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Assisted Hatching

Revised 2023


What is Assisted Hatching?

Assisted hatching is a laboratory procedure that is sometimes done on human early embryos along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. IVF involves mixing eggs with sperm in a laboratory (as opposed to within the Fallopian tube like in natural conception).

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During IVF, the fertilized eggs are monitored for 3 to 6 days as they divide and develop into embryos. The best embryo can then be selected and placed into the uterus (embryo transfer) in the hopes of establishing a pregnancy or the embryos can be frozen for future use. The egg is surrounded by a protective shell (zona pellucida) which protects the egg and the resulting embryo during development. The embryo naturally breaks out of this shell as it grows.

Occasionally, the doctor may ask the IVF laboratory to make a small “crack” or “hole” in the outer shell of the embryo right before it is placed into the uterus (this is called assisted hatching). The hope is that assisted hatching might help the embryo to “hatch out” from During assisted hatching, the outer shell of the embryo is artificially weakened by making a small hole in the zona pellucida under the microscope.

How is assisted hatching done?

This can be done in several different ways. The most common method involves the use of laser pulses to “crack” the shell. An older and less common method involves the application of an acid solution, called Tyrode’s solution, to help melt a small hole in the shell.

Can assisted hatching damage the embryo or cause problems later in pregnancy?

Rarely, assisted hatching can damage the embryo, making it unusable. The risk for identical twins might be slightly increased when assisted hatching is applied. Medical complications are higher in identical twin pregnancies than in normal, singleton pregnancies.

Will I benefit from assisted hatching?

Experts do not recommend the use of assisted hatching in all patients undergoing IVF treatments. Some studies suggest that assisted hatching might help improve pregnancy chances for certain groups of patients.

Assisted hatching may help improve pregnancy chances in those patients who have failed to get pregnant in previous IVF cycles and those with a poor prognosis (who are not likely to conceive). Your fertility specialist can help you determine if assisted hatching might be useful to you.

Are there other reasons to do assisted hatching?

If preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is planned, assisted hatching of embryos on the third day after fertilization can be performed for embryo biopsy for PGT. During a biopsy, a small number of cells are taken from the outer layer of cells of the embryo (trophectoderm) around the fifth or sixth day after fertilization (blastocyst stage).

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Resources For You

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is committed to providing patients with the highest quality information about reproductive care.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

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ASRM Releases Congressional Scorecard

Discover ASRM's first Congressional scorecard, detailing positions of the 118th Congress on key reproductive legislation to guide ASRM members in elections.

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Fertility Care Gets Important Win in California

ASRM celebrates California's SB 729, expanding IVF coverage for same-sex couples and singles, advancing equitable fertility care access.

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Nation’s Leading Professional Group for Fertility Care Professionals Calls for Passage of Right to IVF Act

ASRM applauds Majority Leader Schumer’s decision to seek reconsideration of the Right to IVF Act.

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SART Fertility Experts - Vanquishing Multiples

Learn how a variety of factors such as geography, race, and the availability of comprehensive infertility mandates affect access to effective infertility treatment. Listen to the Episode
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Trump Calls for IVF Coverage, California Legislature Sends IVF Mandate Bill to Governor

The California General Assembly approved a bill mandating most private health insurance plans to provide coverage for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). 

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Advocacy in Action

Join the ASRM Advocacy in Action campaign by making a tax-deductible charitable gift Be part of Advocacy in Action
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Get Vot-ER Ready This National Patient Advocacy Day!

Celebrate National Patient Advocacy Day by boosting civic engagement! Order your free Vot-ER badge to help patients register to vote and promote healthy communities.

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SART Fertility Experts - Global Access to IVF and the Status of Women

Around the world, there are vast differences in the number of IVF cycles performed per capita.  Learn why these differences exist. Listen to the Episode
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ASRM marks World IVF Day by doing what we do best – advocating for access to reproductive health care by calling for a House floor vote on the Right to IVF Act

ASRM observed World IVF Day, the day marking the birth of the world’s first IVF baby in 1978, by continuing its advocacy for improvements in IVF policy.

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Order your FREE Vot-ER badge to encourage your friends to vote!

ASRM) is pleased to announce our partnership with Vot-ER, a grassroots organization dedicated to driving civic engagement among healthcare professionals.

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ASRM Responds to Senate Vote on IVF Bill

ASRM is disappointed that a filibuster prevented the passage of the Right to IVF Act.

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ASRM Calls for Passage of Family Building Bill

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ASRM publishes IVF one-pagers for media use

The documents lay out the clinical IVF process, summarize oversight of IVF in the U.S., and explain how lawmakers can support access to IVF. 

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ASRM Reacts to Cruz/Britt OPED

We are pleased to see Senators Cruz and Britt express their interest in protecting access to IVF.

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SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Implantation Failure

"I can get pregnant, but I can't stay pregnant," is echoed by patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.   Listen to the Episode
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SART Fertility Experts - Navigating IVF as a Couple

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Fertility Rights and Responsibilities

Can a fertility program or clinic deny treatment to patient(s) if there is concern about the ability to care for the child(ren)? Yes. Fertility programs can withhold services if there are signs that patients will not be able to care for child(ren). View this Fact Sheet
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Progesterone supplementation during IVF

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovary. View the fact sheet
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Side effects of injectable fertility drugs (gonadotropins)

Gonadotropins are fertility medications given by injection that contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) alone or combined with luteinizing hormone (LH). View the fact sheet
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What do I need to know about conceiving after surgery on my Fallopian tubes?

Fallopian tubes connect the ovary (where the eggs are stored and grow) to the uterus (womb), where the fertilized egg develops into a baby (fetus). View the fact sheet
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Hydrosalpinx

The fallopian tubes are attached to the uterus (womb) on the left and right sides. View the Fact Sheet
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In vitro fertilization (IVF): what are the risks?

IVF is a method of assisted reproduction in which a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish. View the fact sheet
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What is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?

In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. View the fact sheet
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SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

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SART Fertility Experts - Behind the Scenes in the IVF Lab

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SART Fertility Experts - Your Infertility Nurse: Partner in Your Care

Infertility nurse practitioner and health coach Monica Moore explains the essential role of the infertility nurse in the IVF process.  Listen to the Episode
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SART Fertility Experts - Genetics and IVF

Genetics is a significant part of advanced reproductive technology screening.  Listen to the Episode
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Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet
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SART Fertility Experts - Fertility and LGBTQ

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Start with SART

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Preparing for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Lifestyle Factors

This SART micro-video discusses lifestyle factors that may affect in vitro fertilization, or IVF, outcomes.   Watch Video
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The Difference Between IUI and IVF

It is important to know Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or In vitro fertilization (IVF) can both be successful at helping grow your family.  Watch Video
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Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
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Kristen Ritchie's Story

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In Vitro Fertilization Infographics

ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of in vitro fertilization (IVF) better. View the infographics
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SART FAQ About IVF

Created by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) the following are answers to frequently asked questions concerning in vitro fertilization (IVF). Learn the facts
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It takes more than one

Why IVF patients often need multiple embryos to have a baby View the advocacy resource
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What support for IVF looks like

Bipartisan support for IVF, that is responsible for the birth of over 2% of all babies born in the USA each year, will ensure that families continue to grow. View the advocacy resource
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Oversight of IVF in the US

In the US, medical care is regulated by a complex and comprehensive network of federal and state regulations and professional oversight. View the advocacy resource

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