Assisted Hatching

Assisted hatching is a laboratory procedure designed to help embryos implant in the uterus. During this process, a tiny hole is created in the outer membrane of the embryo, which is known as the zona pellucida, to give the embryo a better chance of implantation. Assisted hatching can improve the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF), and is especially beneficial for women carrying embryos with thicker than normal zona pellucidas. It is also used to increase the chances of success for older women or women with diminished ovarian reserve. This technique, when combined with other advanced reproductive technologies such as pre-implantation genetic testing, can significantly increase the chances of a healthy and successful pregnancy.