embryos, and IVF now gives similar or better results.
Can I have GIFT with only one tube?
Possibly. GIFT needs at least one working, open tube. It is not an option if both tubes are blocked or damaged.
Related DBN services
Related articles
Sources
- Gamete and Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT and ZIFT) — Healthwise / Cigna
- Tubal Transfer Techniques for Assisted Reproduction — The Global Library of Women's Medicine (GLOWM)
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI) — HFEA
- In Vitro Fertilization Treatment Journey — ASRM ReproductiveFacts