Assisted reproductive technology: Why IVF has overtaken GIFT

Today, technology means there are numerous ways of conceiving a baby. If you’re looking at using assisted reproductive technology to help you get pregnant, there are several options.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is the most successful fertility treatment around. Before IVF, though, the gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) method was the common option.

Here, we look at the difference between these 2 fertility options plus some of the costs and logistics involved for treatments in Australia.

IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs, then collecting those eggs with the assistance of a transvaginal ultrasound.¹

The eggs are then taken into a laboratory and joined with sperm. An embryo is grown for 5 days and replaced back into the uterus via a procedure like a cervical screening test.²

GIFT begins with ovarian stimulation, monitoring and egg collection. Unlike IVF, the collected egg and prepared sperm are immediately placed together in the fallopian tube to allow for fertilisation.³

“GIFT was very popular in the late 80s and 90s before people could get good success rates with IVF,” says Dr Peter Illingworth, Virtus Health Medical Director. “But nowadays, IVF works so much better that really no one does GIFT anymore.”

GIFT requires a laparoscopy, a form of keyhole surgery.

“You take the sperm and collect the eggs [through transvaginal egg collection], then mix the 2 up and put them into one of the fallopian tubes,” says Dr Illingworth. “It’s a big operation. It does work better than natural conception, but it doesn’t work better than modern IVF.”

According to Dr Illingworth, it would be rare to choose GIFT over IVF.

“Someone might need GIFT if they had a blockage of the cervix so you couldn’t get into the uterine cavity through the cervix,” he says.

In Australia, some of the costs of fertility services and treatments are covered by Medicare as well as private health insurers. However, there can be significant out-of-pocket costs, so it’s essential to understand what you’re covered for if you’re considering going down any fertility treatment road.

Fees are typically associated with the following treatments:

• consultations with a fertility specialist doctor
• investigations or tests (like a pelvic ultrasound or semen analysis)
• fertility treatment cycles
• IVF drugs
• advanced scientific techniques such as digital high magnification or Oosight Technology (if required).

If assisted reproductive services are included under your private policy, hospital accommodation and theatre fees may be covered. Your private health fund might also pay a portion towards your anaesthetist and treating doctors’ fees.

Costs will depend on your level of private health cover. However, you may have to pay the portion charged above the Medicare Benefits Schedule (known as the gap fee).

Some fertility treatments that take place as an outpatient service may not be covered. These services include:

• consultations with your specialist
• scans and ultrasounds
• some diagnostic procedures
• pathology services.

If you’re having fertility issues, or you just want to know more about your options, speak to your doctor.