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What is ZIFT?
Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) is a fertility procedure to treat male and female infertility. ZIFT combines IVF with GIFT. The procedure involves fertilizing the woman’s eggs in a laboratory and transferring them to the fallopian tubes.
How is ZIFT carried out?
The ZIFT procedure has similarities with GIFT.
The woman takes fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries in order to produce multiple eggs.
When the eggs are mature, the doctor uses ultrasound to locate them and removes them with a needle.
The eggs are combined with the partner’s sperm in a laboratory.
When the eggs are fertilized, the doctor inserts between one and four fertilized eggs into the fallopian tubes by laparoscopy.
Who is a suitable candidate for ZIFT?
ZIFT may be suitable for couples where the man has a low sperm count or the woman has ovulatory problems.
ZIFT is not suitable for women with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, or a damaged uterus.
What are the chances of success with ZIFT?
According to Baby Center, couples have an average 26% chance of having a baby with each cycle of ZIFT.
About ZIFT
Key facts to plan your treatment: how long it takes, your hospital stay, anaesthesia, risks and recovery.
Duration of surgery/treatment
One cycle of ZIFT typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks to complete.
The egg retrieval procedure takes around 30 minutes, as does the egg insertion procedure.
Days admitted
None – you can go home the same day.
Anesthesia
ZIFT egg retrieval and egg insertion may be carried out under general or local anesthesia.
Recovery
Recovery time is minimal for the egg collection procedure in ZIFT.
Laparoscopy for egg recovery has a recovery time of around 2 days.
Risks
- Increased risk of multiple pregnancies.
- Infection from surgical procedures.
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
After care
- Ease cramps following egg collection and discomfort after laparoscopy with pain killing medication.
- You may need to change fertility drugs if you experience side effects.