Is Assisted Hatching The Right Choice?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most well-known fertility treatment options women and couples use to conceive. However, not all people are aware that the procedure can be combined with additional steps, which can potentially boost conception odds. At the core, IVF fertilizes an egg outside of the womb. Once an embryo is formed, the material is transferred back to a woman’s uterus, where implantation ideally occurs. Whether the egg or sperm are harvested from partners or provided by donors, the process is generally the same. Yet, one simple step may improve implantation chances for women and couples trying to conceive.
Defining implantation
Just because an embryo has formed does not mean that a successful pregnancy will occur. Keep in mind that the embryo is created in a laboratory, and during that period, the zona pellucida, or hard outer shell, emerges. During natural conception, that outer layer would prevent other sperm from penetrating the fertilized egg and even stop implantation from occurring in the fallopian tubes. So, for implantation to happen, the embryo must break out of the shell so that the cells can implant into the uterine wall.
The benefits of assisted hatching
Assisted hatching is almost like giving an embryo an extra advantage to survive the transfer process. In the lab, a fertility specialist creates a small crack using a laser in the zona pellucida. The step makes breaking through the shell easier so that an embryo can begin the implantation process faster. Research supports the claim that assisted hatching makes implantation easier and improves pregnancy rates for some patients. Thankfully, the procedure can be performed with fresh or thawed embryos.
Who is a good candidate?
Not every IVF patient is a good candidate for assisted hatching. Usually, older women who are at least 37 or people with a history of previous failed IVF cycles make the best candidates. Likewise, women with known fertility issues and poor chances of conception could also benefit from the step.
Know the risks
IVF is a common procedure but is not without risks. Even though improved success rates are possible with assisted hatching, the biggest concern is that lethal damage to the embryo may occur because of manipulation. Additionally, sometimes, the extra help to the embryo may interfere with normal hatching behavior and ultimately create a failed cycle where implantation doesn’t occur. However, the most common risk is twinning, but this factor is already higher with IVF.
Choosing assisted hatching
Turning to IVF to conceive already implies that a woman or couple is facing hurdles with fertility. Especially for individuals who are 37 or older, have a history of fertility concerns, or have previous unsuccessful IVF cycles, assisted hatching may be a helpful intervention. Still, women and couples considering the added step should speak with a fertility specialist to understand the risks and implications.
