Programmed gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)

Thirty-three patients with unexplained infertility underwent a total of 42 programmed superovulation cycles in a gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) programme. The date of oocyte retrieval was decided in advance and the cycle preceding oocyte collection was modified with norethisterone from mid-cycle until 14 days before the scheduled laparoscopy. This was followed by a fixed schedule superovulation regimen. Serum oestradiol, progesterone and luteinizing hormone were monitored and the data analysed retrospectively. A single ultrasound scan was performed on the day of laparoscopy to exclude ovulation. Thirty-eight GIFT procedures were performed, resulting in 11 (29%) clinical pregnancies of which four twin and four singleton pregnancies are continuing. There was a significant correlation between the oestradiol response pattern and the maturity of oocytes retrieved, the fertilization rate of supernumerary oocytes and the pregnancy rate. Programmed cycles may be conveniently combined with GIFT, and basic endocrinological monitoring can be used to identify cycles with a poor prognosis before laparoscopy.