Difference Between ZIFT And GIFT

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 1 in 6 couples worldwide experience some form of infertility. Infertility can be a major challenge for many couples, but modern science offers several reproductive techniques to help them conceive. The difference between ZIFT and GIFT, ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer) and GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer) are commonly used procedures that support fertilisation and pregnancy. While ZIFT involves the transfer of a zygote into the fallopian tube, GIFT involves the transfer of male gametes (sperm) into the female body.

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1. In-vitro Fertilisation
2. Difference Between ZIFT And GIFT
3. Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
4. Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
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Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) refer to treatment strategies applied in medicine to treat infertility. The technologies may involve interventions to manipulate eggs, sperm, or embryos to assist individuals and/or couples in getting pregnant. ART may be the hope for those individuals or couples who are far from pregnancy due to a poor natural conception process. Students can learn more about such procedures in the Biology subject.

In-vitro Fertilisation

In-vitro fertilisation is the commonly used ART, as its name suggests, it involves the fusion of male and female gametes outside the human body under strict laboratory conditions. The fusion results in a zygote, also widely known as a test-tube baby. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus of the mother after culturing it. This procedure is performed when the fallopian tube of the mother is either non-functional or clogged.

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Difference Between ZIFT And GIFT

ZIFT (Zygote IntraFallopian Transfer) and GIFT (Gamete IntraFallopian Transfer) are two reproductive technologies (ARTs) to treat infertile couples. Although both involve the transfer of reproductive cells into the fallopian tubes, the only difference is in the developmental stage at which the cells are being transferred. The table below discusses the important points on which ZIFT and GIFT differ from each other.

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer or ZIFT is a specialised reproductive technology (ART) applied to treat infertility, particularly where there are blockages in the fallopian tubes or unexplained reasons for infertility. In ZIFT, fertilisation occurs outside the body, usually in a petri dish, involving the sperm and eggs of the couple. After the zygote (1-cell stage embryo) is produced, it is directly moved into the fallopian tube through a laparoscopic method.

Unlike IVF, where embryos are moved directly into the uterus, ZIFT allows the embryo to travel to the uterus using the natural passage, much like natural conception. As per the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, ZIFT is successful to the tune of approximately 22–26% per cycle, marginally greater than that of GIFT because of proven fertilisation. Some basic steps are discussed below:

• IVF: Eggs are isolated from a woman's ovary and are fertilised with a sperm in the laboratory.

• Zygote Formation: The fusion of sperm and ovum leads to the formation of a zygote.

• Transfer to the fallopian tube: The zygote is then transferred to the fallopian tube using a catheter.

• Success rate: Usually 30 to 40 per cent; however, it may vary according to age and other factors.

• Ideal candidates: Women with either blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) is a form of reproductive technology (ART) where sperm and unfertilized eggs are inserted directly into a woman's fallopian tube. In ZIFT or IVF, fertilisation takes place naturally within the body, which is a closer approach to natural conception. GIFT is helpful in couples with unexplained infertility, ovulation disorders, or minor male factor infertility, if only the fallopian tubes are healthy and open. The treatment is performed through laparoscopy, typically after ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.

Clinical statistics show that the pregnancy rate per cycle is around 21–23%, a little less than ZIFT because of the unreliability of in vivo fertilisation. Although its application has reduced with the advent of IVF. The procedure involves transferring ova and sperm into the fallopian tubes so fertilisation can take place naturally. Some of the major steps involved in the process are discussed below:

• Collection of egg and sperm: Ova are collected from the ovaries, and sperm is collected from the male.

• Direct transfer: Both the ova and the sperm are directly transferred into the fallopian tubes using a catheter.

• Pregnancy rates: About 20-30%, depending on the female's age and cause of infertility.

• Ideal candidates: Women having at least one normally functioning fallopian tube. Women with no severe infertility problems.

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