Assisted Hatching

What is assisted hatching?

This is an additional procedure that some couples undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) may require. Embryos are surrounded by a hard “shell” which is made up of an outer layer of cells – this is called the zona pellucida.

To implant into the uterine lining, embryos must “hatch” i.e. break free of this shell. Assisted hatching helps the embryo by using laser in the lab to make a small crack in their shell so that they can implant more easily. This can be done for both fresh and frozen embryos.

Is assisted hatching required for all?

No. Assisted hatching may be helpful in women who have failed previous IVF cycles. Occasionally, this may be done for embryos that require pre-implantation genetic tests.

Does assisted hatching pose any risk to the embryo?

There is a slightly increased risk of identical twins. Embryos are very rarely damaged from the process of assisted hatching.