Celine Dion take note…there is newfound hope for women over 40 looking to get pregnant. Under the medical direction of former USC researcher John Jain, M.D., Santa Monica Fertility Specialists is enjoying a a near 50% pregnancy rate 40+ thanks to the Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT), a procedure whereby embryos are placed directly into the fallopian tube. Jain says that ZIFT allows embryos to develop in their most natural environment rather than the artificial laboratory setting where the more common in-vitro fertilization (IVF) takes place.
With ZIFT, prospective mothers begin the process by taking medication to stimulate the ovaries and encourage ovulation. Instead of transferring the fertilized embryos into the uterus so common with IVF, they are transferred into the fallopian tube. The number of embryos inserted is determined by the age of the prospective mother (the older the mother, the more embryos). Women then are given progesterone and estrogen to strengthen and support the uterine lining and in approximately 12 days a determination of pregnancy is made.
“With so many women choosing to postpone motherhood, the ZIFT procedure is offering newfound hope,” said Jain, who presented his ZIFT findings at a recent Pacific Coast Reproductive Society meeting. “Cases like Celine Dion’s where more mature women (40+) are looking to get pregnant are becoming increasingly popular.”
Under the guidance of Jain, Santa Monica Fertility Specialists has emerged a leader in the ever-evolving field of fertility. Helping set the practice apart from others in this highly specialized field is its holistic approach to care and vast array of state-of-the-
