Assisted Hatching (AH) | Enhancing Embryo Implantation Success
What is Assisted Hatching?
Assisted hatching (AH) is an advanced fertility technique that involves thinning or opening the embryo’s outer shell (zona pellucida) before implantation. This small modification can help the embryo break free and attach to the uterine lining, increasing the chances of pregnancy in certain IVF patients.
During natural conception, the embryo hatches from its protective shell to implant into the uterus. However, some embryos may struggle to break through, especially in cases of thick zona pellucida or frozen-thawed embryos. Assisted hatching offers a solution to this challenge.
How Does Assisted Hatching Work?
Assisted hatching is performed under a high-powered microscope by a skilled embryologist. Using a precise laser, a small opening or thinning is made in the zona pellucida. This allows the embryo to hatch more easily and attach to the uterus for implantation.
Step-by-Step Guide
Steps of the Assisted Hatching Process
Embryo Culturing:
After fertilization, embryos are cultured in a controlled laboratory environment for a few days until they reach the appropriate developmental stage.
Zona Pellucida Evaluation:
The embryologist assesses the thickness and structure of the embryo’s outer shell to determine if assisted hatching is beneficial.
Hatching Procedure:
Using a precise laser or another method, a small opening is carefully created in the zona pellucida without damaging the embryo.
Embryo Transfer:
The embryo is then placed into the uterus through a simple transfer procedure, where it can implant and develop into a successful pregnancy.
Types of Assisted Hatching Techniques:
Laser-Assisted Hatching: A highly precise and safe method using a diode laser to create a controlled opening.
Chemical (Acid Tyrode’s) Hatching: Uses a mild acidic solution to dissolve part of the shell.
Mechanical Hatching: Involves micro-manipulation to create a slit in the zona pellucida.
Among these, laser-assisted hatching is the most advanced and widely used due to its precision, safety, and efficiency.
Who Can Benefit from Assisted Hatching?
Assisted hatching is not required for all IVF patients, however, it will increase the chance of pregnancy. Assisted hatching is recommended for:
Women over 35 – Older eggs often have a thicker zona pellucida, making it harder for the embryo to hatch naturally.
Couples with previous failed IVF cycles – If previous embryo transfers did not result in pregnancy, AH might improve implantation success.
Frozen embryo transfers (FET) – The freezing process can harden the zona pellucida, making assisted hatching beneficial.
Poor embryo quality – Embryos that show slow development may have difficulty hatching.
Embryos created through ICSI – In cases of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), AH may help improve implantation rates.
FAQs About Assisted Hatching
The cost varies by clinic but is generally an additional fee added to the IVF cycle. Contact Nahal Fertility Clinic for detailed pricing information.
For patients who meet the criteria, assisted hatching can significantly improve implantation chances, making it a worthwhile option.
Potential risks include embryo damage and the possibility of unsuccessful implantation, though the laser method minimizes these concerns.
Assisted hatching itself does not directly increase the likelihood of twins. However, transferring multiple embryos after hatching can raise the chances of a twin pregnancy.
Assisted hatching can improve the chances of pregnancy for select patients, particularly those with previous failed IVF cycles, older women, or cases where the embryo’s shell is thicker than usual. However, success depends on multiple factors, including embryo quality and uterine receptivity.
Why Choose Nahal Fertility Clinic for Assisted Hatching?
Ready to enhance your IVF success? Contact us today to discuss if assisted hatching is right for you!