This is an advanced scientific technique used by fertility clinics that involves using a laser to gently thin the outer layer of the egg (known as the zona pellucida). It can be used with a fresh or frozen embryo.
In some situations, this layer may be abnormally thick or hardened due to the freezing and thawing process. It is thought (particularly in the case of older women) that this thickness may lead to implantation failure. If the embryo can “hatch” out of its shell more easily, it may have a better chance of implanting inside the uterus.
While any patient can take advantage of this process, you may have assisted hatching recommended for:
Women who are aged 37 or older
Women who produce a high level of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) early in their cycle
Couples who have previously had unsuccessful ICSI or IVF cycles
Women who tend to produce a harder and/or thicker zona pellucida
Women who needed larger-than-average doses of egg-stimulating hormones
Before an embryo transfer, an embryologist will use a microscope to send a brief, strong light beam through the shell of an embryo to create a gap.
This process is usually done around three days after fertilisation has occurred, which is when the embryo has started to cleave (or divide). It only takes a few seconds, and the embryo is not harmed at all.
Once the process is complete, the embryo will be transferred into the uterus, where it will hopefully attach itself to the lining and continue growing.
There have been some claims that assisted hatching increases the likelihood of identical twins; however, there is not enough evidence to substantiate this.
There is no evidence to suggest that this process has any other significant risks.
For most people, our specialists will recommend other less invasive fertility treatments before IVF, and then suggest IVF if they are not successful for you. We offer a range of other treatments you may want to try first, including artificial insemination and ovulation induction.
In IVF, we stimulate your ovaries and retrieve numerous eggs in a simple procedure, and then attempt to fertilise them with a sample of sperm. We attempt to create multiple viable embryos, implanting a successful one directly into the uterus and freezing any others.
ICSI is a similar process to IVF treatment, but instead of using multiple sperm to try and fertilise an egg, a single sperm is injected directly into the centre of the egg. This attempts to overcome male factor infertility issues and increase the chance of fertilisation occurring.
We prefer to use laser-assisted hatching over other forms (chemical and manual) due to the many advantages it offers. These include minimal handling of the embryo, fast and exact control over the process, being gentle and safe (with no negative effects on the embryo), and its wide availability to patients.
Some women experience abnormalities in the protein shell around their eggs, causing it to become thicker or tougher than normal. The laboratory processes used in IVF may also cause an artificial hardening of the shell, as embryos are not exposed to the enzymes present in the fallopian tube (which are believed to help soften the shell ready for hatching).
Assisted hatching is not covered by Medicare and will cost an additional $315 on top of the cost of your IVF or ICSI treatment cycle. You can find out more about our estimated out-of-pocket costs on our Fees page.
Yes. Frozen-thawed embryos may sometimes develop a harder zona pellucida after the freezing and thawing process. Assisted hatching may make it easier for the embryo to “hatch” and implant successfully during a frozen embryo transfer.
At Create Fertility, we understand that the journey of having a baby is unique for every person and every couple. But when you partner with us, you have the peace of mind that you don’t have to walk this road alone.
We want to provide everyone with the best chances at a successful pregnancy and are committed to working with our patients to make that happen. If you are interested in exploring assisted hatching as a part of your next IVF or ICSI cycle, get in touch with our helpful team today.
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226 Clarendon St, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Suite 3, 72 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick, VIC, 3806
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