Assisted hatching is a new technique that is evolving in the IVF center in India. Its first study was published in 90’s.It can be risky. Let’s take a look at what patients need to know.

What is assisted hatching? Research says that IVF embryos with a softer or thinner shell, or zona pellucida, can embed better. Here a small puncture is made in the Zona Pellucida on a day or two before embryo transfer by the embryologist is done on the best embryos. It is done through laser technology often, but a micro needle or an acidic solution is used. Since the naked cells in the embryo are quickly introduced to the uterus, the blastocyst needs help to hatch out of shell which helps implantation.

Benefits- It may not benefit all IVF patients. The embryos are best left alone for some. As per research it is suggested that assisted hatching is apt for patients in their late thirties or above, with low AMH levels, poor embryo quality or with a history of IVF failure and with patients having donor eggs.

Risk reward ratio matters a lot. Assisted hatching can damage the internal blastometres or the embryo internally with an outcome of poor IVF. So it can depend on the ability of embryologist and the method used. Studies also suggest that assisted hatching can increase chances of twin pregnancy with a big risk to baby and mother. For those having assisted hatching are treated with antibiotics and low dose steroids. They can lead to side effects.
Should you opt for assisted hatching? It comes with many merits and demerits. Thus assisted hatching joins other fertility ‘extras’ like Prednisone and intralipid infusions. So for clinics and many patients the sheer chance that assisted hatching will aid patients is sufficient to be on the price list since Test Tube Baby Cost in India is cheaper compared to the USA and UK.