Gamete intrafallopian transfer. A cost-effective alternative to donor oocyte in vitro fertilization in women aged 40-42 years.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) may be a cost-effective alternative to donor oocyte procedures in women 40 and older with good ovarian reserve.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of records at an infertility clinic in a large multispecialty group practice. Twenty two consecutive women aged 40 and older underwent 24 stimulation cycles for laparoscopic GIFT procedures from 1988 to 1997.

RESULTS: The mean GIFT cycle cost was $5,731. The delivery rate per stimulation cycle was 25.0%. The patients who gave birth were 40-42 years of age. The mean cost per delivered infant was $22,924. A previously reported value for mean cost per pregnancy for donor oocyte in vitro fertilization (IVF) was $30,457. Theoretical costs per delivery, generated from Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology outcome data for anonymous donor oocyte IVF in 1994 (delivery rate per transfer, 34.4%) for $8,000, $9,000 and $10,000 cycle costs were $23,256, $26,163 and $29,070, respectively.

CONCLUSION: In women with good ovarian reserve, GIFT may be a cost-effective alternative to donor oocyte IVF at age 40-42.