Zygote Intra-fallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
The ZIFT procedure has a number of advantages over other fertility treatments and is associated with fairly high success rates.
What is Zygote Intra-fallopian Transfer?
Zygote intra-fallopian transfer, or ZIFT, is a form of assisted reproductive technology. It combines IVF with gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) in order to produce a pregnancy. During ZIFT, your eggs are fertilized with your partner’s sperm in a laboratory. Once these eggs have been fertilized, they are transplanted into your fallopian tubes through laparoscopic surgery. Here, the fertilized egg, or zygote, can move down the fallopian tube and into your uterus, where it can implant.
How Common Is Zygote Intra-fallopian Transfer?
ZIFT accounts for only 1% of all ART procedures.
Who is a good candidate for Zygote Intra-fallopian Transfer?
You may be a candidate for ZIFT if:
- Your partner has a low sperm count
- You have ovulation problems
- You have been unable to achieve pregnancy after a year of trying
- You have had 5 or more failed cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Your fallopian tubes are unblocked
What is the Success Rate?
The success of ZIFT really depends upon your age as well as your specific fertility issues. Younger women tend to have higher success rates while older women tend to have lower success rates. On average, 36% of ZIFT recipients become pregnant during a cycle. 29% of these pregnancies are carried to term.
Chinese Medicine Treatment of ZIFT:
After the ZIFT procedure, patients are usually given hormonal supplements to aid implantation by their western doctor. In Chinese medicine, we combine acupuncture, Reproductive Organ Massage and herbs to assist with implantation, increase your success rate, and to hedge the negative side effects of the western drugs. The Reproductive Organ Massage is used to unblock any physical blockages in the pelvic cavity and to influence the thickness of the uterine lining and to relax the patient.
Also, prior to the insemination, acupuncture and herbs are used to influence both the quality of the egg and the sperm. |
