Question

How does ZIFT differ from GIFT and IVF?

Short answer

ZIFT differs from GIFT mainly because the fertilization in ZIFT takes place outside the body in a lab, while in GIFT it occurs inside the woman's body, in the fallopian tube. In terms of difference between ZIFT and IVF, both involve lab fertilisation, but the stage and location of the embryo transfer is what differentiates them, as IVF involves transferring an embryo into the uterus, while ZIFT involves transferring a zygote into the fallopian tube.

Step-by-step solution

Explain ZIFT

ZIFT, or Zygote intrafallopian transfer, is a method of assisted reproductive technology against infertility. In this process, eggs are removed from the woman's ovary and mixed with sperm outside the body in a lab. Once the egg begins to divide, forming a zygote, it is transferred into the woman's fallopian tube. The goal is for the zygote to implant in the woman's uterus and develop into a baby.

Describe GIFT

GIFT, short for Gamete intrafallopian transfer, is an assisted reproduction technique that involves removing a woman's eggs, mixing them with sperm, and immediately inserting the eggs and sperm directly into a fallopian tube. The fertilisation occurs naturally within the woman's body.

Define IVF

IVF, stands for In vitro fertilization, is the most commonly used fertility treatment. This process involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body, in a laboratory. After a few days, the fertilized egg, now known as an embryo, is transferred back into the woman's uterus.

Distinguish between ZIFT, GIFT and IVF

GIFT differs from ZIFT and IVF primarily because fertilization happens within the woman's body and not in a laboratory. However, ZIFT and IVF both involve fertilization outside the body. The difference between ZIFT and IVF is when and where the fertilized egg is implanted. In IVF, the fertilized egg (now an embryo) is inserted into the uterus while in ZIFT, the fertilized egg (at very early stage - zygote) is inserted into the fallopian tube.