Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer
Everything You Need To Know About This Treatment
The lowdown on Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT).
What Is Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT)?
A zygote is an embryo at the very first stages of development after conception. Sperm and eggs are fertilised via IVF and then placed into the woman's fallopian tubes using a laparoscopy needle through the abdomen.
In the US, up to four zygotes may be transferred in one treatment. In the UK, there are limits to the amount of embryos that can be used, so only two would be transferred.
The zygotes would then travel from the fallopian tubes to the uterus in the normal way, to hopefully implant and grow into a baby.
There are about 280 babies born after ZIFT every year in the US.
Why Would This Be Done Instead Of Standard IVF?
It can be particularly useful if the person has a low sperm count or you have had previous failed ICSI treatments which are usually used for low sperm count. ZIFT has a higher success rate than other therapies because the egg and sperm are already fertilised, whereas in other similar treatments, unfertilised eggs and sperm are simply placed in the tubes or womb in the hope that they will fertilise.
The average success rate is 36% per cycle, as opposed to about 20% for standard IVF procedures.
Is There Anyone Who Couldn't Have The Treatment?
ZIFT is only suitable for women who have healthy fallopian tubes so if they have blocked tubes, then they won't be able to have the treatment. Likewise, cysts and adhesions on the tubes or womb would contraindicate them, as would an abnormally shaped womb.
Are There Any Disadvantages To ZIFT?
ZIFT is currently one of the most invasive assisted reproduction techniques as it requires two operations. One, to retreive eggs via a trans-vaginal needle and the second operation to transfer the zygotes through the abdominal wall. This is why the technique only accounts for 1% of treatments.
It is also very expensive (about $15,000 or £25,000). This type of treatment isn't usually available on insurance or the UK NHS so it would mean taking out a loan or even re-financing your home.
There's also a higher risk of multiple pregnancy, which although it might sound great, carries greater risk of congenital abnormality in the babies, premature delivery, pregnancy complications in the mother including severe morning sickness and hypertension, and there is a higher chance of a caesarian birth with multiples, which has a maternal death rate three times higher than vaginal birth.
