ASSISTED HATCHING AH

Both the unfertilized egg and embryo are surrounded by a protected shell called the zona pellucida. In order for the embryo to implant to the wall of the uterus -it must hatch out of this zona shell. In women over the age of 38 the zona hardens which makes it more difficult for the embryo to complete the hatching process. This would then decrease the likelihood of implantation and pregnancy in these patients.

Assisted hatching is the IVF technique whereby a mild acid solution is applied to a small portion of the shell to weaken the shell so that hatching can occur more easily. This hatching process is a laboratory technique performed on the embryos and is done shortly before the embryos are transferred back into the uterus.

Assisted hatching is recommended for women over the age of 38, as well as patients with unexplained infertility. In patients where the zona appears to be thick assisted hatching is also a helpful procedure.