We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Assisted Hatching?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,912
Share

Assisted hatching is a procedure which is sometimes used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to increase the chances that the embryo will implant. Not all patients are good candidates for assisted hatching, and the data is not entirely solid as of 2009, but using assisted hatching does seem to increase success rates for patients who have had trouble getting pregnant with IVF in the past. Using this procedure will add to the overall IVF costs because it requires extra work in the lab.

In the early stages of development, the embryo is covered with a thin shell known as the zona pellucida which acts to protect the developing embryo. Before it can implant, the embryo must break through of the zona pellucida. Fertility specialists have noted that if the zona pellucida is especially thick or if the embryo does not appear very robust, sometimes the embryo cannot implant successfully. In assisted hatching, the embryo is given a little help to increase the chances that it will successfully break free of the zona pellucida and implant.

With assisted hatching, once an embryo is selected for transfer, the zona pellucida is thinned or breached. The shell is left intact so that it will protect the embryo until it is ready to break free, and the thinning or breaching of the shell will allow the embryo to easily separate so that it can implant. Assisted hatching is done with the use of micromanipulators, with the embryo being carefully held in place while the thinning or breaching is performed with a tool, laser, or special fluid.

There are some risks to assisted hatching. It is possible to damage the embryo, and the risk of identical twinning appears to increase when this technique is used. For this reason, the procedure may not be recommended if a couple is down to their last embryo. Patients must also consider the twinning risk when they decide whether or not assisted hatching is right for them.

Several reasons may lead to a recommendation that a couple consider assisted hatching. Age is one factor; if the woman is over 37, assisted hatching can be a good idea. Another factor can be high levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), or past trouble with implantation during IVF cycles. Finally, if the doctor believes that the embryo may be weak or that the zona pellucida is unusually thick, this procedure made be recommended.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-assisted-hatching.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.