Difference Between ZIFT And GIFT

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 07:17 PM IST

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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In-vitro Fertilisation
Difference Between ZIFT And GIFT
Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
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Difference Between ZIFT And GIFT

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.

	ZIFT	GIFT
Procedure Differences	IVF-based; zygote transferred to the fallopian tube	Direct transfer of eggs and sperm to the fallopian tube
Success Rates	~30-40%	~20-30%
Indications	Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes; previous ART failures	At least one functional fallopian tube; no severe male infertility
Risks and Complications	Invasive, surgical risks, higher cost	Less invasive; potential for natural fertilisation complications

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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between ZIFT and GIFT?

ZIFT is where a fertilized zygote is injected into the fallopian tube. GIFT is where both ova and sperm are injected into the fallopian tube for fertilization in the body.

2. Which of the two, ZIFT and GIFT, is successful?

ZIFT is generally slightly more successful (~ 30-40%) than GIFT as its rate of success is about 20-30%, both assuming that they vary individually with patients.

3. What is the procedure of ZIFT?

In ZIFT, the ovum is fertilized outside the body, and the resulting zygote is transferred into the fallopian tube where it can implant naturally.

4. Who makes the right candidate for GIFT?

Good candidates for GIFT are those women that have, at least one healthy fallopian tube and their partner has no significant issue in respect of sperm count and quality so that fertilization can occur through the normal process of fertilization.

5. How is GIFT different from IVF?

In GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer), the eggs and sperm are both transferred directly into the woman's fallopian tube, so that fertilisation can happen naturally within the body. IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is where the egg is fertilised outside the body in a laboratory and then implanted in the uterus as an embryo. GIFT takes one healthy fallopian tube as a minimum, while IVF does not.

6. How does the fertilization process differ between ZIFT and GIFT?

In ZIFT, fertilization occurs in vitro (outside the body) before the zygote is transferred to the fallopian tube. In GIFT, fertilization occurs naturally within the fallopian tube after the gametes (eggs and sperm) are transferred.

7. Why might a couple choose GIFT over ZIFT?

A couple might choose GIFT if they prefer a more natural fertilization process or have religious or ethical concerns about in vitro fertilization. GIFT allows fertilization to occur within the body, which some couples find more appealing.

8. What are ZIFT and GIFT in the context of assisted reproductive technologies?

ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer) and GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer) are assisted reproductive techniques used to help couples with fertility issues conceive. ZIFT involves transferring a zygote (fertilized egg) into the fallopian tube, while GIFT involves transferring unfertilized eggs and sperm into the fallopian tube.

9. How does the success rate of ZIFT compare to GIFT?

ZIFT generally has a higher success rate than GIFT because fertilization is confirmed before transfer. However, both techniques have lower success rates compared to traditional IVF, which is why they are less commonly used today.

10. What role does laparoscopy play in both ZIFT and GIFT procedures?

Laparoscopy is used in both ZIFT and GIFT to transfer the zygote or gametes directly into the fallopian tube. This minimally invasive surgical technique allows for precise placement and reduces the risk of complications.

11. How does the implantation process differ between ZIFT and GIFT?

In ZIFT, the zygote is expected to continue developing as it travels down the fallopian tube and implant in the uterus naturally. In GIFT, fertilization and early development occur in the fallopian tube before the embryo travels to the uterus for implantation.

12. How does the risk of multiple pregnancies compare between ZIFT and GIFT?

The risk of multiple pregnancies is generally higher in GIFT compared to ZIFT. This is because GIFT involves transferring multiple eggs, while ZIFT transfers a single zygote. However, the risk in both procedures is still lower than in traditional IVF with multiple embryo transfer.

13. How does the preparation for egg retrieval differ between ZIFT and GIFT?

The egg retrieval process is similar for both procedures. However, in GIFT, eggs are immediately prepared for transfer along with sperm, while in ZIFT, eggs are fertilized in the laboratory before transfer.

14. How does the need for a healthy fallopian tube impact the choice between ZIFT and GIFT?

Both ZIFT and GIFT require at least one healthy, unblocked fallopian tube for the procedure to be successful. If both fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, traditional IVF would be recommended instead.

15. Why are ZIFT and GIFT less commonly used today compared to other assisted reproductive technologies?

ZIFT and GIFT are less commonly used today due to their lower success rates compared to advanced IVF techniques, the need for laparoscopic surgery, and the development of more effective and less invasive assisted reproductive technologies.

16. What are the ethical considerations surrounding ZIFT and GIFT?

Ethical considerations include the creation of multiple embryos, the potential for selective reduction in case of multiple pregnancies, and religious or personal beliefs about the manipulation of human gametes and embryos outside the body.

