Alternatives to IVF
Although IVF is by far the most popular form of assisted reproductive technologies, there are other options couples may wish to explore when considering ART.
Gamete Interfallopian Transfer (GIFT) is very similar to IVF except that in this procedure fertilization of the egg takes place inside the fallopian tubes. Some couples prefer this method over IVF as they feel that conception is closer to its natural form in this procedure. However, women with tubal blocks are usually not recommended for this procedure.
A close cousin of both GIFT and IVF is ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer). While fertilization of the egg does happen outside of the body, the fertilized embryos are placed back into a woman's fallopian tubes rather than her uterus, as in IVF.
Finally, there is Tubal Embryo Transfer (TET). Almost identical to ZIFT, in this procedure the embryos are transferred back to the woman at a later stage of development.
