Assisted Hatching

Assisted hatching is a technique using an acidified solution to create a small in the protective layer (zona pellucida) of the embryo. This is done hours before the transfer of embryos. This allows for the embryos to have a place to grow and may be useful to those with a higher age, two or more failed cycles, or poor embryos quality.[1]

According to some studies, assisted hatching has higher implantation and pregnancy rates[2][3]; however, other studies found that it is best for women over 38, women with elevated FSH levels, or women with poor embryos diagnosis.[4][5]

It is not recommended for young women doing traditional IVF as it is not beneficial to their case.[6]

[1] “Assisting Hatching IVF.” n.d. Fertility Authority. Accessed May 1, 2018. https://www.fertilityauthority.com/fertility-treatment/vitro-fertilization-ivf-explained/assisted-hatching-ivf.

[2] Israel, Robert, Jerome H. Check, Linda Hoover, Ahmad Nazari, Althea O’Shaughnessy, and Donna Summers. 1996. “The Effect of Assisted Hatching on Pregnancy Rates after Frozen Embryo Transfer.” Fertility and Sterility 65 (2). Elsevier: 254–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(16)58080-7.

[3] Vanderzwalmen, P., G. Bertin, Ch. Debauche, V. Standaert, N. Bollen, E.van Roosendaal, M. Vandervorst, R. Schoysman, and N. Zech. 2003. “Vitrification of Human Blastocysts with the Hemi-Straw Carrier: Application of Assisted Hatching after Thawing.” Human Reproduction 18 (7). Oxford University Press: 1504–11. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deg298.

[4] Cohen, Jacques, Mina Alikani, Janet Trowbridge, and Zev Rosenwaks. 1992. “Implantation Enhancement by Selective Assisted Hatching Using Zona Drilling of Human Embryos with Poor Prognosis.” Human Reproduction 7 (5). Oxford University Press: 685–91. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a137720.

[5] Cohen, Jacques. 1991. “Assisted Hatching of Human Embryos.” Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 8 (4). Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers: 179–90. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01130802.

[6] Hurst, Bradley S., Kathleen E. Tucker, Caleb A. Awoniyi, and William D. Schlaff. 1998. “Assisted Hatching Does Not Enhance IVF Success in Good-Prognosis Patients.” Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 15 (2). Springer US: 62–64. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02766826.