In Vitro Fertilization (cont.)
Other Assisted Reproduction Techniques
The following procedures have been used as alternatives to IVF but are not discussed in detail in this article:
Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT): Gamate intrafallopian transfer is similar to IVF. It is used when a woman has at least one normal Fallopian tube. Eggs are placed in this tube along with a man's sperm to fertilize there. This accounts for only about 2% of assisted reproductive technology procedures in the US. Some couples opt for this procedure if they object to fertilization that occurs outside the woman's body.
Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT): Zygote intrafallopian transfer is tubal embryo transfer in which a woman's eggs are taken from her ovaries, fertilized in the laboratory, and put back in the Fallopian tubes rather than the uterus. ZIFT is even less common than GIFT, making up less than 1.5% of assisted reproductive procedures.
Embryo cryopreservation (frozen fertilized egg and sperm) is available when more embryos are created than are transferred to the woman's uterus. These can be transferred during a future cycle. In this case a woman would take medications to prepare her uterus to receive the embryos at the appropriate time.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 11/4/2014
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