17. What are the main factors that determine whether a couple is suitable for ZIFT or GIFT?

The main factors include the cause of infertility, the condition of the fallopian tubes, sperm quality, and the woman's age. Both procedures require at least one healthy fallopian tube and are often recommended for couples with unexplained infertility or mild male factor infertility.

18. Can ZIFT or GIFT be used for all types of infertility?

No, ZIFT and GIFT are not suitable for all types of infertility. They are most effective for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or certain types of female infertility. They are not recommended for severe male factor infertility or when both fallopian tubes are blocked.

19. What is the role of hormone treatments in ZIFT and GIFT procedures?

Hormone treatments are used in both procedures to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This increases the chances of successful fertilization and implantation. The hormone regimen is similar to that used in traditional IVF.

20. Can ZIFT or GIFT be used with donor eggs or sperm?

Yes, both ZIFT and GIFT can be performed using donor eggs or sperm. This might be necessary in cases of severe male or female factor infertility.

21. At what stage of embryo development does transfer occur in ZIFT?

In ZIFT, the transfer occurs at the zygote stage, which is approximately 24 hours after fertilization. At this point, the fertilized egg has not yet begun to divide into multiple cells.

22. What is the main advantage of ZIFT over traditional IVF?

The main advantage of ZIFT over traditional IVF is that it allows for earlier transfer of the embryo to the fallopian tube, which is thought to provide a more natural environment for early embryo development compared to the uterus.

23. How does the embryo development process differ between ZIFT and traditional IVF?

In ZIFT, early embryo development occurs in the fallopian tube, which is thought to provide a more natural environment. In traditional IVF, embryo development occurs in the laboratory for 3-5 days before transfer to the uterus.

24. What is the main difference in the timing of fertilization between ZIFT and GIFT?

In ZIFT, fertilization occurs before transfer, typically 24 hours prior. In GIFT, fertilization is expected to occur naturally within the fallopian tube after transfer, which may take several hours.

25. How does the cost of ZIFT compare to GIFT?

ZIFT is generally more expensive than GIFT because it involves an additional step of in vitro fertilization before transfer. However, both procedures are typically more costly than traditional IVF due to the need for laparoscopic surgery.

26. How many eggs are typically transferred in a GIFT procedure?

In a GIFT procedure, typically 2-5 eggs are transferred along with sperm into the fallopian tube. The exact number may vary based on factors such as the woman's age and fertility history.

27. What are the potential risks associated with the laparoscopic procedure in ZIFT and GIFT?

Potential risks include infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding organs, and complications from anesthesia. There's also a small risk of ectopic pregnancy, as the zygote or gametes are placed directly in the fallopian tube.

28. How long does it take to know if ZIFT or GIFT has been successful?

Pregnancy can be confirmed about two weeks after the procedure using a blood test. However, it may take several more weeks to confirm a viable pregnancy through ultrasound.

29. Can genetic screening be performed on embryos before ZIFT?

While it's technically possible to perform genetic screening before ZIFT, it's not commonly done due to time constraints. The zygote is transferred within 24 hours of fertilization, which doesn't allow enough time for comprehensive genetic testing.

30. How does the timing of the ZIFT procedure compare to the natural fertilization process?

ZIFT mimics the natural fertilization process more closely than traditional IVF. In a natural cycle, fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube and the zygote begins its journey to the uterus about 24 hours later, which is similar to the timing in ZIFT.

31. How does the use of ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) relate to ZIFT and GIFT?

ICSI can be used in conjunction with ZIFT to ensure fertilization before transfer, especially in cases of male factor infertility. ICSI is not typically used with GIFT since fertilization occurs naturally in the fallopian tube.

32. What is the typical timeline for a ZIFT or GIFT cycle?

A typical cycle for both procedures involves 2-3 weeks of ovarian stimulation, followed by egg retrieval. In ZIFT, there's a 24-hour period for in vitro fertilization before transfer. The entire process, from start to pregnancy test, usually takes about 4-6 weeks.

33. How does the embryo transfer technique differ between ZIFT and traditional IVF?

In ZIFT, the zygote is transferred directly into the fallopian tube using laparoscopy. In traditional IVF, the embryo is transferred into the uterus through the cervix using a thin catheter, which is a less invasive procedure.

34. Can ZIFT or GIFT be used for gender selection?

While it's technically possible to select the gender of the embryo in ZIFT, it's not commonly done due to ethical considerations and time constraints. Gender selection is not possible with GIFT as fertilization occurs naturally in the fallopian tube.

35. What is the impact of maternal age on the success rates of ZIFT and GIFT?

As with all fertility treatments, the success rates of ZIFT and GIFT decrease with increasing maternal age. This is primarily due to the decline in egg quality and quantity as women age.