The Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer procedure

This procedure takes around 4 to 6 weeks to complete although more than one cycle may be needed.

The first stage involves the administration of fertility drugs to the woman. These will suppress hormones produced during her menstrual period, and will make her ovaries more receptive to treatment.

These fertility drugs will boost the growth of egg follicles in the ovaries which results in increased egg production.

Stimulating the ovaries is a delicate balance between just enough and too much which can lead to ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Ultrasound scans (transvaginal) are carried out to monitor egg development. Once they have fully developed an injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) to complete the maturing process.

Ultrasound is used when the eggs are ready to be extracted from the ovaries. These eggs are then placed in a Petri dish along with her partner’s sperm (or donor sperm) and allowed to fertilise. They are allowed to fertilise to the early embryo or zygote stage.

Zygote stage is day 1 of embryo cell division.

These zygotes are then transferred to the woman’s fallopian tubes via a laparoscopy procedure. Two to three embryos are inserted but no more to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.

The woman will be monitored over the next few days to detect any signs of a pregnancy. She will be given a series of hormone supplement injections to promote embryo implantation.

Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer Guide Index:

• Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT) - Intro
• Success rates
• GIFT or ZIFT?
• Suitable candidates for ZIFT

• The ZIFT procedure
• Benefits of ZIFT
• Side effects of ZIFT