Giving IVF A Boost With Assisted Hatching

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an innovative technique that helps infertile couples finally achieve pregnancy. The multi-step procedure also helps individuals and same-sex couples start families. While IVF has high success rates, there are circumstances where the procedure can fail. Scientists, therefore, are constantly looking for ways to increase success rates. Assisted hatching is a technique within IVF that can improve the chances of healthy implantation, which is necessary for a successful pregnancy. Learning more about assisted hatching and why the team will recommend this technique will give IVF patients more peace of mind.

What is assisted hatching?

Assisted hatching is a special technique used within IVF to potentially increase the chances of implantation. Embryos created naturally or through IVF have a protective outer shell called the zona pellucida. This shell stays until implantation into the uterus. With assisted hatching, a small hole is made in the outer shell before transferring the embryo to the uterus. An embryologist, the specialist who creates the embryo during IVF, will perform assisted hatching using a chemical, laser, or microneedle to physically create an opening. Assisted hatching occurs on the third or fourth day of embryo development, with implantation often occurring the next day.

Who might benefit from assisted hatching?

Assisted hatching is not performed on all IVF cycles. Most cycles can perform implantation without issue, but here are cases that can benefit from this technique. Women of advanced maternal age are more likely to have a thicker zona pellucida, which may lower implantation rates. Multiple failed IVF cycles or repeated miscarriages where doctors suspect an implantation issue may benefit from assisted hatching. Performing assisted hatching on recently thawed embryos may be appropriate as the outer shell may change during freezing. The fertility team will explain the purpose and appropriate circumstances for assisted hatching to help the patient feel at ease.

What are the risks?

All procedures or techniques come with risk, and assisted hatching is no exception. Perhaps the biggest risk is the possibility of damaging the embryo, leading to a failed IVF cycle or other complications. There is also a slight risk of multiples, such as identical twins. Manipulating the shell and touching the inner embryo may lead to an abnormal splitting of the cell mass and the chance of twin births. Assisted hatching is not a guaranteed technique, so there is still the risk of failure. The medical team will explain the possible risks before proceeding.

Talk to your clinic about assisted hatching

There has been a debate on the usefulness of assisted hatching. Some studies show a slight increase in success rates. The process, however, is useful for IVF couples with specific challenges preventing implantation from occurring. Assisted hatching can bring renewed hope to those couples who have long struggled to conceive. Talk to the presiding fertility doctor or specialist about IVF, fertility techniques, and the many benefits of assisted hatching.