As an expert in fertility treatments, Dr. Saadat can help patients find the right treatment to help them create a family. One of the more popular and effective fertility treatments Dr. Saadat offers is assisted embryo hatching. For an embryo to successfully implant into the uterine wall, it must first “hatch” out of its outer membrane (known as the zona pellucida). Assisted hatching with IVF creates a small opening in the zona pellucida, which aids in the hatching process and increases the odds of successful implantation and pregnancy.

What is Assisted Embryo Hatching?

Assisted Hatching is performed on day three after egg retrieval (ER), when the embryo is about eight cells. An acidic solution is loaded into a hatching pipette. With a micromanipulation microscope, this solution etches a small opening in the zona pellucida (the outer membrane of the fertilized egg). This opening aids in the hatching process of the embryo, and is therefore called “assisted hatching.” All embryos must hatch prior to implanting in the uterine wall. The assisted embryos are then transferred to the patient’s uterus in a normal Embryo Transfer.

How is IVF with Assisted Embryo Hatching Done?

Sperm and Egg Collection

Sperm and eggs are collected from the intended parents or donors, and viable embryos are created in our lab. This is a standard part of the IVF process.

Opening the Zona Pellucida Membrane

Assisted hatching is performed on the third day after egg retrieval when the embryo is about eight cells. An acidic solution is loaded into a hatching pipette. With a micromanipulation microscope, this solution is used to etch a small opening in the zona pellucida (the fertilized egg’s outer membrane). This opening aids the hatching process of the embryo, allowing further growth to occur.

Embryo Transfer

Just as with a traditional IVF procedure, the viable embryo is implanted into the uterus via a catheter. By ensuring the embryo has already hatched, this process increases the odds of successful implantation and pregnancy.

The use of assisted embryo hatching can slightly modify the timing of implantation, so we will be sure to take that into account when scheduling your appointments.

Who can Benefit from Assisted Embryo Hatching?

Women over 37

The eggs produced by women over 37 years old tend to have a harder time hatching than younger eggs. Assisted embryo hatching allows these eggs, once fertilized, to more easily break through the outer membrane shell. This allows older women to increase their odds of successful embryo implantation.

IVF Embryos with Thickened Zona Pellucida

Some embryos develop a thick zona pellucida, which is a membrane that surrounds the new embryo. This membrane can protect the embryo, but if it’s too thick, it can prevent it from growing and hatching. Assisted embryo hatching can correct this issue and permit the growth of embryos with thickened zonae for patients who experience this in a prior or current IVF cycle.

Women with Multiple Failed IVF Cycles

Assisted embryo hatching can be beneficial for patients who have not achieved a successful pregnancy after multiple IVF cycles. Dr. Saadat recommends assisted embryo hatching for most patients undergoing IVF to increase the chance of conception and pregnancy.

Contact an Assisted Embryo Hatching Doctor in Los Angeles Today!

If you're seeking an assisted embryo hatching doctor in Los Angeles, there's no better time to reach out for assistance. Assisted hatching is a technique used in fertility treatments that can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Reproductive Fertility Center can help you understand the process and determine if it's a good fit for you. Contacting a professional today can put you one step closer to your dream of starting a family.

Contact our dedicated Los Angeles team online here or call our office for help 310-881-8846.