Female reproductive system, Opens dialog

Treatment Overview

Some people who are infertile are affected by conditions that prevent the sperm and egg from travelling through a fallopian tube (Figure 1). (This is where fertilization and the first stage of cell division take place.) Here are some assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures that are rarely used but may improve the chances of conception in the fallopian tubes. The first step of each of these treatments is superovulation. This uses medicines to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) uses multiple eggs collected from the ovaries. The eggs are placed into a thin flexible tube (catheter) along with the sperm to be used. The gametes (both eggs and sperm) are then injected into the fallopian tubes using a surgical procedure called laparoscopy. The doctor will use general anesthesia.

Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) is similar to GIFT, but also uses in vitro fertilization (IVF). Eggs are stimulated and collected using IVF methods. Then the eggs are mixed with sperm in the lab. Fertilized eggs (zygotes) are then returned to the fallopian tubes with laparascopic surgery. From there, they will be carried into the uterus. The goal is for the zygote to implant in the uterus and develop into a fetus.

Pronuclear stage tubal transfer (PROST), similar to ZIFT, uses in vitro fertilization. But it transfers the fertilized egg to the fallopian tube before cell division occurs.

These procedures have higher costs and risks related to laparoscopy. And they don't provide as much useful information about embryo development as IVF does. For these reasons, these procedures are rarely used.

Figure 1 - Female reproductive system

The female reproductive system produces hormones and makes it possible to get pregnant and give birth. It consists of two ovaries, two fallopian tubes, the uterus, the cervix, the vagina, and the vulva. The ovaries store and release eggs (ova). When an egg is released (ovulation), it moves through a fallopian tube and into the uterus. A pregnancy can occur if an egg is fertilized and attaches to, or implants in, the lining of the uterus. The uterus is where the fertilized egg will grow during a pregnancy. If a fertilized egg doesn't implant, the uterus sheds its lining as a menstrual period.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
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