Assisted Hatching

Very early in their development, embryos are surrounded by an outer protein coat or shell called the zona pellucida. This coat holds together the individual cells of an embryo.

Upon arrival of the embryo in the uterus, the zona pellucida grows thinner and eventually dissolves. The embryo can then "hatch" out of the zona pellucida and ultimately implant into the uterine lining.

The embryo will not implant in the lining of the uterus until it hatches. A potential barrier to becoming pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) is impeded or failed implantation of the embryo. A process called assisted hatching (AH) can be used with IVF to help embryos implant and increase the chances of pregnancy and success.

Assisted hatching is recommended for infertile couples if:
- the woman is 38 years or older, 
-  the woman has a high follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level,
- the woman has failed to achieve a pregnancy in a prior IVF cycle,
- the embryo is transferred at day three,
- they are using frozen-thawed embryos (FET).

Assisted hatching involves the introduction of a small opening in the zona pellucida (the coating surrounding the embryo) using a gentle solution or a laser.

AH may increase the possibility of monozygotic twins, or identical twins.

This information is provided for general education purposes and is not intended to take the place of a discussion with your physician. If you have questions about any aspect of your health, you are advised to speak with your physician.