Assisted Hatching
Assisted Hatching
At Almond Blossoms Fertility & Well-being Center in Dubai, we combine the latest advancements in reproductive science with compassionate care to give every couple the supportive care throughout your treatment.
Assisted Hatching is an advanced laboratory technique used during IVF to help the embryo implant more easily into the uterus.
It can be especially helpful for patients with repeated IVF failures, older maternal age, or embryos with thicker outer layers (zona pellucida).
This delicate procedure, performed by our specialized embryologists, enhances the embryo’s natural ability to attach to the uterine lining supporting implantation conditions in selected cases.
What Is Assisted Hatching?
After fertilization, an embryo is surrounded by a protective outer shell called the zona pellucida.
Before implantation, the embryo must naturally “hatch” from this shell so it can embed into the uterine wall.
In some cases especially with age-related changes or frozen embryos this shell becomes harder or thicker, making it difficult for the embryo to hatch naturally.
Assisted Hatching gently creates a microscopic opening in the zona pellucida, allowing the embryo to emerge and implant effectively.
How Assisted Hatching Is Performed
At Almond Blossoms, assisted hatching is performed in our state-of-the-art embryology laboratory under the direction of Embryologist using the most advanced technology.
Steps of the procedure:
Embryo Selection
The embryologist identifies embryos suitable for hatching, typically on day 3 or day 5 (blastocyst stage).
Embryo Transfer
The embryo is then transferred into the uterus, where it can hatch naturally and implant more easily.
The entire process is quick, safe, and painless, performed entirely within the laboratory before transfer.
Who Can Benefit from Assisted Hatching
Assisted hatching is not needed for all patients but can support outcomes in selected cases.
It may be recommended if:
- You are over 37 years old (age-related hardening of the zona pellucida).
- You have had two or more failed IVF cycles despite good-quality embryos.
- Your embryos show a thick or abnormal zona pellucida.
- You are using frozen or previously cryopreserved embryos.
- You have high FSH levels or low ovarian reserve.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is being performed.
Benefits of Assisted Hatching
Supports embryo implantation conditions in selected patients.
Supports the IVF process when the zona pellucida is thick or hardened.
Provides an option for older women or those with repeated failures.
Safe and precise laser technology minimizes embryo handling.
Compatible with PGT-A and frozen embryo transfers (FET).
Risks and Considerations
However, as with any advanced procedure, there are minor considerations:
Assisted hatching is generally very safe when performed by cared embryologists.
- Slight risk of embryo damage (extremely rare in skilled hands).
- May increase chance of identical twins (very low incidence).
Your fertility specialist will evaluate whether this technique is appropriate for your case based on embryo quality, age, and treatment history.